[BCSteelHeader]

Rio markets this as being good for rods 14' or longer. I've got a 13 1/2 foot 7 weight. I've read about the longer head on this line helps to prevent blown anchors during the sweep.

Just curious, what's the downside of this line for rods less than 14 feet?

Also, I'm a taller guy, so, all other things being equal, I was wondering if the casting dynamics for taller people might favour a slightly longer head (such as with the Max Long) so as to maintain constant tension, create better D Loop and better/more consistent casts (again all other things being equal).

Perhaps other 'tallish' spey casters out there can share their experiences also.

 

[waynev]

A possible down side is the "longer" line will be a little harder than a shorter line to accurately place on the water during each of the steps of the cast, more noticeable when wading deeper.
You would really notice it if the rod were a 10 footer.

These "long" Skagit lines from RIO are still fairly short, relative to other types of heads; - under 30 feet.

I have no direct experience but ... can't see the extra few feet being a big downside, especially for a tall guy like yourself.
I am tall as well and can relate to blown anchors with very short heads.

 

[fyshhead]

I will have to look into these! I am a tall guy as well and have always wished someone would make a longer Skagit head just like the old airflo NW Skagit. This is great news and I could not imagine casting a Skagit short, hopefully Airflo will make one.. Airflo guy my self!

 

[FKrow]

The original RIO Skagit were all 27ft in length,,,, no one had any special problems with it being too long. In fact RIO marketed "Cheaters" to extend the length if required for longer rods or an individual casting style.

The next generation was RIO Skagit Flight lines which were from 24ft to 32ft in length depending upon the weight. The Skagit Max Long are in the same general head length for the heavier lines.

IMHO you will not notice any real difference with a slightly longer head on the 13'6" rod, it will most likely help in holding the anchor solid.

Regards,
FK
Spey Casting North East

 

[Nooksack Mac]

I use an 8/9 Delta Long on my 13 1/2' Meiser MKS. The rod handles it easily enough, although I wouldn't want the 65' belly plus interchangeable tips to be longer for that rod. The "long" standard Skagit Max head is 23' to 25' long. Even with a 20' tip, it should be a piece of cake to control.

Although the length of a spey rod is an important parameter, I've never found or heard that the angler's height becomes a factor.

 

[domantas]

Might not be as powerful to turn over heavier tips/flies as shorter heads will but you'll be fine.

 

[matuka mike]

last winter i became a big fan of the long rod for skagit. i threw my 8142 w/ a 550gr 27' old style rio. my new fave skagit rig. so much easier w/long t-14 tips, and an easier transition from a 13'4 rod w/ a winter authority 45 than it was going to a short rod and short head. as long as you dont have trees overhead, you have a shallower D than the short rod, making tight spots easier. fwiw, i am only 5'8