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Justin Bolduc "5 Weight Shoot-Out"
Bighorn Rainbow on my trusty Z-Axis Let me start by saying how impressed I have been throughout the process of this Shoot Out with the professionalism of my coworkers here at the Yellowstone Angler. Everyone here takes this process very seriously so as to provide the most accurate and non-bias results to you, the consumer. Hundreds on man-hours have gone into this years “Shoot Out”. From gathering the rods from the different manufacturers, assessing the fit and finish of each rod, weighing each rod and each rod section, feeling and casting each rod, photography and in my case fishing as many of the rods as time and weather would allow.
I would honestly ask each end every one of you reading this article to please feel free to contact any of us to discuss the results or discuss any particular rod. Really, feel free to call me 406-222- 7130. I will also take this opportunity to ask for your business, if you are in the market for a new rod, please give us the opportunity to be of assistance, I don’t think there is another fly shop anywhere that provides as much accurate information as we have here and that will happily, openly and honestly evaluate each customer and what rod will be best for each of you! I'm confident that we do a better job than any shop I've seen in setting up and rigging tackle right for both fresh and saltwater destinations. On to my results...
#1 Hardy Zenith 58 points out of 60
Let’s be honest, I wouldn’t have guessed in a thousand years that a Hardy rod was going to win the Shoot Out; I’m as surprised as you. But, this is one heck of a 5wt - light, accurate and effortless are 3 words that echo all through my casting notes on this rod. At every distance, 25, 45 and 70 feet the rod was easy to cast and very accurate. When I first cast the rod I took about 7 shots at the 45’ plate and hit it almost every time, I had to look up at my hand and make sure there was a rod in it because I didn’t feel anything, it just happened. If there is one very minor draw back, that’s it, this rod is simply so light you don’t really feel anything happening, it just delivers accurate cast after accurate cast. On distance the Hardy Zenith was a hands down winner for me, we took the rods out into the cold and wind and I was able to effortlessly cast the entire 90 foot fly line and 12’ leader, I was able to cast into the backing on a couple other rods, but none with such effortlessness. The only reason the Hardy didn’t receive a perfect 60 points from me is because of the slight lack of feel at 25 and 45 feet. If you are in the market for an all around 5 weight for dry fly fishing, nymphing and throwing streamers on medium to large water I honestly don’t think anyone would be anything but pleasantly surprised with the Hardy Zenith. I was! Casting Notes @ 25’: Accurate, Light, Smooth. Effortlessly hit the target every time, very light in my hand. 19/20 Casting Notes @ 45’: Ditto Above, Absolutely Perfect, almost too light. 19/20 Casting Notes @ 70’: Easy & Effortless, lots of line speed. 20/20
#2 (tie) Sage Z-Axis 57 points out of 60
This is it! This is my rod and after casting 17 others with an open mind and a heck of an industry discount, I’m sticking with the Z-Axis. This rod does it all and has done it all for me over the past few seasons, from throwing poppers for smallmouth, to brook trout on tiny streams, to heavy nymph rigs and streamers on tailwaters, to lake fishing here in Montana, to steelhead on Erie tributaries, and dries, nymphs and streamer on our Paradise Valley Spring Creeks. Over the past few seasons I’ve never wanted for another 5 weight and I still don’t, although I’d definitely would take a Winston BIIIx for fishing dries, but I don’t see Winston sending me a free rod anytime soon. Casting Notes @ 25’: Light and accurate, best so far at 20’. 20/20 Casting Notes @ 45’: Easy to cast, plenty of power but easy to throw delicate loops, best. 19/20 Casting Notes @ 70’: Easy accuracy, don’t have to push it to get distance, not as effortless as the Hardy. 18/20
This Ohio Steelhead was caught on my Sage Z-Axis 5 wt!
