The closest thing to a T&T 1307-3?

4494 Views 16 Replies 10 Participants Last post by klickrolf, Nov 20, 2014

Cowboy Tom

Discussion Starter · Nov 17, 2014

I picked one of these up a couple months ago just to see what the fuss was all about. I had a T&T DH 1308-4 a while back but didn't quite click with it. The 1307 is a whole different ball game. It let's me easily cast a Delta 7/8 and a 500-510gr skagit. When I'm on my game either line setup can go 100' or more consistently.

So, given that these are discontinued (but still available on special order) and the newer version is really expensive, are there any other rods out there that cast similarly with respect to stiffness, flex-profile, recovery speed, etc. I realize that there won't be anything that is exactly the same but I am interested in other rods that I could just pick up and throw using the same stroke as the 1307. Especially rods of different lengths and weights.

Thanks

CT

1 - 17 of 17 Posts

xgolfman

· #2 · Nov 17, 2014

i have the 1307-3 and still consider it one of the best rods out there..i won't get rid of mine as it's a great lighter line rod...I don't think there is a better rod at that line weight...

I love the old T&T's..not the four piece ones but the 3...owned a bunch of them...still own the 1307-3, 1206-3 and 1409-3...

The BW's don't make a real 7wt rod though so the 1307 is safe...love the longer bottom handle the feel and flex of that rod...the 1409-3 is a lot of fun as a dry line rod and I like the 1510-3 as well...

fredaevans

· #3 · Nov 17, 2014

Three piece rods are rare on the retail market .. almost.

Burkie still has quite a line up of three section rods; give Rob Allen a call and check out their web site.

Fred

Skilly

· #4 · Nov 17, 2014

classic Loomis 13 8 wt.

The Loomis Classic 13' 8 wt. is close to the T&T 1307. I sold my classic years ago and still regret it. The Loomis Scandi rods might also be close.

Skilly

sinktip

· #5 · Nov 17, 2014

I ordered a Meiser Steelhead Master series rod this summer after talking with Bob and him describing the rod as being similar to a T&T 1307 except with a little more muscle. I have owned, and loved, the 1307-3 since they came out and have landed fish to 16 pounds on it. I also own a 1308-4 T&T for winter work and while it is a fine Skagit line rod, it does not have the same mid-belly charm as the 1307. I was looking for that when I was talking to Meis.

The Meiser, is certainly very similar to the 1307 but with significant backbone. I have not fished it a lot yet but it will throw a mid-belly and a 15' type 8 with ease. Ditto a full floater and a poly leader - a rocket launcher.

The one thing about the Master series is you are actually buying two rods. In this case, the 1308-4 that I have been describing and also a 1608-5. The top three sections are used in both rods while each has its own butt section and in the case of the 1608, also another second section. I bought it for the 1308 and it's crisp action but have also fallen in love with the slower action of the 16' version. Two very different actions but both an absolute kick to cast and fish.

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Al Neves

· #6 · Nov 17, 2014

1308-4

I am struggling to find a skagit line that works with the 1308. What weight line do you use? I tried 550 RIO skagit, 600grain compact skagit, and the one I like the best is the old 625grain skagit without cheater.

sinktip

· #7 · Nov 17, 2014

Al,

Assuming you are asking about the 1308 T&T, I thought that the 550 Skagit was the best for my stroke. The 650 really overloaded the rod to my tastes and didn't let it feel like I thought a T&T should feel. Just my $.02.

'Tip

Cowboy Tom

Discussion Starter · #8 · Nov 17, 2014

I'm with sinktip on the skagit line. The 1308 isn't a heavy 8 by any means. I had a 550 flight on mine and it worked reasonably well. I'd try a 540 compact if I had it to do over again. Maybe even a 525?

Jake H

· #9 · Nov 18, 2014

I don't think I've seen a rod get more love here than the T&T 1307-3 . Yet it's reasonably common to see them for sale in the classifieds .
Before I sought it's genetic twin out of the abyss I'd do a wtb in the classifieds , it wouldn't surprise me if someone had it collecting closet dust .

It's well worth the try.

Jake

klickrolf

· #10 · Nov 18, 2014

Could be very wrong but...

I think it has to do with 3pc rods, not all of them because the taper is critical. I've only owned two T&T's, both 3pc. A 1208-3 that I wish I'd never sold and a 1409-3 that I thought was a telephone pole, 10/11 wt at least. It had no feel for me.

Tom's question is not about finding another 1307, he already has one. He's looking for similar feel and capability in different length rods. I've never cast a T&T 1307-3 but if I understand Tom I'd suggest looking at some Burkie 3pc rods. They are excellent with short belly spey lines like the delta, can't address skagits or shooting heads cause I don't fish them. If I were to guess I'd guess the burkie 7133-3 would feel very similar. The 8133-3 is very sweet with a delta 8/9. Depending on taper, well designed 3pc rods feel smoother. They are smoother because they have one less dead spot. A rod that loads to the cork generates better line speed when it releases from the cork. Think of it as a long flexible lever. The power is in the butt and when it releases the speed and power increase at it unloads.

