Winston BIIx?
- This topic has 6 replies, 6 voices, and was last updated Mar 21, 2007 at 10:37 pm by
.
-
Posts
-
Just as almost everyone finds their favorite series, I’ve found mine in the BIIx series.
My first was the 9′, 6 weight. My first casts with it were in the 10 – 20′ range. It worked so well that close there is no way this rod can cast far, thought I as the entire line flew out of the guides!
That made it a keeper! It’s about usable range. This rod nicely handles dry flies, streamers, popping bugs for smallies, wind and everything else a 5, 6 and 7 weight rod is made for.
It’s also about weight. On a non-calibrated kitchen scale it weighed less than my 4 weight GLX!
It’s also about workmanship and beauty. I admit that rod was bought in the heat of the ‘boo boys debacle and a guide was not mounted perfectly. Winston took care of it and an off-set end cap and every subsequent BIIx I’ve bought has been near perfect. Many consider this to be the crown jewel in the BIIx line.
I also have another that many consider to be the best of the series, the 8′ 6″, 4 weight. I can name 4 people who each purchased one after casting mine. I used it just yesterday on a mid-sized stream and was, as usual every time I break it out, in awe.
I also have the 9′, 5 weight BIIx but that rod doesn’t get nearly the play the 4 and 6 weights do. Maybe I haven’t given it a fair shake because the other two rock my world so much!
If I can ever sell my 9′ 6″, 7 weight Scott S3, that same configuration in a BIIx will be mine for steelhead and some smallie work.If I had to pick one of them for the usage you mentioned it would be the 6 weight… hands down!
My primary trout rod is my 9′ 6wt BIIX. I completely agree with the comments made by Peddler. Whether high stick nymphing with 6x on the Davidson, or stripping 1/0 streamers on 12lb Maxima for silvers, the rod handles beautifully at any distance. You inquired about a rod that can pull double duty; this rod will certainly have no problems. As I stated above, I use it for trout, silvers, chum, bass, and pretty much everything in between. Also as Peddler stated, you will be shocked by how light the rod is! I have mine rigged up with a Ross Evolution #3 and barely notice it in my hand on a full day of tromping through rhododendrons
I received BIIx 5 weight last year as a gift from my wife. The intent was to have it as a carry on for a trip to Montana. I typically like slower rods, (as Zach well knows), but this thing is awesome. It tracks well and is very forgiving, even to a bad caster such as myself. It’s currently line with a Rio weight forward and seems to like it. We return to Montana again this year and the Winston will be going along for sure.
Rolf
- You must be logged in to reply to this topic.