Cheap vs Expensive Fly Rods

We go over a hot topic today folks! There are certain criteria that must be met when considering an expensive fly rod. Let's get into it.
Choosing a Fly Rod:
• How To Actually Choose...
Orvis Clearwater Review:
• Orvis Clearwater Fly R...
Fly Fishing On a Budget
• Fly Fishing On A Budge...
Keep er' tight!

[@ifsobczwhy]

Finally, someone speaking sense. Starting to love this channel and your approach to the fly fishing discussion. Hello from the UK

[@greenhornflyhorn]

Good evening! Thank you for checking out the channel. Got more coming down the pipe!

[@ReelAnglerReviews]

Thanks for saying this. I have multiple Maxcatch rods and think the quality is the same if not even better than name brand rod manufacturers. If I break a tip section, I have a new one for $20 in less than two weeks. I'm able to have multiple sizes and styles of rods for less than one name brand rod. I put my savings into good fly lines and never look back. As far as having a rod that's airloom quality goes, I built my own fly rod from a blank and it's really special to me. I didn't break the bank building it either. Im glad people are starting to learn that its not what you have or what you look like when it comes to fishing. I'm looking forward to seeing more of your videos, cheers.

[@greenhornflyhorn]

Absolutely! Spot on with the fly lines comment. Appreciate you watching, tight lines👍

[@gtandy726]

I absolutely love your mindset on the "Hardcore Angler" Statement...In so many pursuits folks tend to get obsessed with the more superficial aspects of the hobby. When in reality its all about what works for you! I would rather spend 200 on my whole outfit,Then put the rest of the money in my gas tank to head to the next river! You cant put a price tag on passion. Im loving the videos Milan! Tight Lines🤙🏼

[@greenhornflyhorn]

You said it better than me! Those gas prices though......damn! Thanks for the comment and digging the content.

[@ianatkins1213]

Construction quality, in lower price ranges, has improved a lot from times past. Anglers can now purchase rods in the mid priced area (with good warranty) that will give years of good service. Friends in the tackle retail tell me most of their sales are moving to the mid price point.

[@greenhornflyhorn]

I believe it! Never had an issue with the mid priced rods(well except one) but for the most part, great bargains to be had. Thank you kindly for the comment and watching. Keep er’ tight!

[@jmann3363]

Just found your channel the other day. I subscribed after watching the video. Great straight forward content. Love your honesty and sense of humor. Going to check out your other videos and look forward to what is to come.

[@greenhornflyhorn]

Thanks for subscribing and understanding my sense of humour! HAHA! More videos to follow. Keep er' tight!

[@rtistmedia5636]

You're well spoken, man! Great breakdown of this topic.

[@greenhornflyhorn]

Really appreciate that! Thank you for checking it out

[@Kab_On_The_Fly]

This is the most logical and unbiased video on this topic. After an accident I had with my previous hobby, I decided to sell my mountain bike and invest in a good rod. In my case I did find a rod I was completely happy with (sage r8) and it bonded with me right there in the shop. Also, I really like my budget rods. Tfo, echo etc are all really budget conscious brands that are amazing on the water.

[@greenhornflyhorn]

I like what you said there, you "bonded" with the rod. When you know.....you know. Bummer about the accident but you scored a rod that will keep you outdoors for years to come. Thanks for the story.

[@crack24able]

Mtb is gnarly man I’m in a similar boat 😅

[@schadowolf]

Totally enjoyed this video and the logic behind your thesis. From a professed owner of a 1k 9' 5wt fly rod (for trout) and about to buy a second heavier one (8wt) for salmon and flats fishing. I do appreciate your candor and opinions.

[@greenhornflyhorn]

Thank you for watching and the kind words. These comments just give me more fuel to keep going. Hope you get out soon and don’t forget….Keep er’ tight!

[@drewbear17]

I needed this video literally right after I watched the video your talking about. Your right

[@greenhornflyhorn]

That youtube algorithm is on point! Haha! Thanks for watching eh!

[@Rothhammer_Customs]

Great video, being in the market for a new rod wanting a better quality rod nothing broken with current Cabelas Synch 5 wt. just would like to see if a more expensive rod can help my casting and fishing experience in general. I’m also looking at the Clearwater for my next choice not the most pricey but it fits and like the feel. Thanks again keep up the good work

[@greenhornflyhorn]

Thanks for the good words! I have a white river combo(from Bass Pro). They work good but if you put a really good fly line on, they’re great. I have a couple Clearwater rods, i like them A LOT! I have found the fly line is really important with fly rods. I have a video on fly lines and also a Clearwater review, if you have the time, I suggest you take a peak at those videos. Appreciate the subscription, have a great day and Keep er’ Tight!

