2. Beulah Onyx 12’4” 5-weight $775.00
The Beulah Onyx is a terrific rod, matched in both performance and style. This rod’s fancy reel seat and cork detailing are as appealing as the Onyx’s smooth and effortless casting action. If you want a great trout spey rod for swinging, but don’t prefer a super fast action, the Onyx is the perfect choice.
The Beulah Onyx series blanks are finished in a dark smoke blue with blue wraps over ceramic stripper guides and chrome snake guides. No alignment dots are used. Accent trim wraps just above the cork and on each ferrule bring a little pop to this rods appearance. The reel seat is one of the very best in the test. The up-lock style lock rings are exceptionally smooth and easy to spin along the threads. I particularly like the colorful, burled maple insert. The Portuguese cork is excellent quality with attractive cork burl accents. I like the shape of both the foregrip and rear grip handles. A cordura coverd rod tube and cloth bag are included.
The Beulah Onyx is one sweet rod. For those who aren’t looking to rush or punch their cast and would rather take it easy with a nice smooth casting storke, while still throwing long casts, this is your rod.
Casting Notes:
Nice and light in hand, although the Sage ONE, G. Loomis IMX PRO, T&T, Winston Micro Spey, and Beulah Platinum feel lighter. More of a medium action, you have to remember to take your time with the Onyx rather than rush it, otherwise you will likely blow your anchor or struggle to power through it. Correct timing and power application make this rod delightful to cast. Fishing this rod is fun and it’s forgiving, although not nearly as poweful casting into the wind as the Sage ONE, G. Loomis IMX PRO, T&T DNA or Orvis Clearwater.
