Orvis Clearwater or St. Croix Imperial

[Streamdance]

Hey everyone, this is my first post here, so Hello! I found this forum awhile back and I've been jumping on here and there, so now I've decided to use the site.

I'm 20 and recently purchased my first Fly Rod, an Orvis Trout Bum 7'6 3w, and I love it, after being spoiled on my Dad's Sage LL 2 weight I needed something that could keep up with it and have a little more backbone. So now all of my friends are starting to get into Fly Fishing as well but don't have enough faith in it (though they've seen me outfish them regularly with the fly) to put some dough into it. I don't blame them, we're young and broke. But they're looking into rods in the $150.00 to $200.00, so I've personally selected a couple rods in the 3-4 weight range from the TFO Finesse, St. Croix Imperial, and Orvis Clearwater.

I've personally casted the 5 Weight Imperial and it loads well, but it's a bit bulky for my liking, and the Orvis Clearwater in 3 weight line performs almost exactly like my Trout Bum, the flex just doesn't reach the butt like the Trout Bum. They've narrowed it down to the Imperial, and the Clearwater. I personally am not a fan of the Imperial, but it is a cosmetically nice rod, but I hear the lighter rods can't throw as far as they should.

Which one of these rods would you suggest, and does anyone think the TFO Finesse is a better rod for the money since it's about 20 bucks cheaper?

Thanks a lot!

 

[Trout Fever]

go to wallmart and buy the 5 wieght kit cheap and they will be able to figure out if they like flyfishing... the rod really isnt that bad for 60 dollars then
i went to gander and bought a guide series on clearence for 100 dollars then they a cheap reel on it no sense in spending

 

[Streamdance]

I did forget to mention that they all have been using the cortland kit. And they like it, but they want to grab a rod that will be good to improve their technique and be able to feel the little stockers better with. I have an eagle claw Sweetheart 6w from my youth, and rod is a blast to catch fish on compared to the new $20-40 rods they have on the market now. And Wal Mart gave millions of dollars to the Anti Fishing people recently so I'll have to send them to Dick's

 

[LyNcH]

My first rod was the first generation Clearwater and I loved it. They just released their 3rd generation and it is receiving great reviews. Both St. Croix and TFO make nice rods and have a good warranty program like Orvis. I am partial to Orvis and Sage rods, so I would go with the Orvis. Orvis usually starts offering promotions this time of year, so be on the lookout and/or subscribe to their email publications.

 

[Trouser Trout]

The Orvis Clearwater is a nice rod and a good value.

 

[Trout Guy]

I have 2 clearwaters, and they are a great buy.

Actually the first decent rod i bought was a 9ft 5wt Clear water.

You also cant beat orvis' 25year garuantee. That means you can break it as many times in 25 years as you possibly can..

I also have a couple St.croix's and they are also great rods with a good replacement policy. You really cant go wrong between the two.

 

[steve b]

streamdance,
both of the rods mentioned are good, just wondering why they did not like or choose the TFO finesse? for the money it is a real nice rod.

steve

 

[Trouser Trout]

streamdance,
both of the rods mentioned are good, just wondering why they did not like or choose the TFO finesse? for the money it is a real nice rod.

steve

He probably never heard of that POS.

 

[Streamdance]

Well Steve, they ended up with the Imperial. St. Croix's lifetime warranty seems to be a joke next to Orvis' 25 year. At least orvis doesn't charge $75 a fix. I mean, how often does one break a rod, with the proper user technique? But still, I'm a big fan of Sage, and Orvis, because those are the rods my Dad brought me up on. I was going to purchase a TFO Finesse, before I found my Superfine on the shelf. What makes you say it's a POS, Trouser?

 

[Trouser Trout]

Well Steve, they ended up with the Imperial. St. Croix's lifetime warranty seems to be a joke next to Orvis' 25 year. At least orvis doesn't charge $75 a fix. I mean, how often does one break a rod, with the proper user technique? But still, I'm a big fan of Sage, and Orvis, because those are the rods my Dad brought me up on. I was going to purchase a TFO Finesse, before I found my Superfine on the shelf. What makes you say it's a POS, Trouser?

was just kidding....

 

[Streamdance]

was just kidding....

Lol sorry, I couldn't tell because I've never actually heard much about TFO on the streets, and I am curious to know about TFO's rods because I never actually handled the Finesse before I (almost) ordered it. Still am curious though, as I'd like to purchase my girlfriend a decent stick when I FINALLY succeed in getting her "hooked".:victory:

 

[steve b]

I was just wondering becuse the finesse is the one rod in the TFO line I like a lot. if you live near a shop have her cast the rod before you buy it, YOU will be happier in the end believe me.

Steve