Top-Of-The-Line Blues
Mid-Priced Fly Rods
By Scott Clayton

Not everyone can afford a top-of-the-line fly rod. With prices crossing the $600 mark, premium rods are getting further and further out of reach for the working class fly fisher. Contrary to current marketing hype you don't have to take out a second mortgage to enjoy the pursuit of fish with a fly. In fact, half the premium rod price, around $300, secures a surprisingly pleasant fly- fishing tool; one that is much better than half the quality of a premium rod.

A common theme for constructing mid-priced fly rods is to focus on performance, opting for less expensive components thereby reducing costs. In fact, some manufacturers produce multiple rod series using the same blanks but different hardware. This allows them to offer a less expensive rod that performs as well as a premium rod but may not be as pretty. This is a great option for consumers. And what's even better is some manufacturers construct rods that not only perform well, but look good and still fall into the $300 price range.

I tried the following fly rods:
Diamondback VSR 9'0" 5 weight 3 piece
Fly Logic FL Optimum 8'6" 4/5 weight 3 piece
L. L. Bean GQS 9'0" 5 weight 2 piece
Scott SAS 9'0" 5 weight 3 piece
St. Croix Legend Ultra 9'0" 5 weight 4 piece
Thomas & Thomas Emerger 9'0" 5 weight 4 piece

Diamondback VSR 9'0" 5 weight 3 piece
Action             Fast
Rod Weight    3.3 oz.
Price                 $269

Constructed from reliable DGS800 graphite and bi-directional fiberglass scrim, the VSR(TM) Series utilizes an advanced taper design. VSR rods feature a matte black finish, uplocking matte black reel seats with an ebony wood spacer, and hard chrome single foot guides. VSR rods come in an aluminum rod tube with a cloth rod sock. All Diamondback rods are unconditionally guaranteed for life, to the original purchaser.

The Diamondback VSR has a crisp, nice action. It is very responsive casting up to 40 feet. When going for distance I averaged 56 feet; my longest cast was 61 feet.

Catching fish with the VSR is enjoyable; the tip is sensitive, easily flexing into the upper 1/4 to 1/3 of the rod length. The VSR did a great job casting sinking line while float tubing. It handled fish ranging from 14 to 17 inches well.

The cosmetics are simple. Performance is the focus. The matte finish and single foot guides give the VSR a "G. Loomis" look. The cork grip is comfortable.

Summary:
Very comfortable casting in the short to mid-range. Plenty of power on reserve for distance casting. It has good sensitivity while playing fish. It is the least expensive multi-piece rod in this review.

Contact Diamondback at (607) 756-2851 or on the Internet at www.diamondbackflyrods.com.

Fly Logic FL Optimum 8'6" 4/5 weight 3 piece
Action             N/A
Rod Weight    3.13 oz.
Price                 $285

The FL Optimum 8'6" 4/5 weight 3 piece rod is constructed using fxIV high modulus graphite. FL Optimum Series rods feature a matte ebony finish, anodized aluminum uplocking reel seats with a mossy green, type 3 anodized barrel, oversized snake and stripping guides, and oversized tip-tops. FL Optimum rods come in a silver aluminum rod tube with a cloth rod sock. Fly Logic rods include a lifetime warranty covering any defect in materials and workmanship for the life of the original purchaser.

When casting all the rods in an afternoon the FL Optimum 8'6" definitely felt the lightest. I used it with both 4 weight and 5 weight floating line. It does an adequate job casting short distances with the 4 weight line. However, I preferred casting it with 5-weight line. With 5-weight line it was very comfortable up to 40 feet. I experienced a little tip vibration trying to push it too hard. When I settled into a nice rhythm I easily cast over 60 feet, averaging 58 feet per cast.

Tip sensitivity on the FL Optimum is great. I spent a morning on the Price River with my 7-year-old son. We caught more fish than we could count, nothing very large, the biggest was a beautiful 12-inch brown trout. Most averaged closer to 6 inches, but that didn't matter to us. We both had a great time feeling those little fish. I'd place this rod in the medium-fast action category.

The cosmetics on the FL Optimum are good. I especially like the green accents near the tip of each wrap. The cork grip is a disappointment; it's a little on the short side and has pits that are noticeable while casting.

