Members Lucky Fly Posted August 29, 2006 Members Posted August 29, 2006 How does the TFO rods stack up to rods from Sage, St. Croix, Scott, etc. I use a St. Croix Legend Ultra currently but am considering one of the TFO Finese rods. how would the TFO stack up in fit and finish? Any opinions would be appreciated. "Trout Don't Live In Ugly Places"
gonefishin Posted August 29, 2006 Posted August 29, 2006 Good question. I don't think I could really offer a good opinion on on the fit to finish of one rod over the other. I buy equipment based on different criteria. I want a rod that is reasonably light to hand, casts well, handles fish well, doesnt break the first time a bluegill hits the lure and protects the tippet. If I bought a rod for looks I would have to worry about scratching it or someone stealing it. Those are worries I dont want on the stream/lake. I dont own a TFO rod yet but have looked at them and they would fit my needs nicely. My next new rod purchase will be a TFO. JMHO I would rather be fishin'. "Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what to have for lunch. Liberty is a well-armed lamb contesting the vote." Benjamin Franklin, 1759
Gavin Posted August 29, 2006 Posted August 29, 2006 The components on TFO rods(cork, reel seat, & guides) are usually of a lesser quality than mid and top line rods by St. Croix, Sage, or Winston. Also, some of there rods weigh a lot more than similar rods made by Sage, Winston, etc. Cheers.
Greg Posted August 30, 2006 Posted August 30, 2006 Gavin is right. If you are really concerned about fit and finish then the TFO rods are probably not for you. I've never owned one but I have cast a few and looked at a lot of them. I feel the cosmetics, cork, and components are a step below most of the rids from St. Croix, Sage, Scott, etc. But they do offer a heck of a rod for the money. I think they cast as well and are probably as durable as most rods costing 2 - 3 times more. Plus they have a great warranty. They are probably the best bang for the buck rods out there. Just my opinions Greg "My biggest worry is that my wife (when I'm dead) will sell my fishing gear for what I said I paid for it" - Koos Brandt Greg Mitchell
Guest flyfishBDS Posted September 1, 2006 Posted September 1, 2006 Gday, I'd probably agree with the weight.finish, but keep in mind you are often comparing a $600 rod with a $139 rod. And I'd say the differences are not that marked. I buy on action not fit or finish. I own a bunch of TFOs and Sages, the Sages have really nice tubes. I put all my TFO's (which don't come with tubes) into one large tube. Some trips that is way way way more convenient than my stack of sage tubes. I'd try to be casting TFO's against the Sages etc. In the price bracket you talking about (under $200) you will be looking at the Launch. Both are nice rods _ We carry them both so you can cast them head to head. Look for which rod suits your casting style better. Both Bryce and myself will be on all weekend if your heading this way. We also have the new Sage Z-Axis 5wt in stock if you want to cast something $600+ and just released Cheers Steve
Members Davy Wotton Posted October 27, 2006 Members Posted October 27, 2006 No doubt at all that Sage carry with introduced technology and the quality of the material they use the best fly rods all round in the world. In my book. And you pay for that. TFO are also great rods for the money, yes they may lack a little in cosmetics, at least the low end price range series does. Oh the other hand the TICRX series are fine rods, with a good comparison to some of the Sage range. In both cases l own more rods than l know what to do with. But each and every one does have a place depening on what l am fishing for and the techniques l wish to use. I am not going to cast 80ft with a 3 wt and a heavy fly. On the other hand a fast action rod like the SP.XP TCR may not be the coice when fishing in the Smokey Mtns for 6 ins Brookies. They all have a purpose for use. Davy.
duckydoty Posted October 27, 2006 Posted October 27, 2006 I only have on complaint about my 4wt tfo. If night fishing with it and throwing a heavier fly, it will evetually come apart while casting and I'll have to reel in the tip section. Now the only reason this happens is because I like to use the 4wt before it gets dark to drift midges then once it gets dark I dont want to go back to the truck and get the 6 wt. I cant see how good the rods look in the dark but I would like to have one that doesnt come apart while casting. Duckydoty A Little Rain Won't Hurt Them Fish.....They're Already Wet!! Visit my website at.. Ozark Trout Runners
snagged in outlet 3 Posted October 27, 2006 Posted October 27, 2006 Rub a little wax on the male end of the rod before you assemble it and it will tighten up the joint. Snagged
Terry Beeson Posted October 27, 2006 Posted October 27, 2006 If you're gonna frame it and hang in on the wall or just want to "look good" in the water... or if you just have to pay $600 for a rod, buy a G Loomis or Sage.... If you are buying one to fish and want something to cast nice, go with TFO... I can buy 3 or 4 TFO rods for what you can buy ONE Sage or G Loomis... Not that there is anything wrong with ANY high dollar rod... Just seem to be too "purty" to leave in the back of my pickup and even cast it in some places I fish... TIGHT LINES, YA'LL "There he stands, draped in more equipment than a telephone lineman, trying to outwit an organism with a brain no bigger than a breadcrumb, and getting licked in the process." - Paul O’Neil
RiverRunner Posted October 27, 2006 Posted October 27, 2006 Its like buying a boat I guess, the fish really don't care how much it cost
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