Browning Air Streams & TFO Trout & Panfish Rods

[Seth]

These things look almost identical. The only difference is the TFO is $20-25 more than the Browning and you can get them in a one piece rod instead of just two. Has anybody fished both and have an opinion on whether the TFO brand rods are any better or whether the one piece makes much difference over the two piece?
 

[Terrierman]

Bought two TFO 7" LF rods for my grandsons.  They catch a lot of fish with them.  I bought one Airstream 7" LF for myself and then another one just like it in case they stopped making them.  I've fished both and prefer the Browning over the TFO, mainly for the grips.  They are both good rods, especially for the money.  However, my current favorite rod for throwing jigs at trout is one of Richard Cross's.  Lighter weight and better balance with a Patriarch is why I like it so much.  Proper action too of course.

[Johnsfolly]

57 minutes ago, Terrierman said:

I bought one Airstream 7" LF for myself and then another one just like it in case they stopped making them. 

Can anyone confirm if they indeed have stopped making the Airstream? The shelves have been cleared in more than on Bass Pro shops that I have visited to replace my broken one. Ended up in St Charles BPS and replaced my 7' with a 6' since it was the only one on the shelf .

[Devan S.]

57 minutes ago, Johnsfolly said:

Can anyone confirm if they indeed have stopped making the Airstream? The shelves have been cleared in more than on Bass Pro shops that I have visited to replace my broken one. Ended up in St Charles BPS and replaced my 7' with a 6' since it was the only one on the shelf .

I'm like you looked and looked and looked. I think for Crappie/panfish/trout they are a great value and need a handful more. 

Bass pro website shows they are in stock...online. 

[Seth]

They were out of stock in Springfield in late July when I was last down. I broke my newest one at Taneycomo that trip and went to exchange it on the way back home and they gave me a gift card. I'm thinking about just putting that money towards a St Croix Premier or possibly even an Avid in 6'6" light fast action.  Those Air Streams sure fish awfully nice for a $60. I've not convinced myself that the extra $$$ for the St Croix's would be worth it.

[Ham]

The Air Stream is a good tool for the job at a low price. I do not like that BPS is the sole provider as supply is very inconsistent. 

I like St Croix Rods, but is difficult to buy them with having your hands on them,

thw St Croix Premier in 6 foot light is a completely different animal from the 7 foot light. The 6 footer is sensitive enough for Crappie Jig fishing loads and throws well.

the 7 footer is kinda floppy and sloppy. Less sensitive. Probably throws better but yuk. My Dad had the 6 footer. I wanted that rod in a 7 foot version, but that’s not what I got. 

[Seth]

2 hours ago, Ham said:

The Air Stream is a good tool for the job at a low price. I do not like that BPS is the sole provider as supply is very inconsistent. 

I like St Croix Rods, but is difficult to buy them with having your hands on them,

thw St Croix Premier in 6 foot light is a completely different animal from the 7 foot light. The 6 footer is sensitive enough for Crappie Jig fishing loads and throws well.

the 7 footer is kinda floppy and sloppy. Less sensitive. Probably throws better but yuk. My Dad had the 6 footer. I wanted that rod in a 7 foot version, but that’s not what I got. 

I definitely won't be dropping any money on one until I hold the 6' and 6.5' in my hands. Like you said, the feel between a 6 and 7 footer is drastically different between a lot of rods with the same action ratings.

[snagged in outlet 3]

I have 7’ airstream per Hams suggestion. Love it. I even use it as a ned rig rod. Lotta fun on a light rod. 

[Devan S.]

I bought 2 air stream 6 fters last night online. Told myself when/if they came back in stock I would buy them so that is what I did. 

For you guys that have the 7' rod how does it compare to the 6'6" rod?

I originally bought a 6' and liked it a lot. Then I got the 6'6" and it just seems entirely to whippy to me. Never could find a 7' to hold.

[snagged in outlet 3]

The 7’er is slower than I usually prefer but I’ve grown to like it