22 Fly Rods and The Great 2-Weight Fly Rod Shoot-Out Review by Fly Fish Ohio

The Great 2-Weight Shoot-Out 22 Fabulous Fly Rods From 11 Hot Manufacturers Hit 4 Hardcore Reviewers Head On! Will there be any survivors? Read on... Listed Here In alphabetical order by manufacturer. Click on the picture or the rod model to be taken to the review of that particular rod. Comments shown on this page are the manufacturer's description as published on their web site or in their literature. Prices shown are manufacturer's list price at time of publication (July 2009). The metrics for the Common Cents System of fly rod measurement shown are the Action Angle (AA) and the Effective Rod Number (ERN). For an additional, in-depth explanation of how this system works and what these metrics might mean to you, click here. All fly rods are rated using a standardized review form. The scores of the four reviewers were averaged for each question and then the ten questions were averaged, generating the the composite rod score. The numbers are rounded and the Fly Fish Ohio Fly Rating system is then applied. For the detailed Fly Fish Ohio review results, click through to each rod review page. *Click For The Fly Fish Ohio Rating System* Take me to the Introduction page Take me to the Summary page
Cabela's LST 762-2 Click on the picture to be taken to the review of this fly rod.	7' 6", 2-Piece MSRP $175.00 AA 68 ERN 4.16 Looking for an affordable rod with all-around versatility? Sounds like you're the perfect candidate for our LST (Line Speed Taper) series. They are lightweight and strong, with a versatile fast action. One moment you could be shooting long, accurate casts across the length of the river, and the next you could be delicately laying down short, precise presentations to a nearby rising trout. LST rods perform both equally well. With the combination of medium- to high-modulus graphite material and fast actions, they deliver the same performance as rods that are typically priced much higher. In addition, we equipped them with lightweight woven graphite reel seats (aluminum reel seats on 7 wt. and up), single-foot titanium carbide finish guides, high-grade cork handles and SIC stripper guides. All hardware has a titanium-colored finish. Includes rod case. 25-year warranty.
Cabela's PT+ 662-2 Click on the picture to be taken to the review of this fly rod.	6' 6", 2-Piece MSRP $165.00 AA 65 ERN 1.77 When accurate line control and delicate presentations are required to hook wary fish, no rod does it better than the moderate-action Cabela's PT+. With the new continuous curve profile, these rods load and unload with maximum efficiency. This translates into greater accuracy and more casting distance with less effort. An extremely thin layer of graphite is added to specific locations throughout the blank to increase the overall durability of the blank, producing a rod that will withstand large loads. The extra backbone of the PT+ is just what you need to put the hammer down on monster fish. The moderate action of the PT+ promotes casts for finesse presentations, such as when your fishing small dries on a crystal-clear stream or lake. This type of taper is ideal for those with a slower casting stroke.
Cabela's TQR502-2 Click on the picture to be taken to the review of this fly rod.	5', 2-Piece MSRP $109.99 AA 70 ERN 2.67 Packing plenty of power into shorter length, the Tight Quarters Rods (TQR) excel in all those places where longer rods can be overkill. Now you can challenge those streams and creeks choked with heavy cover and find new fish-catching opportunities. The TQR's precision will be put to good use when the difference between hooking a fish and snagging a limb is a matter of inches. Although shorter, each rod has the backbone to turn a hard-charging fish, and is still limber enough to protect fine tippets. These advantages are critical and not something you will find in most shorter rods. The moderate-fast action is forgiving with a reserve of extra power when you need it. Cork reel seats and single-foot guides increase weight reduction. Two nuts on the reel seat lock the reel securely in place. Includes rod tube.
Cabela's TQR 702-2 Click on the picture to be taken to the review of this fly rod.	7', 2-Piece MSRP $109.99 AA 68 ERN 4.01 Packing plenty of power into shorter length, the Tight Quarters Rods (TQR) excel in all those places where longer rods can be overkill. Now you can challenge those streams and creeks choked with heavy cover and find new fish-catching opportunities. The TQR's precision will be put to good use when the difference between hooking a fish and snagging a limb is a matter of inches. Although shorter, each rod has the backbone to turn a hard-charging fish, and is still limber enough to protect fine tippets. These advantages are critical and not something you will find in most shorter rods. The moderate-fast action is forgiving with a reserve of extra power when you need it. Cork reel seats and single-foot guides increase weight reduction. Two nuts on the reel seat lock the reel securely in place. Includes rod tube.
