[Mawhrin]

Hi

I am considering customizing a scandi head for my 12'7 Beulah Classic #7/8:

Rio Scandi body 7/8 (23' for 375 gr) + Rio 10' Tip #7 (75gr) OR Rio 10' Tip #8 (85gr) + Rio Light Scandi versileader 10' (45gr) + flurocarbon.

Head: either 450 gr (if #7 tip used) or 460 gr (if #8 tip used), 33' in length.

The Scandi body comes in different densities, so do the 10' Tip and the Light Scandi versileader. Very versatile.

I am afraid the Rio Scandi Short Versitip kits in #7 or #8 would be either too light (425gr) or too heavy (485gr), hence the customizing.

What do you think of the two formulas, and which one do you think would be most suited for my rod?

Thanks for your input
Cheers
Mahwrin

 

[Mawhrin]

Thanks guys for your answers.

Beulahnw, I will definitely give it a try as you obviously know what you're talking about - or you should :razz:
Any suggestions concerning the tippet(s) length(s)?

I might sometimes have to go a little deeper or/and slower though (and still stick to Scandi style), hence my interest in the Rio Scandi bodies which come in different densities...

The Guideline 3D heads seem quite interesting too: no hinges (head needs to be cut though; they have an online app to help you).

Cheers

 

[Mawhrin]

Hi mn44,

Right, "customized" is not the most appropriate term. I should have written, concerning the Rio SSVT, "best combinations". That's what I had in mind. The body comes in #7, #8, and #7/8 + #7 or #8 tips in 10' or 15', which gives different possibilities.
I guess the best way is to try. Yet, any idea about the best tip to use with the #7/8 body? #7 or #8 (seems 10' is the norm)?

Cheers

 

[Mawhrin]

Well, everything mentioned above works fine.
Just have to find the proper length of overhang (mainly), and the right length of polyleaders and/or tippet.
Elixir Switch + polyleaders.
Rio SSVT #7/8 floating body + 10' #7 tips, + tippet or 10' polyleader and very short tippet. Haven't tried the intermediate or sinking bodies.
For small flies, the Elixir Spey is really pleasant.

 

[Mawhrin]

Sazan, you mean the Rio "2015 Light Scandi Versileaders"?
I'm interested in the intermediate body, but I'm wondering whether I should go for the #7 or the #8. It doesn't come in #7/8 (yet), which is a pity as with a #7 tip it would be precisely 450 gr...

 

[Mawhrin]

Thanks

Sazan, thanks for the explanation. Definitely something to keep in mind.
Sure, it'd be great if you could do the measuring on both bellies!
Thanks a lot in advance.

http://www.rioproducts.com/fishing-leaders/versileader/spey-versileaders-10ft/

No, Rio Spey Versileader. They changed the mono-core late 2013, beginning 2014.

As for Scandi body, what is important to measure a weight of the rear half ( body and tip combo) and compare to the system you like. When D-loop is formed, it is approx. the rear half which loads a rod. Lines/Scandi heads have various weight distribution so comparing a total grain can be misleading.

For example, when Rio have issued the original Scandi Steelhead( in response to Airflo Compact Scandi) , they had several feet shorter leveled belly. Both 480 gr Airfo and 510 gr Rio loaded a give rod very similarly. The weigh of the rear half of the head or head+ poly were near identical.

Also, when you fish two identical ( by weight ) set-ups; floater + sink tip vs. intermediate + sink tip, the intermediate body cuts via air easier due to higher density and consequently feels a bit heavier on a given rod.

If you need, I can measure both bodies 350 gr Int. and 375 floater and let you know.

 

[Mawhrin]

Thanks for the tip! I'll try that.

 

[Mawhrin]

Sazan, thanks a lot.
Well. I'd be tempted to go for the #7 intermediate as it is only 0.9 grams lighter than the floating #7/8 for the rear half and basically identical at 16' from the rear.
If it also feels a bit heavier than you could expect and obviously cuts the wind better, it seems the right choice. With the 7# 10' tips, it weighs only 2 grams less than the #7/8 floating body + #7 tips.

Good thinking?