Summary:
The FL Optimum is the most surprising rod I tried. I expected the 8'6" length to be more difficult when casting over 50 feet. Instead I found it easily cast as far as any of the rods in this review. Casting the FL Optimum under 40 feet is a breeze. Even with a few pits in the grip I enjoyed casting and catching fish with this rod.

Contact Fly Logic at (888) FLYLOGIC (359-5644) or on the Internet at www.flylogic.com .

L. L. Bean GQS 9'0" 5 weight 2 piece
Action             Medium-Fast
Rod Weight    3.2 oz.
Price                 $250

L.L. Bean's GQS (Guide Quality Series) rods are constructed by combining high-modulus graphite with an advanced scrim and resin system; they incorporate the same progressive flex as the more expensive SPT fly rods. They feature a deep blue finish, uplocking reel seats with a maple spacer, snake guides, and Fuji stripping guides. GQS rods come in a cordura covered rod case with a cloth rod sock. They are covered by Bean's 100% satisfaction guarantee.

The GQS feels light in hand. Casting in the mid-range, up to 35 feet, is comfortable. It requires a deliberate stroke, encouraging you to slow down and let the rod do its job. With the wind at my back I was able to throw 60 feet of line; I consistently got out 57 feet when pushing it for distance. Casting into the wind was a little more challenging. Accurate timing is necessary to get the rod to perform under tougher conditions.

While playing a fish the GQS has excellent sensitivity; it flexes easily into the upper 1/3 to 1/2 of its length. Protecting lighter tippets won't be a problem for this rod. The GQS felt great on float tubing duty, catching fish ranging from 14 to 17 inches.

The GQS cosmetics are excellent, especially for a rod in this price range. The deep blue blanks plus the polished silver reel seat, along with the maple insert, give the GQS an elegant look. The cork grip is comfortable.

Summary:
The GQS combines sensitivity, while casting and playing a fish, with good looks. This rod excels in the short to mid-range, up to 35 feet. Wind did pose a challenge, but nothing a little practice wouldn't solve. Add to the mix a nice cordura case and Bean's 100% satisfaction guarantee and the $250 price tag is very appealing. The 2-piece rod I tried was great, but I prefer multi-piece rods. No problem there, L.L. Bean also offers a 9'0" 5 weight 4 piece GQS for $280.

Contact L.L. Bean at (800) FISH-LLB (347-4552) or on the Internet at www.llbean.com .

Scott SAS 9'0" 5 weight 3 piece
Action             Medium-Fast
Rod Weight    3.2 oz.
Price                 $280

Scott SAS Series rods are constructed from high strain graphite. SAS rods feature a charcoal, satin waxed finish, anodized aluminum uplocking reel seats with a walnut insert, hard chrome snake guides, stainless steel stripping guides with Hialoy insert and ultra-slim sleeve ferrules. SAS rods come in a cordura covered rod case with a built-in liner. Scott fly rods have an unconditional lifetime warranty covering breakage for the life of the original owner.

True to the Scott name the SAS has a very nice feel to it. It's so smooth it comes close to a medium action. It casts effortlessly up to 35 feet. Like the Fly Logic FL Optimum, when pushed hard for distance I noticed some minor tip vibration. I was able to cast it 62 feet; after establishing a good rhythm I averaged 57 feet. Each time I cast this rod I was able to reach a little further.

The SAS, like other Scott rods, is very responsive while playing a fish. I spent a beautiful fall afternoon on a small lake in the High Uinta Mountains casting dry flies to colorful brookies. My buddy and I enjoyed watching the fish aggressively attack my Royal Wulff, sometimes darting several feet straight up and even out of the water. The fish ranged from 12 to 16 inches and the SAS handled the situation very well.

The cosmetics on this rod are simple. The emphasis is clearly on performance rather than aesthetics. The cosmetics on the 1999 SAS Series have been upgraded to include new reel seats with wood inserts and blue trim wrap highlights. The grip is comfortable but did have a couple of noticeable pits.

Summary:
Typical smooth Scott feel. Effortless casting in the short to mid-range. Has the potential to cast for distance. Definite emphasis on performance over aesthetics; although newer rods include better aesthetics.

Contact Scott at (800) 728-7208 or on the Internet at www.scottflyrod.com.