Echo Carbon 732 Click on the picture to be taken to the review of this fly rod.	7' 3", 4-Piece MSRP $169.99 AA 65 ERN 2.23 When Tim set out to create the next generation of affordable trout rods he had no idea they were going to turn out so darn good looking. Getting the action and power correct was his main goal. Tim dedicated the first half of 2008 to make sure every model in the ECHO CARBON family is smooth and easy to cast. All but a few of these rods have smooth Medium Fast actions and possess power that would be considered close to "average or normal" for each line rating. So you get no surprises when choosing an ECHO CARBON rod. With a matte brown finish and a custom Rajeff Sports Echo Man reel seat, the ECHO CARBON rods stand out as the best looking rod under $200 that has ever been made.
Elkhorn ET602-3 Click on the picture to be taken to the review of this fly rod.	6', 3-Piece MSRP $169.00 AA 66 ERN 2.97 This collection represents our most popular line of rods. These smooth casting all around rods have a progressive medium-fast action to handle a variety of fishing conditions. Each model breaks down to less than 30 inches for easy traveling. Available in 2 through 10 weights. Additionally, two models (5 and 8 weight) are available in extra fast action for the more aggressive caster demanding immediate presentations in adverse conditions. These cannons generate some serious line speed.
Elkhorn ET802-4 Click on the picture to be taken to the review of this fly rod.	8', 4-Piece MSRP $189.00 AA 63 ERN 2.97 This collection represents our most popular line of rods. These smooth casting all around rods have a progressive medium-fast action to handle a variety of fishing conditions. Each model breaks down to less than 30 inches for easy traveling. Available in 2 through 10 weights. Additionally, two models (5 and 8 weight) are available in extra fast action for the more aggressive caster demanding immediate presentations in adverse conditions. These cannons generate some serious line speed.
Elkhorn Western 702-2 Click on the picture to be taken to the review of this fly rod.	7', 2-Piece MSRP $179.00 AA 65 ERN 2.97 Among this series are the shortest and most sensitive rods we build. Ultra-light weight, but with enough backbone to produce accurate casts in tight conditions. A real joy when pursuing small trout or panfish. Nickel-silver hardware and polished rosewood inserts are standard features on our Western Series rods (cork inserts used on 1 and 2 weights).
Great Bay Rod Company SFT 664-2 Click on the picture to be taken to the review of this fly rod.	6' 6", 4-Piece MSRP $279.99 AA 60 ERN 3.72 The SFT Series of Fly Rods from Great Bay Rod Company is our new line of fiberglass rods, 4 piece models meant to not break the pocketbook, yet still perform flawlessly day in and day out. We build these rods with the same New England craftsmanship and skill as all our other rod models.. Components in this series include: REC premium reel seats Select cork grips Stainless steel single foot guides Alignment marks All rods are individually numbered and warranted for the life of the rod. Rod tube and bag are included with every rod in the series.
Great Bay Rod Company WB 664-2 Click on the picture to be taken to the review of this fly rod.	6' 6", 4-Piece MSRP $329.99 AA 61 ERN 3.12 The Winding Brook series of rods represents a smooth casting small stream rod. Mid action rods gives the angler the opportunity to load the rod quickly for the fish that are in close yet has the ability to hit the other shore to hit those undercut banks with ease. This series of rods from 2 to 5 weight will help the angler present a delicate dry fly to the finickiest of fish. The components in this series feature state of the art stripping guides with titanium frames and ceramic inserts. Line guides are all stainless steel single foot guides. Cork grips are made from the highest grade cork available and are hand turned for the perfect fit. Reel seats are beautifully appointed with highly figured wood inserts.