#2 (tie) Winston BIIIX 57 pts out of 60Justin's #1 Pick for Dry Fly Rod
If you like the classic “Winston” feel you’ll love this rod. It has plenty of power without sacrificing feel. This rod is another excellent all around 5 weight, but its specialty is casting dries or small nymphs. I fished this rod several days on the spring creeks this fall and was extremely impressed with the feed back I got from the rod while casting and playing fish. This rod will protect light tippets and gracefully throw delicate loops to spooky trout. It also has the backbone to fight heavy fish and even throw moderate sized streamers. My casting notes read the same at all distances. Rod really loaded, nice smooth action, very accurate, no problem turning over a 12’ leader at 25’! “Effortless casting stroke, good timing.” The following note just jumped out at me from my casting notes for this rod. “Simply a very sweet casting rod that performs like a fast action rod with the feel of a Winston.” Casting Notes @ 25’: Rod really loads at 25’. Tip is nice and soft, no problem turning over 12’ leader. This has to be the best dry fly rod on the market. 20/20 Casting Notes @ 45’: Again, really loaded. Very smooth casting action, plenty of effortless power. Hitting plate over and over with no false casting, Just a sweet casting rod that performs like a fast action rod but feels like a Winston. 19/20 Casting Notes @ 70’: Nice soft open loop at 70’. Not a very tight loop but turning over leader with delicacy. Really having to slow down my casting stroke. 18/20
This Spring Creek Brown was caught on the Winston B3X. #3 (tie) G. Loomis NRX 55 out of 60
The NRX is one of the most powerful rods I’ve cast at long range, but up close it’s just average. The rod doesn’t get loaded until about 45’, although it is very easy to cast and accurate at short distances. I'm not a big fan of the cosmetics of this rod, but to others it might look great. The NRX would certainly make a great boat rod for throwing big hoppers and nymph rigs. Casting Notes @ 25’: Rod Not Loaded, too stiff! 16/20 Casting Notes @ 45’: Rod relay starting to load now, easy to cast and very accurate. 19/20 Casting Notes @ 70’: It’s a GUN. Throwing the tightest loops of them all. 20/20
#3 (tie) St. Croix Legend Elite 55/60
I had never fished or cast a St. Croix rod until the Shoot Out and I was extremely impressed with the Legend Elite. The Legend Elite is very light in the hand and very easy to cast. It is also a beautiful rod from its wood reel seat to its dark green polished blank. Casting Notes @ 25’: Very nice and light, turning over leader. 18/20 Casting Notes @ 45’: Very accurate, easy to cast, fun. 19/20 Casting Notes @ 70’: Easy power, although not much left in reserve for longer casts. 18/20 #4 (tie) Orvis Helios 54 points out of 60
I was immediately impressed with the fit and finish of the Orvis Helios. Holding the rod in your hand you can immediately tell it has a very light swing weight. I thought the rod felt great at 30 to 60 feet and would be happy to fish this rod any day. I also have in my notes that I was getting a good presentation without having to try to be delicate. At 70’ the rod was easily turning over the 12’ leaded and was laying down line delicately. All in all I was extremely happy with the Orvis Helios, and would highly recommend it! One other note about Orvis, I've fish Orvis rods for years, worn their waders and used their other products and every dealing I've had with Orvis has been a pleasure, Orvis is an extremely reputable company and they stand behind their products! Casting Notes @ 25’: Rod not quite fully loaded although turning over the leader. 17/20 Casting Notes @ 45’: Feels Great! Accurate, I’m able to ease off and throw delicate open loops or speed up and throw it in fast with great accuracy. Dual purpose – rod good for both slow and fast casters. Great all around rod! 19/20 Casting Notes @ 70’: Plenty of power, turning over leader, seems very forgiving, still delicate presentation. 18/20 #4 (tie) T & T 54 points out of 60
