What is the best entry level rod?

[Joel Thompson]

Hi All!
Just trying to get and idea of what everyone thinks is the best entry level fly rod on the market today. One the will work best for most situations, easy to cast, and won’t break the bank. My first thought is the new Winston Ascent, but I would love to know what you guys all think. Thanks!
Moosedog

[Cameron Mortenson]

I am a fan of the Scott V2 series of rods.

I have not cast the Winston Ascent but have not heard a lot of good about them.

[Ian Crabtree]

I actually have a 3 weight Winston Ascent that I bought because it was just too good of a rod for the price to pass up (I’m weak-willed, I’ll admit it). I imagine the rods are all over the map depending on weight and length as far as performance. However, to give you an idea, casting a 3 weight BIIX against the Ascent, the owner of the BIIX was having serious misgivings about having spent so much more for his rod. At 80 feet the BIIX showed where the rest of the money went, but who fishes a 3 weight at 80+ feet?

Warning: if you haven’t looked at one in person, the Winston Ascent is hands down the most hideous rod I’ve ever seen. This is coming from someone who could care less about the looks of a rod. I’m talking ugly – like I want to take sandpaper to it.

P.S. the rod tube is lavender (need I say more?).

Cast before you buy.

[Zach Matthews]

Best entry level rod is very subjective, but if I were buying again, it’d be either a TFO or a St. Croix Reign or Triumph, from the Pro Graphite bloodline.

[Joel Thompson]

Thanks guys! I am having to buy this rod for our company lawyer and to be honest I am not real sure of his skill level. Makes it kind of tough. I am able to get really good deals on Sage and Winston thru my outfitter as that is the line he stocks so that is why I am considering the Winston but I wanted to be sure there wasn’t something better out there.

Moosedog

[Phil Landry]

If you can get a good deal on Sage its worth looking at the Launch or the FLI.

[Mike Fielder]

I actually hate calling rods entry level.

[greg mitchell]

I’ve got a St. Croix Avid that is by far my favorite rod over several that cost much more.

Greg

[robert_lee]

I agree with Zach – determining what rod is best is very subjective. But in my experience, based on a majority of the casting styles out there, Ive had a lot of luck putting the Scott A2 in peoples hands. This is assuming that an entry level rod is not determined by price alone. The A2 is a great first rod and one that you will not outgrow.

[brian dunigan]

I second Phil’s vote on the Sage FLi.

[paul taylor]

all of the advice that you have gotten from everyone is fantastic!

[mike b.]

My vote would be a Scott V2.

[Joel Thompson]

Hi Guys! Thanks for all of the input. I ended up going with the Sage Launch. The guy I got it for never even casted it so I hope it works out for him. (You know how busy these Lawyer types are!) Anyhow he is off now on an eight day trip in the Bob Marshall wilderness so I guess I will find out in a week or so on how well I did picking out a rod for him. I casted it and thought it was a nice rod.

[Zach Matthews]

He never casted it?

[Joel Thompson]

That’s a great idea Zach! Hey…aren’t you a writer?? I would be more than happy to give you my input if you want to make a book. As a guide I actually think a book like that would be an excellent resource.

[Author]

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