[shorthaul]

Earlier in the year i was trying a bunch of rods looking for a 6wt---i tried the TFO at a shop that also handled ECHO. Comparing the 2 with the same line on the same day, i found that the ECHO had a bit more power at the extended cast but both cast fairly well up to 50 feet that i couldnt tell the difference. I bought the ECHO on that basis and then treated myself to a vew z-axis after my stimulus check came

[Pocono]

My wife fishes the TFO Casting for Recovery 8'6" 5 wt. rod and likes it. It's the same blank as the Pro series; but with a purple finish. Having said that, she also fishes her Winston BIIx, and likes it; a little bit more I think; judging by the relative frequency that I see those two rods fished by her on the stream.

[axle27]

I've been eye-balling a 2-piece Series 1 in 7'-6" 3wt for panfish. I really want a St. Croix Avid, but I just don't have the where-withal to shell out $200.00 for a panfish rod. I've never used one, but the price is good: $99.00.

I'm torn between shelling out a bit more for a used, Pre-IPC Avid or getting the TFO. I already know how I'm going to outfit the rod...

I also am looking at an Imperial in 3wt. It's a comparable price, but after casting an older Scott G, I'm finicky.

[plland]

I forgot about their 2-piece series. That's a very good value for what I understand to be essentially the same blank as their Professional series.

[ezamora]

i don't think it's accurate to say their 2 pc signature line is essentially the same as their 4 pc professional series. in a completely subject manner, i've test cast (but not fished) the signatiure (IM6) and the signature series is more of a medium to medium fast, while the professional (which i have) seems more medium fast. did that make sense? completely subjective of course.

to use something more scientific, taking the 9 foot 6wt size, the Common Cents System chart lists the IM6 rod with an ERN (intrinsic power) of 7.03 and an Action Angle of 72 . this if under the fly rod page. the Pro measures a ERN of 7.53 and AA of 69. small difference.

while the same size in the Professional series ROD rates an ERN of 8.28 and 8.4 with an Action Angle of 74 and 69. big jump in ERN suggetsing something different between the blank series.

Common Cents Rod Information
The Common Cents System

i'm not that anal to regularly USE the CCS system, but this was a good opportunity and there you have it in numbers. :-)

eric
fresno, ca.

[plland]

That's an interesting website. So the Signature series is a little slower than the Professional series.

[ezamora]

yes, at least my long and short of it.

if there's someone who knows their stuff and has cast both, feel free to chime in.

eric
fresno, ca.

[tlcrep]

Originally Posted by Jackster

Since you asked...
I have tried darn near every style they make and as yet haven't found one I didn't find heavy and clunky and of marginal cosmetics and hardware.
Not a one of them turned my head around and they for sure aren't something I would be proud to hand down to the next generation.
The prices on their top lines aren't all that cheap either.
I guess if there is one thing I can say about them is that no rod company markets better.
Just my take on them. Don't be offended.

Then I doubt you have tried the deer creek series. I have and they cast better than anything up to twice as much, including sage z axis. The only rods I could find that cast better were CND, which were about $800 and had horrible hardware.

[axle27]

Kinda off the subject of TFO, but I'm in line for a 8ft, 2-pc, 4wt Avid for $80. If this doesn't happen, I will probably get the TFO.

[Frank Whiton]

Hi to all,

I have recommended the TFO 9' 5wt with few reservations. It is a great rod for the beginner. It has a good company behind the rod with a very good warranty. It is inexpensive but a very good rod to learn how to cast with. If a new caster complains that he is having trouble casting his TFO Pro, I know that it is not the rod's fault in most cases. It is a rod that makes a good backup rod later on when the beginner has progressed to better rods.

I don't think a more expensive rod is a good choice for a beginner to figure out fly fishing. There are falls, tangles, trees, bushes, car doors, and everything else that gets us when we start out. It is true they are a little heavier than some rods but that may work better for a beginner. The hardware is adequate and that is all a beginner needs. I haven't seen any $100 rods that have much better hardware. Its made in Korea and gear from Korea is generally better than that from China.

I think the TFO Pro is a good choice for a beginner or anyone who wants an inexpensive rod, . I have not seen the ECHO rods but Cliff thinks they are a good choice for the money and that is good enough for me.

Frank