St. Croix Legend Ultra 9'0" 5 weight 4 piece
Action             Fast
Rod Weight    3.05 oz.
Price                 $300

St. Croix Legend Ultra rods are constructed from high-modulus SCIV graphite. They feature a non-glare finish, uplocking, anodized aluminum reel seats with bird's-eye maple inserts, titanium- plated, single-foot guides and SiC stripping guides with titanium-plated frames. The Legend Ultra comes in a compact cordura covered rod tube with a divided nylon liner. St. Croix backs the Legend Ultra with an unconditional lifetime warranty.

When I picked up this rod and started playing around with it I was surprised by how comfortable it felt in my hand. Before I had time to think I was casting over 40 feet. When I pushed it for distance I consistently cast 56 feet.

The tip is very flexible; it allows you to easily feel a fish on the end of your line. I'm surprised this rod is classified as fast action; it flexes easily in the upper 1/4 to 1/3 and when pushed flexes progressively down the length of the rod. To me it is closer to medium-fast action.

The silver uplocking reel seat, along with the bird's-eye maple insert, gives the Legend Ultra a classy look; it looks like a top-of-the-line rod. The reel foot groove in the bird's-eye maple insert is a nice touch. The matte finish and single-foot guides give it a "G. Loomis" look. The cork grip is comfortable.

Summary:
The Legend Ultra fits my casting style perfectly. It is the most comfortable rod I cast. It does an excellent job in the short to mid-range. Plus it has power for those occasions when distance is required. I really like the compact, 30 1/2 inch long, cordura rod tube the 4 piece comes in; it easily packs away in a backpack or piece of luggage. The hardware on the handle gives the Legend Ultra a classy style difficult to compete with in this price range. The Legend Ultra is my overall favorite among the rods in this review.

Contact St. Croix at (800) 826-7042 or on the Internet at www.stcroixrods.com.

Thomas & Thomas Emerger 9'0" 5 weight 4 piece
Action             Medium-Fast
Rod Weight    N/A
Price                 $325

Emerger Series rods are designed for anglers on a budget who do not wish to compromise performance. Their focus is on performance with modestly priced hardware and aesthetics. They feature a black, unsanded finish, uplocking reel seats with a wooden insert, and silver snake guides. Emerger rods come in a nice navy blue aluminum rod tube with a cloth rod sock. Thomas & Thomas warranties their fly rods against breakage due to defects in materials, manufacturing or workmanship for the life of the original purchaser.

The Thomas & Thomas Emerger has a solid feel. It easily casts 40 feet. Of all the rods in this review the Emerger handles windy conditions the best. Over 60 feet wasn't difficult; I averaged just over 59 feet, the best of all the rods in this review. While this rod excelled casting for distance it was comfortable in the short to mid-range too.

The Emerger is sensitive enough to enjoy scrappy 12 inch rainbows and doesn't back down when faced with fish in the 18 to 20 inch range. It easily flexes into the upper 1/3 of the rod length, protecting even light tippets.

The Emerger's focus on performance instead of aesthetics doesn't mean they scraped the bottom of the component barrel. The Emerger has a handsome well-built style. The reel seat with its wood insert and the unsanded finish add to the rugged look. The cork grip is comfortable.

Summary:
For distance or use in windy conditions the Emerger can't be beat. It's sensitive tip and practical, handsome style, add to its appeal. The 30-inch good-looking navy blue aluminum rod tube is the shortest one reviewed, making packing the Emerger a snap. At $325 it's the most expensive rod in this review. Thomas & Thomas do offer a 2 piece version of this rod for $275, but to me the extra $50 is money well spent.

Contact Thomas & Thomas at (413) 863-9727 or on the Internet at www.thomasandthomas.com.

Wrap-up

As I sat down to write this review I found it very difficult. These 6 rods are very similar in price, action and general feel. Very minor, subtle differences differentiate each from the other. The Fly Logic FL Optimum, St. Croix Legend Ultra, and L.L. Bean GQS have very similar action and feel. The Scott SAS is a little slower. The Diamondback VSR is slightly faster; and the Thomas & Thomas Emerger is slightly faster than the Diamondback VSR.

I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed each of these rods. For stream fishing or float tubing, I'd be happy owning any one of them. Overall, because of feel (casting and playing a fish), aesthetics, and packability I liked the St. Croix Legend Ultra the best. The Fly Logic FL Optimum is a great shorter/lighter option. For wind and distance the Thomas & Thomas Emerger performed the best. The least expensive multi-piece option is the Diamondback VSR.

Scott Clayton is the Fly Fishing Editor at GearReview.com.