Green-Stix Matrix AMF 662-2 Click on the picture to be taken to the review of this fly rod.	6' 6", 2-Piece MSRP $150.00 AA 55 ERN 1.92 Emerald green matrix twilled carbon fiber fuses the beauty of a woven twill graphite material with the traditional intermediate modulus rod design. The result is a cutting edge fly rod and the first of its kind to be offered. The Green-Stix "Matrix" material adds power and sensitivity to the butt section without inhibiting the performance of the unidirectional tip section
Greys GRXi001 Click on the picture to be taken to the review of this fly rod.	7', 2-Piece MSRP $150.00 AA 68 ERN 3.12 Beginner, intermediate or advanced, it's impossible not to appreciate our gutsy GRXi. Conceived, designed, engineered, tested and perfected by the Alnwick team and it shows. The GRXi is light, balanced, resilient and quick to recover. The whole package has been voted best for price, design, quality and versatility. With the extended Worldwide Warranty, it's hardly surprising that the GRXi is one of Europe's best-selling fly rods.
Hardy Aln Click on the picture to be taken to the review of this fly rod.	5', 2-Piece MSRP $299.99 AA 60 ERN .89 Editor's Note: This is one of those rods where the CCS metrics simply don't follow a linear relationship. There's one at every party! The ERN suggests a 1-weight, yet this rod is comfortable with a 2-weight or 3-weght. Glass reinvented? Are we talking 2009 or 1969? Let Product Manager, Howard Croston, explain. "Glass fibre has been largely ignored over the past twenty years in favour of lighter and faster carbon fibres. It's true that carbon is a superior material for lots of rod construction purposes, but not all. Adding glass to the mix gives a rod incredible durability and resistance to impact - making it ideal for the toughest fishing on back-country rivers and streams." By mixing glass to carbon we have achieved an easy loading, smooth action, with controlled, well-dampened recovery. The easy loading nature of these rods makes them sensational. They allow short range, controlled presentation with the absolute minimum of fly line beyond the tip ring.
Hardy Classic Flyweight Click on the picture to be taken to the review of this fly rod.	6', 2-Piece MSRP $299.99 AA 60 ERN 1.92 Our Classic range draws its inspiration from our past, but by utilising every trick of modern tech nology we have made every item in it totally compatible with the future. Reels like the Cascapedia, the Bougle or the Lightweight might well have been in manufacture for decades but constant modifications have made sure their performance is everything anyone would expect in 2009. The new Classic Lightweight and Glass rod ranges owe a lot to past designs, but are perfected through modern technological processes to meet the demands and expectations of modern fishermen. These new Lightweight rods are at the core of the Classic range. Great to look at with traditional fittings and cosmetics, they also load well and give a smooth, accurate delivery. The slightly reduced resin content in the tip speeds recovery and gives a rod that crispness river anglers especially need for tight controlled casting.
Mystic M273-2 Click on the picture to be taken to the review of this fly rod.	7'3", 2-Piece MSRP $349.99 AA 65 ERN 3.62 After years in development, testing rods and formulas of all profiles and sizes, we are proud to offer you the Mystic M-series fly rods. Each rod weight has been fine-tuned to offer you the best possible opportunity to make that difficult cast or fly placement. All Mystic rods are built with the finest carbon graphite composite available. You will not find another fly rod on the market today that offers performance and affordability like the M-series fly rods by Mystic.
South Fork Rod Company Classic Series C6622 Click on the picture to be taken to the review of this fly rod.	6' 6", 2-Piece MSRP $278.00 AA 70 ERN 1.12 Editor's Note: This is a rod where the CCS metrics are misleading. An AA of 70 indicates a fast action, this rod is the antithesis of a fast action! The ERN suggests a 1-weight, yet this rod is comfortable with a 2-weight or 3-weght. The Action of Bamboo without the Price. Classic glass tapers by Lamiglas. High grade Portuguese Cork Handle. Black Anodized Aluminum Reel Seat with Curly Koa spacer. Black Anodized Aluminum Winding Check, all by REC Components. Hopkins and Holloway Guides, Cordura Tube
St Croix Avid A762.4 Click on the picture to be taken to the review of this fly rod.	7'6", 4-Piece MSRP $230.00 AA 64 ERN 2.38 A comprehensive line of rods engineered with IPC® technology and slim-profile ferrules all decked-out in a canteen green pearl finish. The casting stroke is best described as “silky.” It loads progressively down the blank, delivering feel beyond your wildest expectations. With models covering every fishing situation imaginable, these are rods to which you simply can’t say no to.
