Somerset Show Rod Review

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Spent the day at the Somerset, NJ show and had the opportunity to cast several rods. As I won several rod brands here is my objective review:

BIIMX 5 weight- did not like the rod when I cast a few months ago outside with an old shop line. This time around I think it was the best 5 weight at the show. What's amazing is that this rod flexes rather easily and deeply but has super fast recovery. It had great feel for me and with a longer casting area easily would throw the whole line. Not sure what the line was on it though, maybe a GPX. The day before they had some sharkskins which I am dying to try but they were gone.

BIIMX 6 weight- very stiff and fast and felt pretty lifeless to me and very different than the 5. Would be a great streamer rod though but not a dry fly rod unless you were throwing mice patterns!

Scott G2- very impressed with this rod, a great medium fast 5 weight and similar to the BIIX but maybe a touch nicer IMHO due to its deeper flex with no flex spots. I found the BIIX 5 to transition to be sloopy with too soft a tip to a stiffer mid section.

Scott S4- a new fast rod by Scott, not impressed. A nice rod though but nothing interesting.

Orvis Helio- 5 and 6 weight tip flex, very nice rods and the best from Orvis in years. Light but not sure the swing weight is that impressive.

Rio Gold- very smooth but fast shooting line with a really nice taper!