[Big Tuna]

I've seen a lot of posts about the CND rods, but haven't seen anything about their entry level rods. I have recently taken up fishing with a spey rod and have a Sage 14'. I would like to get something smaller for smaller rivers. Is the entry level CND a good rod? How does it compare to the yellow line Loop?

Thanks.

 

[MJC]

CND Expert Series

Howdy Big Tuna,

The only thing entry level about the Expert Series rods is the price. I have sold many of them since May and I have not had one complaint. I know of some "very" experienced spey casters that love these rods. I don't know how it compares to the Loop Yellow, maybe Aaron can answer that as I think he sells both rods. The only way to know if you like the rod is to try one out on the river. If you want to take one for a test drive let me know. I do not think you will be sorry. Take care, MJC

 

[flytyer]

As MJC already mentioned, the CND Expert rods are not entry level rods; although they do allow a person new to spey casting afford a great casting rod. The CND Expert has a bit more authority in the butt than the Loop Yellow. The CND Expert bends quite a ways down the blank when under a casting load; but it doesn't wimp out. It is a true progressive action, and one of the best values in 2-handers on the market, especially if you like a slower, progressive rod.

 

[mattzoid]

I love my yellow line so I may be biased, but I found the action of an expert a tad slower than the yellow line. I would agree about the butt action being better and I love the dampening effect of all the CNDs. I think if a guy liked the Yellow line or Sage, then he might actually want to try the custom.

Matt

 

[juro]

Great feedback from everyone thus far; I would add that if you have the Sage 14' brownie the Expert is tighter, if you have the 14 Euro, then yet it flexes more fully.

But listening to your actual question, you were looking for something a little lighter. My honest opinion is that the Expert 13' 8wt (1308) is one of the easiest casting rods I've ever handled. Try it with a mid-length line like the 7/8 midspey, and then put the 15' type 8 tip on the Windcutter 7/8/9 - you should get booming casts without working hard.

IMHO you don't want a stiff spey rod. A stiff speyrod requires that the arms do the loop creation verses the kinetic energy in the rod flex. A rod that flexes does the work for the caster. IMHO a spey rod should flex fully but not be soft, such that the bend in the rod transfers into high line speed. I also find that as you go through the gamut of cast variations (singles, doubles, snaps, snakes, pokes, etc) the rod that combines smooth loading, ability to carry that load thru, and release it with vigor is the nicest to cast all day. Both the Loop Yellow and the Expert are easy casting rods. You can't go wrong either way.

The Customs add a higher modulus graphite to the equation (IM7), the Specialists higher still (IM8). All CND rods will flex, but as the modulus increases the speed of recovery and overall power increases. Yet the Expert should not be considered any less of a rod, it's a mature time-tested design that is the favorite of many very capable casters. I'd describe it's action as "su-weet". The way I see it, CND headquarters decided it could be offered at a lower price point to round out the product line so the consumer wins.