Advice/Opinions Needed on TFO Fly Rods

[Guest rwolfe]

I'm looking at purchasing a couple of TFO Fly Rods. I've settled on the Axiom and BVK series, or just the BVK series. I mainly fish Taneycomo for trout, but would like to expand/have the ability, to fish other lakes for different species as well. I definitely want a BVK 5 wt. 9' for the first rod. I'm considering an Axiom series 5 or 6 wt. for the second rod, thinking that it could be used for windy days, and perhaps some lake fishing for other species besides trout. The 6 wt. is quite a bit heavier than a comparable BVK series. My question for those with experience with these rods is this: Does the BVK have just as much casting power for distance as the Axiom at a lighter weight? The Axiom is rated to be more of a distance rod, with the BVK more of a presentation rod with good casting distance as well. It also appears that the Axiom is an older design, and the BVK being a new, or redesign with lighter materials. I appreciate any info, opinions and firsthand experience you guys and gals can provide.

I will also be purchasing a couple of spinning rods as well, so any info on them would be appreciated. I use them for anything from Taneycomo drift and jig fishing, to crappie and walleye (drop shotting, trolling and rapalas).

[jtram]

I have only cast a bvk, (sweet rod) but on Taney I find myself throwing a 6 wt A LOT. you can throw a midge on a 6, slight overkill but not major, then you can switch to a egg/nymph tandem set, then switch to a streamer without feeli g like you are chunking a boulder. jmo, but try at least 1 6wt on taney.....

[fishinwrench]

Love the BVK rods, they seem "crisp" enough for just about anything.

No experience with the Axiom.

[Fly Fishing Pete]

Never seen an Axiom in a shop, but TFO's website says the Axiom in 6wt is 5.3 ounces. Too heavy. You'll be worn out just from casting!

I fly fish almost exclusively and rarely do I use anything bigger than a 5wt. I use a 4wt most often; a 5wt for windy conditions and tandem rigs.

Also, I don't know if you're partial to TFO, but if you're looking in the $250-300 range, Cabelas has Sage Response rods on sale. I like the Response better than anything TFO, including the BVK, but that's just me.

[Guest rwolfe]

Never seen an Axiom in a shop, but TFO's website says the Axiom in 6wt is 5.3 ounces. Too heavy. You'll be worn out just from casting!

I fly fish almost exclusively and rarely do I use anything bigger than a 5wt. I use a 4wt most often; a 5wt for windy conditions and tandem rigs.

Also, I don't know if you're partial to TFO, but if you're looking in the $250-300 range, Cabelas has Sage Response rods on sale. I like the Response better than anything TFO, including the BVK, but that's just me.

I would be looking at a 5wt. Axiom, which is only 1 oz. heavier than the 5wt. BVK, and .2 oz. heavier than the Lefty Kreh TiCr X Series. Phil might have swayed me to the Lefty TiCr X series though, which he uses. It seems to have more 'Lifting', which I would assume translates to backbone than the other 2 models. The BVK doesn't have much 'Lifting' at all, according to the chart on their website. Anyone that uses the BVK series: Does it seem light in regards to backbone?

I'm partial to the TFO's right now because I have an opportunity to pick them up at 1/2 price. ;-)

[Phil Lilley]

I left my BVK up in Alaska so I can't shake 'em to see the difference... only going by memory.

I prefer the TiCrX. I love it in the 7 wt for big fish.

[Gavin]

Tossed a Sage MOD 9' 5wt today. Liked it a bunch. Think they hit the mark with this one. Great at 30-50, did really well out to 75'. Takes some finesse to coax 90-95' out,of it. Might pick one up to replace my 9' 5wt Sage SLT. Great,General purpose 5 wt.

[Fishingmill]

Not sure about Axiom or BVK, but I have a 8wt TiCrX that I use for bass, carp, and salmon. It's a little overkill for most Missouri water, but works great for big fish. Not sure how it compares in terms of weight to the other two, but I can cast all day without getting tired.