The current trend in fly fishing is for less expensive equipment. There are pop up rod companies sporting fly rods, that are “just as good if not better” than some of the more well known fly rod brands. With that, we’re here today to go against the grain and make an argument for expensive fly rods. This is not an argument against the lesser expensive fly rod companies but more of a validation of some of the major brands.
Fly fishing is not an “inexpensive” sport. Like a lot of other enjoyable outdoor activities, skiing, golf, or biking, fly fishing equipment can be really expensive. And just like a lot of other outdoor activities and sports equipment, there is a reason expensive fly fishing gear is expensive.
One question we hear a lot, “is an expensive fly rod that much better than a cheap one?” We’re not here to answer that question, but what we will do is show the things to consider while researching a fly rod for purchase. Things like research and development, construction, craftsmanship, etc.
When purchasing a fly rod, the adage “buy the best you can afford” applies. Have you ever seen Tiger Woods, use a cheap set of irons? An expensive fly rod will not make you a better fly angler, but a skilled fly angler will understand and feel the difference in a quality fly rod and will take your fly fishing experience to the next level.
Research, Development & Materials
In the last century, fly rod construction has seen dramatic improvements in materials and design. Innovation in taper design, materials, and construction are all on the cutting edge. All these things take research, development, and time. The idea of working within the constraints of fit, feel, comfort, and accessibility all have to be worked into the design of a fly rod. It’s this research and development is where a hefty portion of the cost of a fly rod. When there is innovation in fly rod development, it’s usually R&D from a major brand that has the resources to develop innovation.
In terms of materials, it takes research to make sure the right materials are used the right way. It’s no accident that graphite is now used in the majority of fly rods produced. Even within the world of graphite, there are special technologies that are considered for better performance, durability, strength, all while weighing less. The modulus and tonnage ratings are how a fly rod’s strength to weight ratio is measured. A fly rod with a higher modulus or tonnage has a better strength to weight ratio, resulting in a better performing rod. Material technology and design are major considerations that will impact the cost of a fly rod.
Workmanship
The way things are built, how they are built, and where they are built is a sign of quality fly rod. Many of the famous rod manufacturers of high-end fly rods are built in the United States of America. Part of the reason is they have stringent requirements on the actual manufacturing process, and quality control at this level is more expensive. Producing a consistently high-quality product is paramount. Some companies will sacrifice production quantity to make sure the quality of the build is near perfection. This by no means is not a knock on fly rods, built-in other countries. There are a lot of very high-quality fly rods made in other countries. This is strictly a statement on the quality control process of high-end fly rods as part of the expense.
Components
The quality of the comments used on a high-end fly rod is also much better. Slick guides, cork quality, reel seat, and even the rod tube can up the cost of a fly rod. Stripping guides are made of two parts, the frame and the inner ring, that also have different performance levels based on material, density, and weight. Higher-end fly rods will usually have lighter, smoother, and thinner inserts, allowing for better performance.
The Cork
Not all cork is the same. The rod price is directly proportional to the quality of cork used. Cork, like many other things, is graded. The highest-rated cork or often referred to as Flor Grade cork. A Flor grade cork will be fuller and cleaner in appearance and will not have as many voids or cracks.
Reel Seat & Components
The reel seat will contribute to the cost of a high-end fly rod. Some will say the reel seat doesn’t make a difference, and the insert is only for design purposes. We disagree. A poorly designed reel seat with locking rings that don’t have gaskets can lead to a bad day when your reel falls off your rod while you’re out on the water. We do admit there are some pretty reel seats out there.
Warranty
The warranty policy of a rod is a contributing factor in the cost of a fly rod. The more expensive the fly rod usually signals a better warranty policy.
Just like anything else, cheap is cheap, and fly rods are no different. A good quality fly rod is what it costs because of everything that goes into building it. Ultimately, a high-end fly rod will fish and feel better than a lower-end fly rod and allow for a better experience. The trick is, will you be able to feel the difference? Your casting skill, fish fighting ability, and the fly line will make a difference in rod performance. A fly rod is a timeless piece of gear. You get out of it what you put into it. With simple care and mindfulness, it can last a lifetime.
