[GeorgeMcFly]

glad ya found a rod! let us know how it ends up.

[tbacala]

Thanks for all of the advice guys. My new outfit consists of a 905-4 Sage Launch rod and an Orvis Battenkill Mid Arbor III reel that is loaded with WF5F Orvis Wonderline.

Prior to getting this outfit, the only other fly rod in my arsenal (except for some 40 year old fiberglass rods) was an 8wt rod built on a St Croix SCIV blank (that has gotten very little use). My knowledge of fly casting, to say the least, is very limited.

With my minimal experience in mind, here is my first impression of this combination. The Launch rod is light in the hand and casts beautifully up to about 50'. Beyond that distance, I am having trouble generating enough line speed for distance casting. At this point, I'm sure that this limitation is due to my inexperience and not to the rod.

One thing that is very noticeable is that the Sage is a lot more "limber" than the 8 weight St. Croix. Its a whole lot lighter too. With the 8 weight, casts of 65+ feet are fairly easy and I think that I'm using too much of the same casting stroke with the Launch. They are so different that I think I'll have to adopt a different casting stroke when using the Launch.

As to the reel, I'm really satisfied. It is a slick piece of equipment (although I know that there are a lot of reels out there that are its equal, and probably a few that are better).

Now for the best part. With a little patience, I was able to put this whole outfit together for $235. The rod, which was brand new, cost me $145 shipped and the reel, that was like new, came complete with line for $90 shipped. Both were bought off of E-Bay.

All in all, I'd give high marks to this combination. I just need a little time on the water to get better with the Launch.

[GeorgeMcFly]

a launch for 145!! wow what a deal! i see um for 199 at the cheapest!

[tbacala]

George, when it comes to getting deals, I'm not lucky often, but I think that I hit a home run on this one. The Launch still had tags attached and the warranty card included. It was absolutely brand spanking new.

I think that I was just as lucky with the reel considering that it came with Orvis Wonderline. The reel is used, but it could easily pass as brand new--not a scratch or blemish on it. As to the line, it looks new as well. The seller said that the reel and line had been used less than ten times.

By my estimation, I got a $375 rig for $235. I'm happy!

[GeorgeMcFly]

I also have a battenkill mid arbor but the iv instead of iii. that is prolly the best reel I have owned in my life! what a smooth feel! you will enjoy that combo for sure!!! I am gonna have to keep my eyes open more on ebay. I have got my fair shares of deals on there but been slacking lately.

[tbacala]

George, the rod was for sale as a "Buy it now or Best Offer". That is something that I hadn't seen before. Anyway, the "Buy it Now" price was $195, so perhaps that scared a few people off. I offered $100, which was declined with a counter offer of $145 shipped. I grabbed it. Keep an eye open for those "Best Offer" sales. I hadn't bid any of those before, but now I think it could be a better way to buy than competing against other bidders.

[flygrl53]

I'd demo one of the AEG 590 rods before I'd make a decision. The same blank that AEG is dressing up with newer components used to be Loops Grey Line, a $700 fly rod, while the AEG 590 is retailing for $370. I bought one recently and its a casting machine.

[boyodoc]

scott rod and battenkill reel.you can't lose!