Gear Review Section

[3wt]

Any time I'm looking into new gear, I look here first. The only problem is I have to ask the question, and wait for replies. I usually look for threads that may or may not have lead to the discussion of the particular thing I'm looking for.

I think we need a real gear review section, not in the forum format, but sorted by category, brand, and specific model. That way we could all browse the list before we start posts in the forums.

With the number of folks, including guides we have posting here, we could be THE place for reliable gear reviews on the web. There is a big hole in the internet for up-to-date fly gear review, flyfishermanforums is about the best, but it has almost no reviews. We could set up that way, but I think with the current member list, we could seriously populate some categories.

[jdmidwest]

Sounds great. The trouble with fly gear is that it usually only lasts one season till the next generation comes out and the stuff is replaced. Newer, better, faster if you like to keep up on that sort of thing, its the way of retail. I have always just trusted a company to stand behind what they sell and take back the stuff that don't work. As an Orvis guide, past Orvis dealer, and current customer, I trust them to sell only top notch stuff. If I have a problem with something they exchange or replace it with no questions asked. Most of the retail businesses is like that and I am not suggesting just one company to trust.

Opinions on here could be biased and you have to take them with a grain of salt. I enjoy the traditional stuff and buy alot on Ebay. If you like something and it seems like a good deal, go for it.

[Brian Wise]

If a Gear Review section were to be put up better watch what you review and how you say it.....

I personally think it would be a good addition to the board, but I will not review anything else on this board--good or bad. And I've never really reviewed anything.

Brian

[flyfishmaster]

I'm with Mr. Wise on this, everyone has there opinion, and reviews can be swayed. For example, I really don't like the Wulff brand of fly lines, but I sure will write them a nice review if it was given to me for free.

[WebFreeman]

That is the problem with reviews, isn't it? Seems like you should have to send the product back when you're done.

"Hey Marketing Director, I loved your gear bag. Maybe I should review some waders, too. And while your at it, send me some other free stuff, too!"

I'm with Mr. Wise on this, everyone has there opinion, and reviews can be swayed. For example, I really don't like the Wulff brand of fly lines, but I sure will write them a nice review if it was given to me for free.

[Phil Lilley]

Didn't see this initially- sorry. I'll look into the possibility of a review section- someplace.

Thanks

[3wt]

Interesting input. I was looking at it to be more of a consumer driven thing. More like "i just bought X and love it" or "i've had Y for years and the warranty service sucks."

It just seems like any time anybody wants advice, they start a new post and fish for information. I for one would like to give my advice, pro or con, or the gear I have used to help others out, and would like to look up gear I am looking into to see if anybody here has had good or bad luck with it. I tend to trust the folks on this board to not be total koolaid drinkers, in fact I have found more constructive cynicism about the status quo gear here than anywhere else on the web...I mean that in a good way.

I really don't get much out of the published official reviews, and would prefer that we don't get into that game.

Thanks for considering it Phil.