This rod didn’t seem to go over very well with my coworkers and when I said I was very happy with it I got a couple strange looks from the guys. I suppose it’s that I don’t mind the extra weight and more traditional action as I own and fish a few bamboo rods on occasion. I really like the action of this rod and it was the hands down winner for quality of workmanship and esthetics. Swing Notes @ 25’: Really feel the rod bend up close, turning over leader with ease, accurate. 19/20 Swing Notes @ 45’: Lots of bend into butt of rod, very smooth and easy to cast. 18/20 Swing Notes @ 70’: Plenty of power, I am pleasantly surprised, traditional feel, really have to slow down my cast and WAIT, but when I do wait the reward was a nice accurate and delicate cast. 17/20
#5 Winston passport 53 pts. out of 60
In my opinion, this rod was the winner of the low priced rods we tested. It is an excellent casting rod at 40-60’. My only gripe with the rod is the cheap looking reel seat, another 30 bucks and it would have a beautiful reel seat and they could charge $250 instead of $199. Casting Notes @ 25’: Feels good, accurate, trouble turning over long leader. 18/20 Casting Notes @ 45’: Very accurate and easy to cast, really hit the mark. 18/20 Casting Notes @ 70’: Still feels good, Same old Winston feel but slightly faster. 17/20
#5 Scott S4 53 points out of 60
I really wanted to like the Scott S4 and I did! The only hold up with this rod is casting at close range, it’s such a stiff and powerful rod that it can’t get loaded under 30 to 40 feet and this really hurt it’s score. At 45’ to 70’ this rod is up at the top of the list, and in throwing nymphs and big hopper-dropper rigs it could be at the very top. Unfortunately Scott is the only company that wouldn’t send us a rod to test, I wasn’t able to fish the new Scott rod we tested. So for now I can't say how it would handle heavy flies and big water. Casting Notes @ 25’: OK, but rod does not load well up close. 15/20 Casting Notes @ 45': Very accurate and smooth, now the rod is getting loaded, nice action not fast, but not fast, in-between. 19/20 Casting Notes @ 70': Easy power, felt great, good big water rod, high line speed good wind rod, easy to throw open or tight loops. 19/20
#5 G. Loomis Streamdance 53/60
The Loomis Streamdance is a beautiful, well crafted and well designed fly rod that I just didn't like. It was very hard for me to feel the rod load at 25' and even harder for me to get the rod to throw accurately at 70'. That being said my coworkers like it, perhaps it doesn't match up with my casting stroke. Casting Notes @ 25’: Felt like rod wasn’t loading as well as others. Not my favorite good close up rod. 17/20 Casting Notes @ 45’: Very Accurate, easy to cast, hit the mark almost every time, Threw a few slack line casts and the nice light tip easily put nice “s” curves in casts, I’m impressed. 19/20 Casting Notes @ 70’: It feels like I have to make the rod throw accurate casts, just not effortless accuracy. Lots of line speed but who cares w/o accuracy. 17/20 #6 Grey’s GRXi+ 52 points out of 60
I was almost as happy with this Gray’s fly rod as I was with the Winston Passport. This is a fine fishing rod that almost everyone would be happy with. Casting Notes @ 25’: Loaded and turned over the leader nicely. A little heavy in my hand but nice casting. 17/20 Casting Notes @ 45’: Effortless power, accurate, again a little heavy in the hand. 18/20 Casting Notes @ 60’: Very powerful and easy to cast, not a tight loop, but delicate enough and turned over leader easily. 17/20 #6 Sage VXP 52 points out of 60
This rod is a perfect example of how adequate all of the rods we tested are, this rod didn’t stack up well vs. some of the others but it’s still a fine fishing rod. I fished it a couple days on the spring creeks and it was fine, no complaints. The reason the rod scored poorly is it’s inability to load at close distances. But it fished fine with the extra weight of nymphs and streamers.
This Spring Creek Brown was caught on the Sage VZP.