St. Croix Imperial i602.2 Click on the picture to be taken to the review of this fly rod.	6', 2-Piece MSRP $150.00 AA 63 ERN 1.28 Throughout life we’re confronted with decisions that define us. Pickup vs. VW bus. Flattop vs. ponytail. Pancakes vs. omelet. Non-descript wet noodle fly rod vs. the return of the all new St. Croix® Imperial™ series. With its gorgeous, gloss burgundy finish, holding one of these beauties instantly establishes your gestalt. Then you cast. Immediately, the dynamic blend of high-modulus/ high-strain SC^IV graphite and premium-quality SC^II graphite for light weight and fast action is employed. Marveling bystanders must admit, you’re not just another pretty face.
St Croix Legend Ultra U762.4 Click on the picture to be taken to the review of this fly rod.	7' 6", 4-Piece MSRP $310.00 AA 63 ERN 2.38 Maybe you have a thing for Taimen. Or your tickets are in hand for Kamchatka. Or let’s say you just want to be able to flick that Parachute Adams under the low hanging limb on the opposite bank of your home river. All of the above? Well, here are the Legend Elite® fly rods to the rescue. We completely redesigned this series last year to meet the demands of the most intense fresh- and saltwater fly fishing applications encountered. Lighter, slim-profile ferrules and stunning cosmetics are married to premium, high-modulus, high-strain SC^V graphite blanks with carbon-matte scrim and loaded with ART™ and IPC® technologies. Legend Elites also feature SC^VI graphite in the lower portion of the rod for added power and reduced weight. The result is enough space-age science and American handcraftsmanship to give you a four-piece rod that performs like a one-piece. Freshwater models are finished in a smooth Gallatin green
TFO Finesse TF 02 73 4F Click on the picture to be taken to the review of this fly rod.	7' 3", 4-Piece MSRP $179.95 AA 63 ERN 2.97 Lefty Kreh Finesse Rods complement the TFO line by offering a more "traditional" taper and action for those who fish small flies and fine tippets on light lines. These are the ideal rods for meadow streams, limestone creeks, and spring creeks. At short to medium distances, Lefty Kreh Finesse rods cast effortlessly, turning over long leaders easily. The shorter lengths are perfect for tight quarters while the longer length rods will keep a back cast well above tall grasses. Lefty Kreh Finesse rods are handsomely appointed with Rosewood inserts on an up locking reel seat which nicely accentuates the deep olive finish.
TFO Left Kreh Signature TFO 02 60 2 Click on the picture to be taken to the review of this fly rod.	6', 2-Piece MSRP $109.95 AA 65 ERN 2.67 Lefty Kreh Signature Series rods offer astounding performance from a medium fast action rod. This is a perfect first fly rod with performance that will impress even a master fly caster. Lefty Kreh's Signature Series Fly Rods by Temple Fork Outfitters Six weights and lighter feature hook keepers and half-wells grips, while our eight weight and heavier have comfortable fighting butts and full wells grips. Smooth progressive tapers load fast but have the reserve power for distance, line speed, and loop control. Each rod comes in a beautiful dark green logoed rod sock so you may add our case or make you own. For less than $100 you can own a fly rod that will out perform rods costing much more.
TFO Professional TFO 02 80 3 P Click on the picture to be taken to the review of this fly rod.	8' 0", 3-Piece MSRP $149.95 AA 67 ERN 2.82 These medium fast and progressive action rods are smooth casting and are an incredible value. Traveling anglers can afford to take them as a backup, but often return with a new favorite. Cosmetics include matte black finished blanks and subtle gold logos. They feature alignment dots color coded by line weight, premium grade cork, and oversized stripper guides. Each rod comes with an attractive logoed rod sock so you can add our optional tube or customized your own.
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