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inland

· #11 · Nov 18, 2014

The METHOD rods are somewhat reminiscent. They are fuller flexing, more balanced bend profile (less like a pyramid) but have the same 'jump off the tip' feel to them when they unload. I had nearly every T&T from the DH series and kept two: 1208-3 and 1510-3. Still use them a bit too. The 1307-3 has the same bend profile and recovery as both, just at 13' and a 6/7wt. The sage red sticks have better tracking and noticeably quicker recovery while being lighter in the hand (good or bad your call). And they perform quite a bit better when more progressively loaded, better balanced vs the blue sticks. They (red sticks) don't feel like they are in a fight between the stiff butt section and softer tip and mid (creating an unbalanced feel) when you force them to bend past the top stripping guide.

Cowboy Tom

Discussion Starter · #12 · Nov 18, 2014

Inland,

I haven't had the feeling you were describing (stiff butt fighting a soft tip) with the 1307. Maybe that's why I'm liking it so much. Feels to me like they are working nicely together regardless of how fast I push it. But, I did get exactly that feeling with the Winston 7133 I used to have. No matter what I just couldn't make peace with that stick.

Haven't toyed much with the idea of a Method but was thinking seriously about a ONE. I found a smoking deal on a Sage VPX 8136 recently. Wondering how one of those would fit the bill. Sounds like it would be great with a Delta 8/9 and tips. Who knows, maybe I will just go find a cheap St Croix Imperial 14' 9/10. Tried one of those this summer and though it was a surprisingly capable rod, heavy weight and thick grip notwithstanding. Could throw a 600gr Beulah Tonic and the whole shooting line without taking a deep breath.

CT

Jake H

· #13 · Nov 18, 2014

klickrolf said:
Tom's question is not about finding another 1307, he already has one. He's looking for similar feel and capability in different length rods.

Thanks Rolf , guess I missed that . Now I want to run a wtb for a T&T 1307-3

Jake

inland

· #14 · Nov 18, 2014

CT,

That 'fighting feeling' is more pronounced in the 14' and longer/heavier rods. The 1307, 1208 and 1206 don't show it the same for they flex into the cork (just lighter line weights).

I really like the ONE actions. They are quite a bit fuller flexing. The closer of the two series would be the METHOD to the T&T. But not identical.

William

SkagitMiester

· #15 · Nov 19, 2014

Cowboy Tom said:
I picked one of these up a couple months ago just to see what the fuss was all about. I had a T&T DH 1308-4 a while back but didn't quite click with it. The 1307 is a whole different ball game. It let's me easily cast a Delta 7/8 and a 500-510gr skagit. When I'm on my game either line setup can go 100' or more consistently.

So, given that these are discontinued (but still available on special order) and the newer version is really expensive, are there any other rods out there that cast similarly with respect to stiffness, flex-profile, recovery speed, etc. I realize that there won't be anything that is exactly the same but I am interested in other rods that I could just pick up and throw using the same stroke as the 1307. Especially rods of different lengths and weights.

Thanks

CT

3 to consider...
T&T 1208-3 if you love the 1307 you will like the 1208 even more...
Deathstar...lined like an 8 weight...
Anglers Roost 14' 5/6 is nice with a 7/8 delta...flat love this rod...Plus you get an extra foot thrown in for maximum fun.

The Redington CPX rods are fastish...

Mieser Highlander Classic would be my first pick for you...

Cowboy Tom

Discussion Starter · #16 · Nov 19, 2014

For what it's worth, I have cast Meiser Highlanders and Burkheimer 3 and 4 piece rods and just didn't jibe with them. Not quite sure how to describe it other than I just couldn't feel the load. I was using and SPG line cut specifically for that highlander and appropriate nextcasts on the Burkies. I'm quite certain I was the problem, not the line/rod combo.

I will have to look further into the 3 piece T&T deal. I spent a day on the Clearwater in Sep with a T&T 1509-3 and loved it. Fished comfortably at 120' which is unheard of for me. Both the 1206 and 1208 sound deeply intriguing! If anyone wants to send one for me to play with for a few months I would be willing to accept that offer. Thanks for everyone's input. Very helpful and much appreciated.

Tom

klickrolf

· #17 · Nov 20, 2014

Hey Tom, ask and you will receive!
I'll send you a burkie 8133-3 and a delta 8/9 multi-tip line with tips. You pay for shipping both ways. Total shipping cost will be under $20 for both trips. PM me if you're interested. You'll feel the load with this combo. Season's over for all practical purposes here.

1 - 17 of 17 Posts

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