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My point of view is; some of these american made rods are just getting too expensive.
There are some scandinavian designers out there who have designed some extraordinary good rods – not only LOOP – who have their rods made in Korea, to keep the price down. That doesn`t hurt the quality, since the best carbon fibres are made in Japan und Korea (see the G.Loomis Flagship Model Asquith). Hardy went the same direction and are making some really decent rods nowadays.
So, do you have to spend close to 1.000 $ for a decent fly rod with a primo guarantee? I don`t think so..
Hi Toby. Thank you for chiming in. You are absolutely right. You don’t need to spend $1000.00 on a decent fly rod and enjoy the experience. There are plenty of less expensive fly rods that are quality and reduce the barrier to entry into fly fishing which is a great thing. The post is more about the cost of Research and Development, innovation in materials, and discoveries, which is a major part of the costs.
I think that if you fish often, you can feel the difference. It’s like the difference between driving a Buick and a BMW. Both will get you where you want to go, but the BMW will put a big grin on your face.
Hi Larry. The Buick vs. BMW analogy is a good one. And believe, me I know that grin. Thanks for reading the blog and chiming in.
THE deciding factor is that neither the expensive or the inexpensive (read: ‘cheap’) rods should be considered by cost. They should be chosen by the purpose for which they’re intended. But even at that, THE deciding factor should be whether the person purchasing has the ability (read: ‘skill’), to get what the expensive rods have to offer. Far, far too often they cannot.
That said, I’ve purchased top-end (read: ‘expensive’), AND inexpensive (read: ‘cheap’) and can tell you that you CAN buy perfectly acceptable, functioning, and satisfying from places like WalMart. What you will NOT find there is much of a variety. But what they have does, for the most part, what it’s intended to do- put your fly out on the water where you (hopefully) want it.
But the same happens with the high-end rods. But there you’ll generally find that the selection is vastly greater. And somewhat more esthetically pleasing.
To test this out I’ve had people who buy nothing BUT high end stuff blind cast (ID info covered w/tape) rods that cost less than HALF of their ‘favorite’. Moe often than not they ID’d my ‘hidden’ rod as being one of their high end rod’s competitors.. and thus expensive.
Rather than get esoteric about it all, if you’re going to fish the NORMAL distances of 10′ to 50-60′, most any rod today will get the job done fine.
You just won’t have the name cache’ of the high end rods.
Besides, other than in salt wate, who catches that many fish beyond the 40′ or so range?
I submit- Not many!
So, buy what feels right in your hand and suits your casting stroke and you’ll do just fine, thank you!
Or go out and blow the dough. There are a number of sites that you can get ‘almost new’ or ‘lawn cast only’ high end rods for a LOT less $. IF you feel you have to have one.
Me? I fish mostly bamboo these days. AND a ‘carbon’ rod that 99,999 of 100,000 fly fishermen never heard of.
But just LOVE when they try it. And it is NOT ‘high-end’. Rather it’s the very low end of the high, or towards the high end of the low… Meaning the price is decently moderate.
For a superb casting and fishing tool, you can’t beat that!
I like them so much I’ve at LEAST one of each of their 4 line sizes. In some cases as many as 3. Why? Because ‘friends’ are buying them out of MY inventory because of THEIR impatience in getting one.
Which speaks VOLUMES to the “High end/Low end” discussions.
Hi, Ed. You make very prolific arguments. Especially about the angler’s ability to cast long distances and the melding of feel and ablitiy. Well, said. Thank you, Ed.
The problem is that yes your right about what goes into making a fly rod. I have enjoyed trout fishing all my life my Dad took us boys when we’re were all very young and we still do it. Myself I have enjoyed fly fishing for the last 10 yrs. I’m just an average person. Spending 1000 dollars on a rod is stupid. Only the wealthy can afford a fly rod. I had to save to to buy a Loomis rod. Fly fishing should be for everyone not for the people that can afford a 1000 dollar. These companies are pricing themselves out of the American market because they are stupid enough to think a family that goes trout fishing can afford one of there fly rods. They can’t. Maybe the people that read this will have better ideas but. I will never spend that kinda money on a fly rod.