[hightek505]

I'm wondering how you all feel about TFO rods?? I'm looking to get a new rod and have heard some buzz about these rods. In glancing over some of the threads here i see their name pop up and one of my co workers talks about them as well. I did some research online and it seems like either people like them or they don't. Most people seem to not like them, partly because they are not made in the USA. Sounds like a lame reason to me but you know, whatever floats your boat.

I'm just looking to get a general consensus on these rods.

[plland]

I have a TFO 3wt 7'9" Finesse that I love more than or as much as my Sage SLT (though the Sage has more power and is not 100% comparable) and I have tried a Winston WT, but didn't like that rod as much as the TFO. I briefly owned a TFO 7wt TiCr but sold it pretty quickly because it weighed, in my opinion, too much, and wasn't the easiest thing to cast. I also own a 5wt 8'9" Finesse and have mixed feelings about it. It feels a little tip heavy without a heavy enough reel on it, is a slower action than my 7'9" Finesse, and feels less powerful (which is why I always recommend the shorter version of the rods in this series to people). I've also cast a 5/6wt 9' TFO NXT, and liked it quite a lot, but this is a value-made rod. The blank was good, but all the components were inexpensive.

So of the 4 rods by TFO I've had experience with, there's 1 thumbs way up, 1 thumbs up with a note about the inferior components, 1 thumbs sideways with a note about the rod being too long/too heavy, and 1 thumbs down.

That's just my opinion, but if you don't know what you're looking for, and have a chance to test cast these rods, you might find a model you really like the feel of.

[ezamora]

yes, i like them. i like the fact that TFO was one of the first to offer an affordable fly rod to people starting out which broke down the price-exclusivitity of flyfishing. no need to go out and drop $300+ for a decent new flyrod and a good repair policy with a company which stills seems to remember the value of customer service (barring walmart level rods). i think it has opened up doors for many to get into the sport.

TFO rods, at least the professional line which i have, do not use the best components. the quality of the cork in the grips has come underfire at times, but it's hard to find good cork at a reasonable price. but i think it's a reasonable compromise. the far east manufacturing doesn't bother me too much. it is an american company, no?

i think TFO offers a great deal for beginners in price, and they offer some nice options for more advanced casters too.

eric
fresno, ca.

[Brunner]

I only have one TFO rod (5wt Pro) and I love it. When testing out a number of different rods in the price range (Sage Launch, Echo Classic, etc.), it was the one that seems to just be more comfortable for me. I would like to to be another color besides black but then again, I don't know of any fish that I didn't catch because of rod color. I didn't catch them because I'm not any good.

[professori]

I have 3 TFO rods and have only great things to say about them. As for them being USA built, I am a Canadian anddon't giove a rat's a** if they are built off-shore. So is the Sage Launch.

[randyflycaster]

The ones I've tried cast very well, but they're a bit heavy and look inexpensive.

I always buy the lightest rod I can afford.

Randy

[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.

[hightek505]

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.

i'm not offended I asked because I wanted to know what people think of them. That's what you told me. If i were to get offended i shouldn't have asked. and honestly, i'm happy that there is a negative "review" about them. it helps add to the OVERALL review i think. Thanks

[plland]

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.

Even as a fan of TFO rods, I'd agree with these comments to a point, which is why the only TFO rods I own are in lighter weights (3-5). The hardware isn't quite garden hose quality, but it's nowhere near what's on my Sage. Though, I do think the actions of the medium and medium-fast rods are pretty smooth and enjoyable to cast, and personally I can live with the hardware for a rod that costs under $200. The more expensive ones--the fast and ultra-fast action rods in their line--and the rods in the heavier weight ranges, I personally don't care for because they're, as you say, pretty heavy and don't feel as smooth as top of the line rods at 1.5x-2x the price.

[Joni]

I only have one TFO. It is the professional 5wt. and I preferred it's action on the 10' over the St. Croix and the Sage. A feel thing.
I also have the Winston LT and the JWF (WT) Nothing compares to those two they are perfect.
On my TFO, I wsn't crazy about the full well grip, but got use to it.
As mentioned, the material is really bad, however it is getting harder and harder to find good cork.
But mine was literally falling off, so, I had the old man fix it up for me.



A little RATTAN.