Cheap vs Expensive Fly Rods

We go over a hot topic today folks! There are certain criteria that must be met when considering an expensive fly rod. Let's get into it.

Choosing a Fly Rod:

Orvis Clearwater Review:

Fly Fishing On a Budget

Keep er' tight!

[ifsobczwhy]

Finally, someone speaking sense. Starting to love this channel and your approach to the fly fishing discussion. Hello from the UK

[gtandy]

I absolutely love your mindset on the "Hardcore Angler" Statement...In so many pursuits folks tend to get obsessed with the more superficial aspects of the hobby. When in reality its all about what works for you! I would rather spend 200 on my whole outfit, Then put the rest of the money in my gas tank to head to the next river! You cant put a price tag on passion. Im loving the videos Milan! Tight Lines🤙🏼

[ReelAnglerReviews]

Thanks for saying this. I have multiple Maxcatch rods and think the quality is the same if not even better than name brand rod manufacturers. If I break a tip section, I have a new one for $20 in less than two weeks. I'm able to have multiple sizes and styles of rods for less than one name brand rod. I put my savings into good fly lines and never look back. As far as having a rod that's airloom quality goes, I built my own fly rod from a blank and it's really special to me. I didn't break the bank building it either. Im glad people are starting to learn that its not what you have or what you look like when it comes to fishing. I'm looking forward to seeing more of your videos, cheers.

[ianatkins]

Construction quality, in lower price ranges, has improved a lot from times past. Anglers can now purchase rods in the mid priced area (with good warranty) that will give years of good service. Friends in the tackle retail tell me most of their sales are moving to the mid price point.

[Kab_On_The_Fly]

This is the most logical and unbiased video on this topic. After an accident I had with my previous hobby, I decided to sell my mountain bike and invest in a good rod. In my case I did find a rod I was completely happy with (sage r8) and it bonded with me right there in the shop. Also, I really like my budget rods. Tfo, echo etc are all really budget conscious brands that are amazing on the water.

[MRR_Shadowolf]

Totally enjoyed this video and the logic behind your thesis. From a professed owner of a 1k 9' 5wt fly rod (for trout) and about to buy a second heavier one (8wt) for salmon and flats fishing. I do appreciate your candor and opinions.

[rtistmedia]

You're well spoken, man! Great breakdown of this topic.

[jmann]

Just found your channel the other day. I subscribed after watching the video. Great straight forward content.
Love your honesty and sense of humor. Going to check out your other videos and look forward to what is to come.

[Rothhammer_Customs]

Great video, being in the market for a new rod wanting a better quality rod nothing broken with current Cabelas Synch 5 wt. just would like to see if a more expensive rod can help my casting and fishing experience in general. I’m also looking at the Clearwater for my next choice not the most pricey but it fits and like the feel. Thanks again keep up the good work

[drewbear]

I needed this video literally right after I watched the video your talking about. Your right

[profpigeon]

Also, it's smart to keep an eye out for new models, because the older models usually are on sale for a lot cheaper.  I've added some nicer rods to my quiver at a nice price (I got a Thomas and Thomas zone for a crazy nice price). On rod prices..God bless my local fly shop, for always steering me to more affordable rods, , and basically getting me hooked on TFO Rods which have been great. I use a lot of them now, lets me get 2 good rods or even 3 for the price of nicer rods. It really helps to have more weights and diff action rods to fish better.

[oldsmugglerflyfishing]

I have been dealing with this since I begin fly fishing in 1996

[barryfish]

So many commercial rods now using cheap components and decreasing length and diameter of cork grip. I have bought several inexpensive rods where chrome plating starts flaking off of the tip top guide, not good for line abrasion, casting distance, etc. But also have bought several inexpensive rods that used good components with no problems. So, in some respects, it’s a crap shoot. I want a rod that transmits vibration to my hand when fish is fighting or biting (“fish fighting feel”). Many older fly rods (like those that used IM6 blanks) are better at that than some newer, more expensive ones. So, fish don’t know the difference, but fisherman do. Try an old Fenwick graphite rod from the 1970s or 1980s (Eagle or HMG), you can feel the fish open and close his mouth underwater to spit the fly out. Can’t do that with some of the new expensive rods, many of these companies are more interested in pushing the high tech of their blanks, with no considerations for ergonomics (i.e handle comfort) and ability to balance well with a light reel. And now, we all thought their high expense was paying extra for a good warranty, but we were wrong, because now they either don’t honor the warranty any more, or make you pay for repairs anyways. 😮

[baileymoto]

Meanwhile, I absolutely love my $65 maxcatch glass rod.

[proskipper]

Question - what is swing weight i know what AFTM number rating is - thanks

[davescheer]

🌴 ha, I just got done watching the comparison rod video you were talking about, and ya I bashed em, oh well 🤨, then I clicked your vid, and was surprised by what you said, because you put it out there, I fish saltwater a lot I’m 15 minutes away from fishing, I don’t own any “ designer “ rods or reels and have never heard any of the fish I’ve caught complain about not being caught on high end equipment, would I like to up grade ahhh, maybe my reel with a better matched line to make my rod perform better sure, but if I spend the money on it I wouldn’t have money to go towards my flats boat project so, I’ll make due . It all comes down to what you can afford and have fun with it along the way. Reely👈🏼 liked your vid I would have gave you more thumbs up but then someone would start complaining I was doing things like a democrat 😁👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[danbolton]

Hi Milan, you mean my Oyster bamboo flyrod with Abel reel doesn't make my eyes more sparkley?

I've got more, but my cold is making me achey.

Oh, I did try the double thumbs down on someone elses video and it does work.

[edwardcowan]

I build rods as a hobby. I can build a really nice rod with 100-150 dollars in components. One and two piece rods generally perform better than the 4 piece rods. If you want a 4 piece pack type rod I’d be inclined to spend more. I really prefer to use one piece for anything under 8 ft. I guarantee that a $75 one piece blank Rainshadow blank will outperform a $400 4 piece Sage blank.

[FrugalFlyRodder]

I like your angle. I saw your Instagram page... it makes it look like you're in Canada. Is that true? I like that you support American made, which has me wondering if you're actually a Canadian. Anyway, as the Frugal Fly Rodder, which is not about cheap... it's about being smart with your money.

[pahuntnut]

Hard Core because of the gear they have? lol. I live and fish a major Tailwater about 2 hours from New York city, North Jersey etc. If you want to see high end gear thats the place. Most of those guys cannot fish unless they hire a guide and sit in a boat.