[@RWood73]

Love the content!

[@greenhornflyhorn]

Thank you!

[@profpigeon5441]

Also, it's smart to keep an eye out for new models, because the older models usually are on sale for a lot cheaper. I've added some nicer rods to my quiver at a nice price (I got a Thomas and Thomas zone for a crazy nice price). On rod prices..God bless my local fly shop, for always steering me to more affordable rods,, and basically getting me hooked on TFO Rods which have been great. I use a lot of them now, lets me get 2 good rods or even 3 for the price of nicer rods. It really helps to have more weights and diff action rods to fish better.

[@greenhornflyhorn]

That's a great tip for getting into a flagship model without breaking the bank. TFO rods are a really good bargain but unfortunately tough to find models available for me to try out before buying. Thanks for the tips and am sure others will find them useful.

[@profpigeon5441]

@@greenhornflyhorn if your ever in texas lots of shops carry them, worth trying out, come fish central texas!

[@greenhornflyhorn]

​@@profpigeon5441 texas is on the list. Hopefully one day I can take a gander at the Lone Star State

[@davescheer5038]

🌴 ha, I just got done watching the comparison rod video you were talking about , and ya I bashed em ,oh well 🤨, then I clicked your vid , and was surprised by what you said ,because you put it out there , I fish saltwater a lot I’m 15 minutes away from fishing , I don’t own any “ designer “ rods or reels and have never heard any of the fish I’ve caught complain about not being caught on high end equipment, would I like to up grade ahhh, maybe my reel with a better matched line to make my rod perform better sure , but if I spend the money on it I wouldn’t have money to go towards my flats boat project so , I’ll make due . It all comes down to what you can afford and have fun with it along the way. Reely👈🏼 liked your vid I would have gave you more thumbs up but then someone would start complaining I was doing things like a democrat 😁👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@oldsmugglerflyfishing]

I have been dealing with this since I begin fly fishing in 1996

[@greenhornflyhorn]

At least the rods got better since then😏

[@barry4fish19]

So many commercial rods now using cheap components and decreasing length and diameter of cork grip. I have bought several inexpensive rods where chrome plating starts flaking off of the tip top guide, not good for line abrasion, casting distance, etc. But also have bought several inexpensive rods that used good components with no problems. So, in some respects, it’s a crap shoot. I want a rod that transmits vibration to my hand when fish is fighting or biting (“fish fighting feel”). Many older fly rods (like those that used IM6 blanks) are better at that than some newer, more expensive ones. So, fish don’t know the difference, but fisherman do. Try an old Fenwick graphite rod from the 1970s or 1980s (Eagle or HMG), you can feel the fish open and close his mouth underwater to spit the fly out. Can’t do that with some of the new expensive rods, many of these companies are more interested in pushing the high tech of their blanks, with no considerations for ergonomics (i.e handle comfort) and ability to balance well with a light reel. And now, we all thought their high expense was paying extra for a good warranty, but we were wrong, because now they either don’t honor the warranty any more, or make you pay for repairs anyways. 😮

[@greenhornflyhorn]

Fish don’t feel the difference but fishermen do. That’s spot on. Really enjoyed reading your comment and I hope others will also. You know, I always keep hearing the cheap rods use older tech. Maybe that’s a good thing. Who knows. Thank you for your input and keep er tight!

[@proskipper1]

Question - what is swing weight i know what AFTM number rating is - thanks

[@greenhornflyhorn]

Fantastic question! Think of it this way. It’s the weight that is felt at the tip when force is applied. Like centrifugal force which I know…..I know….is based on a circular motion(like a golf swing) but it’s really the only way to explain it. You are the fulcrum. The more weight at the tip will increase the swing weight. Not necessarily a heavy weight rod but a heavily tipped rod. Another example is picture a fly rod swinging in a circular motion. Then add some split shot to the tip, this will increase swing weight. To be honest, i do not pay much attention to it. Just wait until somehow rod companies start including gyroscopic precession in the mix! Hahaha!

[@proskipper1]

@@greenhornflyhorn Every day a school day - all new to me - thanks

[@andrewmcdowell1291]

Great video Milan. Any chance of a top ten of websites or phone apps in the future?