Casting Notes @ 25’: Rod doesn’t load well. But it was nice and light in my hand. 17/20 Casting Notes @ 45’: Still not feeling fully loaded, stiff but accurate, easy to cast. 16/20 Casting Notes @ 70’: This is the distance for this rod, and finally it feels like the line loads the rod. High line speed, great rod for slapping hoppers, streamers, the extra weight of bigger flies will help the rod load, a good rod for western rivers, nymphing rigs and streamers. 19/20
#7 Sage TCX 51 points out of 60
The Sage TXC is just too fast and too stiff, period. It's more of a 6 weight and I think it could even handle a 7 weight line! It is extremely powerful at long distance, but for 95% of us who hardly ever cast over 70' that power doesn't help it actually hurts. Unless you are dead set on impressing your buddies with 100' casts find another rod to fish with. Casting Notes @ 25’: Too Stiff Not Loaded. 16/20 Casting Notes @ 45’: Too Stiff Not Loaded. 16/20 Casting Notes @ 70’: Extreme power w/ haul and shoot, great big water, high wind, big flies boat rod. 19/20
#7 TFO BVK 51 points out of 60
This is a fine fishing rod that almost everyone would be happy with. It has power and accuracy at standard fishing distances. It also has nice components and is a good looking rod. Casting Notes @ 25’: Rod not flexing. It feels too stiff for a #5 but still fairly accurate and easy to cast. 16/20 Casting Notes @ 45’: Feels good, accurate, I LIKE IT. 18/20 Casting Notes @ 70’: Accurate, but feels like I have to push it to get the power I need at this distance. 17/20
#7 St. Croix Imperial 51 pts out of 60
This is a fine fishing rod with plenty of power and accuracy from 40 to 70' the main deterrent of the rod is it's heavy swing weight and it's lack of accurate casts at 25'. This has been one of our more popular rods for beginners at it's low price with decent performance. Casting Notes @ 25’: Heavy and wasn’t turning over the leader." 16/20 Casting Notes @ 45’: Heavy, but plenty of effortless power 17/20 Casting Notes @ 70’: Great power and accuracy for a low end rod. 18/20
#7 Orvis Access 51 points out of 60
As I said before, I really like Orvis as a company, but I wasn't very fond of the Orvis Access. I had been casting rods on the day of the Shoot Out for a couple hours before I tested the Orvis Access and when I started casting the Access at 45' I couldn't hit the plate for the life of me. I don't know why, I was missing right and left, where I had been hitting the plate all morning with other rods. Perhaps my casting stroke and timing don't match up well with the Access with its relatively slower action. I wanted to like the rod and still do. I'll give it a 2nd chance and take it fishing once we get a warm day. Casting Notes @ 25’: Very light and fairly accurate. Turning over the leader nicely. 19/20 Casting Notes @ 45’: Poor accuracy, trouble handling leader. 16/20 Casting Notes @ 70’: Not bad, but not great. Had good power, but not very accurate. 16/20
#7 Loop Evotec 51 points out of 60
Here is another rod that I really wanted to like but just couldn't get the rod to perform the way I wanted. I had to try to make delicate casts with the Loop as it seemed to over power the line and slap it down. This would be a fine big water rod for throwing big flies and streamers where presentation is far out weighed by power. One note about Loop, in my dealings with the company they are a friendly and helpful group of people who do make fine fly rods and I haven't heard anything but good reviews on their 2 handed and Spey rods. Casting Notes @ 25’: Felt good didn’t like or dislike the grip, was accurate although it seemed to slap the leader and line down, really had to try and make delicate casts. 17/20 Casting Notes @ 45’: Ditto. 17/20 Casting Notes @ 70’: Ditto. 17/20
#8 Redington CPX 50 points out of 60
One rod had to be my least favorite and this is it. I would happily take any of the other rods we tested fishing, but not this one. It was heavy, hard to cast over 45' and in general nothing about the rod jumped out at me. Casting Notes @ 25’: Not bad, was fairly accurate, heavy. 17/20 Casting Notes @ 45’: Just OK. 16/20 Casting Notes @ 70’: Has power with moderate effort, rod in general was just “blah” just not much to say about it. 17/20 |
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