Pricing has not been released yet. But it will be just slightly above the pricing of the Xa rods.
It is important for rod designers to get their prototypes into the hands of accomplished and analytical "field tester" anglers outside their immediate support group during the developmental process. Most of the big dogs do this but often make the error of using guides who fish but one habitat the same way most of the time. An angler that fishes diverse habitat frequently and is fluent in rod action versitility is a valuable asset. Only by getting outside critics to give input can designers escape the cronizim endemic among a circle of friends and develop superior rods and reels.If Allen wants to make me a beta-tester on the new line, I fish 5+ days a week for a variety of species, I would do my best to shoulder the responsibility
You are correct, and this is how we are approaching our rod development. I live in an area with an abundance of varied fishing opportunities unlike anywhere else in the country. This makes for a very thorough testing process in development, among a very diverse group of anglers.
Haven't quite made it that far along yet in rod testing to release a bonefish model. It's definitely in the plans to cover as many varieties of rod styles as possible, and do them very, very well. So some more specialized rods are going to take a bit longer to get through the development stage.
Gimme a few years before I can give valid feedback on a fly rod, until then I'll be happy with my Xa's
Hah, no worries. I'm hardly versed in the culture around this board, so I have to take everything at face value.My earlier comment was intended as a joke
Dean,
