[Foxlsx]

Anyone have any experience with the LL Streamlight speys? I've been considering picking up a spey rod lately, started two handed casting this year, and currently own a switch rod, which I feel like I'm finally casting decently, but I'm curious to try a full length rod. I was cruising the LLBean site after noticing a 25% off sale banner, and their spey rods are now $239 CAD (on sale from $319). Did some research, a lot of 10+ year old threads, saying good things, but very little information from anything recent.

What are your guys thoughts? As far as a sub-$250 rod goes, that would be cheaper than most other entry level rods that I've seen. Is it the same rod from 10 years ago? Is it still relevant now? Should I pinch pennies and move up to something else?

 

[velocity]

I had read a review of that particular rod that was positive, but if I were shopping for an inexpensive rod I would be looking at Echo's offerings.

 

[gt05254]

I spent a little time with a friends LL Bean 2 hander, and found it to be a perfectly serviceable rod. She was running the line that came with the package (rod, reel, line) and it worked just fine.
Gary

 

[Emel]

Foxlsx

Don't forget about Cabelas. Their rods have always been great values


Emel

 

[Foxlsx]

I spent a little time with a friends LL Bean 2 hander, and found it to be a perfectly serviceable rod. She was running the line that came with the package (rod, reel, line) and it worked just fine.
Gary

Awesome, that's good to know. For the money would you consider it a bargain/good buy?

I had read a review of that particular rod that was positive, but if I were shopping for an inexpensive rod I would be looking at Echo's offerings.

I think that's my main hesitation. The majority of my SH rods are all Echo's, and I've been very happy with their performance vs price point. My switch is an E3 which I love. For $100-/+ more I can get another entry level Echo, Redington, Fenwick, or similar brand I'm more familiar with.

 

[Foxlsx]

Foxlsx

Don't forget about Cabelas. Their rods have always been great values


Emel

I was looking at their offerings as well. I have a TLR that I got for pennies, and it's a great rod. Unfortunately their Canadian offerings are severely watered down, even more so since BP bought them, don't have a single two handed rod on their website.

 

[Aldo]

Naver cast one, but I do know the tapers and rods were developed by Topher Browne, so there was some very high level casting and fishing expertise involved with the design.

 

[gt05254]

"Awesome, that's good to know. For the money would you consider it a bargain/good buy?"

Actually, I would buy one for a friend that was getting into 2-handers if that situation arose. Sometimes inexpensive means trouble for a beginner; I don't think so in this case.
Gary

 

[Hardyreels]

I just sold one in very good condition for $100 including shipping.

I bought it in 2008 to see what they were like, they are light and powerful. Mine was a 13 foot #8 and I was accustomed to an old Hardy 13'9" Salmon Fly graphite, the Bean rod was very light compared to the Hardy and I used it for years.

They cast as well as many much higher priced rods but they are not fancy. Mine was plain but good. Caught a lot of salmon whit that rod.

Too bad you just started posting about this, I sold the rod with a new RIO Skagit Max Long and new Powerflex Running line for $160.00 …………………

Good rods buy with confidence.

Ard

 

[Foxlsx]

Awesome, thanks for all the responses guys, sounds like they're a decent buy. Sale runs until tonight, still haven't made my mind up.

Hardyreels; damn, sounds like a missed out on a hell of a deal! What grain head were you running on your 13' 8wt?