Ive decided on my first setup...I think.

[pierce652]

After spending the past two weeks driving around the state visiting almost every fly shop and speaking with the various people regarding the products I believe I have made my decision.

I stopped by the local Orvis dealer and spoke with Lou. This great gentleman has been fly fishing for about 40 years and was kind enough to spend an hour and a half talking about the basics, history and theory behind rods, reels and fly fishing in general. Knowing that I wanted a 9' 5 wt 4piece I focused on brands. I looked at everything from stuff I wouldnt buy, because of poor quality, to the Sage XP, which would have to be burried with me once my wife found out how much I spent. I was going to go with the March Brown but the guarantee and service of Orvis sold me. I like the fact that wherever I am in the US or Canada or beyond, if I have an issue with gear I can walk into the dealer and will be helped without question.

Im going with the Clearwater rod and the Battenkill Midarbor III. The setup comes with backing, line, 2 leaders, 4 of the classic flies and the case for $309.00. How does this sound? Feedback before the purchase will be appreciated.

[Housy Dave]

I've had a Clearwater rod for about 4 years. It's a good rod. And yes, Orvis is usually very good with customer service if you ever have a problem.

[h.ridley]

:D This is one of my pet peeves. Why would someone buy a 4 piece rod without being forced into it? It seems to me that each of the places where the rod goes together have to affect the overall feel of the rod. Call me crazy, but, give me as few pieces as possible.

Howie

[pierce652]

The reason I want a 4 piece is because I do alot of traveling. So out of convience either in my car or as a carry on I need something more compact.

[cirrus]

goes together have to affect the overall feel of the rod.

At first I thought exactly the same thing...but to many of the so called "experts" claim its no longer an issue. New methods of construction allow the manuf to build them so you hardly know the difference. I've talked to guys who have FF'd forever and have both styles and they claim there is little difference in feel or casting. I cant say from experience as I only have two piece rods...though I keep doing what I have been and I'll find out how good a 4 piece casts when my wife converts my 2 piece into one.... :lol:

[h.ridley]

:D It sounds like you made up your mind. That's fine, the rod will work fine and Orvis will take good care of you. But just in case you didn't. Here's a few things to consider.
1. the feel must suffer
2. it's an erector set to put together
3. it's a pain to take apart
4. you have to line up all those ferrules
5. too many places to come apart while casting

Howie

[DJD]

pierce652,

You should feel good about your purchase! In my trunk lies the same 4 piece rod that I take with me whereever I go. The rod is there just incase I happen upon a nice stretch of water somewhere. It breaks down small and the little tube in my trunk takes up no space. I have broken 1 in the past and this one is the replacement. A new rod was shipped to me at no exspense from Orvis and in a timely manner. I have not experienced this with most rod companies. This rod works perfectly for being a travel rod. It accompanied me on a trip to Montana a few years back and fished to my satisfaction. I am not an Orvis advocate as I like to play the field with my equipment choices and I am also a rod builder.
In my opinion there is hardly anything lost with it being a 4 piece as the stress is nicely distributed due to it's length. Both rods I have had are pretty sensitive.

Now in reguards to H.ridley's list :lol:

1. The feel does not seem to suffer in the 9 ft length

2. Most of us accomplished errector sets by age 6 :lol:

3. 1-2 minutes to take apart same as anyother rod just two more pieces

4. Yes, you do have to line up 4 ferrules, but isn't it worth it for a day of fishing

5. "too many places to come apart while casting" Now this response is something that I have exsperienced and is my only pet peeve. You do have to make sure that you seat the ferrules somewhat tight to overcome this. It doesn't happen all the time, but it will happen. Can't win them all hahah :?

[Hot Tuna]

...simple solution for lining up the ferrules. Assemble your rod so that it is perfectly lined up; them mark small dots with enamel or nail polish where the ferrule goes together.
HT

[Hot Tuna]

...I just reread your post and realized you had to be talking with Lou in Middlefield. I love that guy! We've had many conversations about fly fishing and tying theory and there is never a hard sell on anything.
See if you get that kind of treatment at some of the other stores in the state....Lou You Rock!
John

[DJD]

Hot Tuna ,

That is a great tip my father uses that little trick as well! Doesn't hurt the rod nor the eyes...

Dan

[h.ridley]

:D Hot Tuna:

I truly agree with you, Lou is the best.

Howie