[@greenhornflyhorn]

Great idea unfortunately I only have ever used 2 websites well 3 if you count the Canadian River Flow Charts. I just like KZbin for getting learnt(and yes that’s a “Ricky-ism” if you get the reference)

[@andrewmcdowell1291]

@@greenhornflyhorn LOL I'm on Fire is another. Thanks.

[@edwardcowan7012]

I build rods as a hobby. I can build a really nice rod with 100-150 dollars in components. One and two piece rods generally perform better than the 4 piece rods. If you want a 4 piece pack type rod I’d be inclined to spend more. I really prefer to use one piece for anything under 8 ft. I guarantee that a $75 one piece blank Rainshadow blank will outperform a $400 4 piece Sage blank.

[@greenhornflyhorn]

really?!? That is so cool. I imagine it takes a lot of effort to build a rod and no doubt a labour of love. I really do like 2 piece rods but never tried a one piece and take your word about the performance. Thank you for sharing your rod building experience.

[@thatonebeone]

you should charge a bit more as its your hobby and you do it with a passion... i see people here in usa buy bulks from china and charge way more...you building 150$ rod while this store i know will charge 140$ just to pack something up for you that he order from overseas ...alot of work goes into making rods and hands on things and not a lot of people realize that it take time and money on parts it all adds up

[@danbolton3180]

I just bought a 3 piece Rainshadow 13'3" surf fishing blank from Fisherman's Outlet in Carlsborg that the gentleman is building as a spinning rod. $100 for the blank and reel seat, $140 for wrapping it. Dang Milan I did it again...

[@greenhornflyhorn]

@@danbolton3180 i keep hearing about those blanks. Supposed to be a great bang for your buck. Let me know how it goes eh

[@edwardcowan7012]

@@danbolton3180 that should make a real nice rod.

[@danbolton3180]

Hi Milan, you mean my Oyster bamboo flyrod with Abel reel doesn't make my eyes more sparkley? I've got more, but my cold is making me achey. Oh, I did try the double thumbs down on someone elses video and it does work.

[@greenhornflyhorn]

That’s the thing. Some rods just speak to you and I completely get the “i gotta have it” mentality if it fits your needs/wants(budget too). I am sure it does make your eyes sparkle or maybe googley……not sure hahaha! Get better fast! Re: thumbs down, i told ya it works!

[@danbolton3180]

Just kidding about the Oyster rod and Abel reel. Mine is an Eagle Claw fiberglass with Cortland reel. i don't need a labotomy yet...

[@pahuntnut]

Hard Core because of the gear they have? lol. I live and fish a major Tailwater about 2 hours from New York city, North Jersey etc. If you want to see high end gear thats the place. Most of those guys cannot fish unless they hire a guide and sit in a boat.

[@greenhornflyhorn]

Yeah. I know the type and don’t fault them for it. If you got the cash, go for it but just know you’re gonna be “that guy” on the water!! Hahaha!! On the flip side, at least the guides make some good cash.

[@TheFrugalFlyRodder]

I like your angle. I saw your Instagram page... it makes it look like you're in Canada. Is that true? I like that you support American made, which has me wondering if you're actually a Canadian. Anyway, as the Frugal Fly Rodder, which is not about cheap... it's about being smart with your money.

[@greenhornflyhorn]

I am Canadian and you betchya that us Canucks see value in USA made products (to a point!). I understand your view on being budget conscious and like it, I don’t know many millionaires that blow their money on luxury cars etc. I do know many that have superior spending habits, which once mastered, is a skill like none other! Thanks for checking the channel out!

[@flemming_j_]

Something to remember for a youtuber, that will reach the World, “Made in America” only carries any weight, for an American. The rest Of the World, made in America, meeeeeh 🤷🏼‍♂️. Though i get the patriotism 👍🏻

[@greenhornflyhorn]

I am not American. I just appreciate SOME of the their products. Thank you for taking a gander at the video, keep er’ tight!

[@awnik99]

"fish cant tell the difference" What a stupid statement..... I dont buy a fly rod(or any fishing rod for that matter) for fish. I buy a fly rod for myself. It doesnt matter if it casts the same as a cheaper rod. If i want quality i buy it

[@greenhornflyhorn]

We’re so sorry that the video did not meet your expectations. As we’re committed to 100% customer satisfaction we will forward your comment to the appropriate department. Thank you, Greenhorn Flyhorn Team