Even or odd weight rods?
- This topic has 29 replies, 18 voices, and was last updated Mar 6, 2008 at 1:19 pm by
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After reading Todd’s recent post on 9wt rods, I am wondering how many of you fish mainly “even” weight rods? I understand the need for a good all-around 9wt rod and I have struggled with wether or not to purchase one myself.
As a backdrop, my first fly rod was a 4wt and not a 5wt. Like always, I did my research and talked to a bunch of people and got multiple opinions. Of course the consensus is that a good 9′ 5wt is the all around fly rod. However, I knew that I would be starting on small mountain creeks and so I went with the 4wt rod. Then I needed something bigger for streamers and a 6wt just fit the role, so I again bypassed the 5wt. Then came saltwater and the 8wt/10wt/12wt. Thus, 4,6,8,10,12 – evens. I do have a few odd number rods nowadays but these were either gifts (eg T.U.), or items I found at sales, etc.
When I go to spend big money $$$ for new rod I find myself looking mainly at even wt rods. That is the point I’m trying to make. My reels are considered accordingly and purchased to match the even wt rods. The best examples for me would be the 7wt and the 9wt. I would love to have one of each but I am not willing to spend money on them until I have completed my dream even wt setup. I find myself being more willing to buy another even wt rod as a backup something I already have before considering an odd wt. The only exception would probably be a 3wt rod for small mountain streams, now that is something I really want – but again it’s a niche role rod.
Neal. Interesting question. I think it’s going to depend on the rod model and individual taper for weights in that model.
I have a T&T Horizon 6 weight and 7 weight. I far prefer the 7 weight for feel in the cast. In the Helix models, however, the 10 weight has that feel edge to me over the 9wt.
Of course, your choice also has to do with the use of the rod as to what taper “feels” best in any given application.
The thing I want to know is: is the Sage ought weight an “odd” or “even” rod.
Very interesting question.
I buy my rods depending on the fishing that I do most. I started out with the main weights (oddly enough, they were even numbers). Over time I have filled in a few blanks ;D… But at the end of the day all of my rods suit a type of fishing that I do regularly. Some odd rod weights, like #7 and #9, have snuck in and are now firm favorites.
Best Regards,
Beechy
My sequence is: 3,4,5,5,6,6,7,8,8,9,10
I see your thought process. My first rod was a 5, so I naturally purchased odd number rods.
Hello
this is my first post
I also got hooked on a odd weight rod, here on the east coast the 8 weight is vary popular with atlantic salmon and was my favorite rod weight for a long time. I finally tried a hand on a 10 ft #7 progressive action fly rod about 4 years ago since then my 9 footh foot 8 weight has been gathering dust in the rod closet. I just find the 7 lighter and I get the same distance and line control that the #8 provided me
Hey guys –
Honestly, the difference between a 5 or a 6 weight (or between an 8 or a 9) nowadays is actually less than the difference between a “5 weight” made by some manufacturers and a “5 weight” made by others.
Rod weights are denoted, traditionally, by the bend of the rod with 30′ of rated line out of the tip.
Honestly, the difference between a 5 or a 6 weight (or between an 8 or a 9) nowadays is actually less than the difference between a “5 weight” made by some manufacturers and a “5 weight” made by others.
I agrre with this statement but i have noticed that from rod company to rod company rod weight are very diferent.
I use to fish a #8 9.9 loomis GL3 and tried a Gatti Fr 3pa 10 ft #7 and the difference was very noticable in the weight and casting that I put that rod to rest (GL3).
Jocelin
Zach, you have presented the exact argument I have been using with custom rod builders that sware by the Common Cents method. In my opinion, the correct weight classification of the rod is that weight line it throws under the normal conditions it is used. For example, a fast action 8wt would normally be aggressively cast with a lot of power, more line out and a double haul. It may measure a 9wt on the Common Cents method, but it best casts an 8wt line, therefore, should properly be classified as an 8wt.
I started with a 5, added a couple 3’s, then went to an 8 (I guess that’s because a 5 and a 3 add up to an 8?).
Honestly, the difference between a 5 or a 6 weight (or between an 8 or a 9) nowadays is actually less than the difference between a “5 weight” made by some manufacturers and a “5 weight” made by others.
Zach – you mention that within earshot of my wife, and you’re toast, buddy! ;D
Best Regards,
Beechy
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