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2-Weight Fly Rod
Shoot-Out…
Reviewer’s
Notes
Reviewer
Name _________________________ Date ___/___/2009
Rod Manufacturer _______________________ Rod Model Number
_____________
Instructions:
Ratings –
Whole numbers only, clearly indicate your level of satisfaction by
circling the ranking that applies in ink. Scale ranges; 1) product
doesn’t exhibit more than the barest, most minimal level of utility – a
real stinker, 2)product fulfills its intended purpose and is useable but
probably not enough for those who fish more than twice a year – no
enthusiasm, 3) solid performer, a lack of catching fish can be assumed as
“pilot error” and not gear – this is gear that will serve you until you
want to upgrade, 4) Either great performing but homely and inexpensive or
beautiful but maybe just a bit too flashy for what it really is – inspires
enthusiasm, and 5)The whole show is painted right there in the product,
damn the price, anyway – the gear that defines the category.
Related Gear and Summary –
via email, please provide a 200 to 1,000 word summary of your experience
with the test gear, listing other items you used in the course of the
evaluation. Submit to
joe@flyfishohio.com
with “2-Weight Shoot Out – Manufacturer –Model” as the subject line.
Summary to be submitted within 72 hours of date shown above.
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Packaging
- Look at the rod in the tube, with the sock (if one is included). Is
the tube useful? Will the tube/sock protect the rod in the normal course
of travels to and from an angling destination? Is the quality of the
tube/sock commensurate with the quality of the product and the image the
manufacturer projects? Is the rod model/length and/or other identifying
characteristics clearly, permanently and indelibly marked on the tube in
such a way that the owner can identify this particular rod, even if
others of the same manufacture are owned?
1 2 3 4 5
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Grip and reel seat
- Evaluate the quality of the cork. Are there voids or fills? Is the
grip proportional to the rod and pleasing in visual appearance? Is the
grip properly sized and comfortable in your hand? Does the reel seat
hold the reel securely during fishing/casting? Does mounting the reel
leave marks on the rod or cause other deformities which may limit the
useful life of the tool?
1 2 3 4 5
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Hook keeper, label and markings
- Is the rod pleasing to the eye. Are the vital statistics of the rod
immediately identifiable? Does the rod have a usable hook keeper? Is
there a winding check at the end of the grip? Are there "liar" marks or
other unique attributes of the graphic design of the rod?
1 2 3 4 5
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Guides, ferrules and tip top
- Are the guides of good quality, free from burs and rough spots? Are
the guide wrappings of equal length on both sides of the guides? Is the
finish evenly applied, glossy and without bubbles or discolorations? Do
the guides line up straight and are they mounted on the spline, opposite
the spline or at some odd angle?
Are there witness marks to line up sections? Are the
ferrules well finished, slim and without undue affect on the action of
the rod? Do the ferrule stations have "staying power" for casting and
fishing without working loose?
1 2 3 4 5
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Short Distance Casting
- The rod loads and casts accurately and with feel at distances under
25' measured from the caster's toes to the target. Test using
change-of-direction casts, reach cast, pile cast and curve cast - does
the line respond the casting command? All casting tests performed
with a reel and line to be provided. Additional testing with lines owned
by the tester are strongly encouraged.
1 2 3 4 5
-
Medium and Long Distance Casting
- The rod loads and casts accurately and with feel at distances from 25'
to 50' from the caster's toes to the target. Test using
change-of-direction casts, reach cast, pile cast and curve cast - does
the line respond the casting command? Is the rod is amenable to a
single haul or double haul to increase line speed? All casting tests
performed with a reel and line to be provided. Additional testing with
lines owned by the tester are strongly encouraged.
1 2 3 4 5
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Roll Casting
- Test the rod to see that it loads and delivers a quality, accurate
roll cast with a 9' leader and the standard test fly. To achieve a 4 or
higher rating the rod should be able to deliver a confident roll cast to
a target 25 feet or more away. All casting tests performed with a
reel and line to be provided. Additional testing with lines owned by the
tester are strongly encouraged.
1 2 3 4 5
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Fly Delivery and Accuracy
– Does the rod handles casting flies of varying air resistance and size,
commensurate with the intention of the rod's design parameters. Did the
rod deliver the fly accurately and with control?
1 2 3 4 5
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Fish Handling
– Is the rod confident with a fish on and does it provide delightful
feedback of the fish's movements and fight? Does the rod have
sufficient butt strength to effectively control a quality fish? Does
the rod have the ability to protect a light tippet on the hook-set and
initial run?
1 2 3 4 5
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Reviewer's Prerogative
- Based upon your experience and enjoyment of fishing and casting the
rod, this is a purely subjective rating. Give the rod a "5" if you just
can't see yourself letting this stick out of your sight - you're gonna
get it no matter what! A "4" is appropriate for a rod that really
tickles your fishing monkey-bone. A "3" for a rod you'll happily fish -
if a guide gave you this rod on an outing you'd have no problems with
it. A "2" should be for a rod you'll fish, but not enthusiastically. A
"1" is a rod that makes you wonder why you didn't just go directly to
the bar and start drinking!
1 2 3 4 5
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