Vision Stillmaniac Rod Review (An Honest Opinion)

Vision Stillmaniac Rod Review (An Honest Opinion)
Review of the Vision Stillmaniac rod in both 7wt and 6wt options / Fly Rods For Trout
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[@sammellor605]

Bought one of these rods. 8 weigh 10 ft it’s fantastic. It’s very light, and casting is a dream with this rod. I have used it twice and I am casting further already, almost got a full 30 yds out. Playing fish is so easy, I can’t praise it enough. Thanks to you Rhys my fishing trips have got better already

[@davevincent5453]

Thanks Rhys what about a vid on reel’s choice?

[@andysparks8245]

Great review!... Bought the #6 for bank fishing hill lochs where my #7 10' sage is too much gun for fish to 1lb. Really pleased with the Stillmaniac, exactly what I was hoping to find and being 4 piece I can strap it to my rucksack on the walk. Throws a very tidy line fishing a couple of wets or single dry on a floating line.

[@RhysFishes]

Thank you. The 6 is a lovely balanced rod which is ideal for what your intending to fish, tightlines 🎣

[@joshwood1699]

The 6wt is my go to on the small stillwaters and will be ordering 2x 10ft 7wts for the Reservoirs. Best rod I’ve ever owned or used !

[@RhysFishes]

You'll see a difference when it comes to pulling with the 7wt👍

[@jamiefergus6825]

Love the content you’ve got on here pal, really helped me a lot and this one has convinced me to go ahead and get the vision rod after putting it off for a week or so 🎣

[@RhysFishes]

Thanks. Enjoy using it 🎣

[@Stannystansfield]

Nice review. The missing hook keeper wouldn’t put me off. I’d just hook the fly in the bottom ring and dress the leader around the reel handle. I find I can drop the fly quickly and have more line out of the rod tip.

[@RhysFishes]

Exactly stanny, all personal preference 👍

[@outtolunch88]

I haven't used a hook keeper since I learned this trick. I hook the fly on the 3rd or 4th guide from the tip. Unloop from the reel and tap a few times, fly is in the water!

[@NeObliviscaris3663]

That's an old salmon fishing tactic lol

[@paulmclean9442]

Ordered mine last week, can’t wait to use it!

[@RhysFishes]

Have fun!

[@jamesalexander4203]

Great review as usual and superb insight. Thats going on my birthday list this year.

[@RhysFishes]

Cheers pal 👍

[@simonheed7964]

Absolutely spot on Rhys ,that review covered everything I needed to know brilliant 👏👍

[@RhysFishes]

Cheers simon 👍

[@simonheed7964]

@@RhysFishes no thankyou sir ,ofcourse you do realise that now your going to have to do a review of the reel lol 😆

[@liamslessor8470]

Had my #7 about a month now, really happy with it 😀

[@RhysFishes]

Great!

[@lindsayiflyfish]

Great presentation pal, liked the lighting.

[@RhysFishes]

Cheers pal 👍

[@severemalkie]

Nice review Rhys. Might consider one of these. I used my Greys GR80 11ft on Clywedog last week for the first time. Found it very hard work. Soon switched to my sloppy Shakespeare Agility 2, which was so much nicer to use. I've a feeling my casting technique needs looking at though.

[@RhysFishes]

Don't we all malcolm! f your looking for casting guidance get in touch with hywel morgan 👍

[@severemalkie]

@@RhysFishes I have watched an hour long video made by Hywel, I now clearly understand what the issues are with my casting technique. My timing is all wrong. I should be able to correct with some practice.

[@theovanniekerk4378]

There is a little notch at the reel seat where I normally hook my flies great vid

[@RhysFishes]

Good point Theo

[@barrybigplums]

Great video as always mate..... always wondered about the vision rods .... I picked up the greys gr80 recently and found it not the easiest rod to use .... maybe I’m spoilt by my Helios 3 though

[@severemalkie]

Interesting you also found the GR80 not the easiest to use. I may try a different brand of line before I give it up. I was using a Rio WF7 int.

[@RhysFishes]

I've heard great things about the helios but way beyond my price range 👍

[@toshmccarthy1554]

not my favourite rod at the moment bought a 9.9 7wt last month,fishing with it the other day and end snapped off on a cast.i couldnt believe it,it had slo mo vision line on and was casting a little blue flash damsel.gutted to say the least £350 ive never had a rod fall apart in front of my eyes and my trust in vision is seriously dented.

[@RhysFishes]

Quite odd that tosh! First stillmaniac I’ve heard of being snapped, get in touch with guide fly fishing. They handle the warranty aspect of the brand and have great customer service 👍

[@toshmccarthy1554]

@@RhysFishes will do im waiting to hear back from people i bought it from?im suffering withdrawl at the moment being rodless lol.

[@toshmccarthy1554]

@@RhysFishes thanks for your advice rhys.im really impressed with guide fishing liam emailed me first thing today(there 1st day back)and there sending me out a new tip with no charge !!!!!refreshing a big company quick to act to customer problems

[@RhysFishes]

@@toshmccarthy1554 Great to hear Tosh!

[@matthewjones633]

Just orderd 2 of the 7w treated myself to an early season presant

[@johnmcarthur8758]

Hi Rhys, have you tried a gr80? And on sale at the moment.I’m torn between that and the stillmaniac

[@RhysFishes]

I haven’t unfortunately so can’t offer an opinion

[@attermire2109]

regarding the lack of hook above the rod's butt...best to reel the fly right up to the top ring, and get a bag that'll hold rod with the reel still attached, great for fast set up

[@FiShInG-rw9cc]

Enjoyed watching this Rhys. Have to say this this was not my view on the rod. But each to their own. On the point you make about using your 9ft9 #6 for drys on small Stillwater, my opinion is that is ( overkill ) I see 9ft #4 ideal for a dry on a small Stillwater. And #5 for pulling or maybe a 6 on windy days... Never felt the need to use a #7 for fishing for mainly fish around 2-3 lb. is this something you choose differently based on your completion side of experience and prefer getting fish in quickly over enjoying the experience? Cheers Alex

[@RhysFishes]

Fishing is fishing mate and everyone will prefer different lengths/styles/actions of rods. I used to use a 5wt down garn but if the wind got up I was pissing into the wind with it so switched to a heavier 6wt outfit. Surprisingly i can still get away with 3lb tippet on garn with this rod (as long as you lift into rather than strike). But everyones different and find what works for you. Jer uses the 5wt onki and loves it 👍

[@stoofleming8767]

Have the 10ft and 9.9 in 7weights👌 give it a couple weeks before sneaking the 6 weight past the mrs🙈🙈

[@RhysFishes]

I love the 6wt for the small stillwaters. It's soo light!

[@saltroc1827]

I am torn between the 10’ #7 & #8 version, I am use to a Carbo Tec 9’6 #7, Shakespeare Odessa II 7-8#, Normark Gold medallion 9’6 #7-8 and even my very whippy Snowbee Diamond II 9’6 is a #7-8 (although I don’t get on too well with her) and my lines being mostly WF8’s, with the odd #7 line also, so would the 10’ #7 be the best choice as I understand she will punch out an #8 line just fine but will be better on presentation or should I just go for the 10’ #8 and enjoy the power… choices choices, advice please

[@RhysFishes]

I haven’t had my hands on the 8 so can’t really give you an honest answer unfortunately. The 7 does cover off everything but I sometimes feel like it I’m fishing a di7 or booby Basher, I could do with something with a bit more strength, so maybe the 8 is a good option if you find yourself fishing those types of lines regularly. If not, opt for a 7. Tightlines

[@saltroc1827]

@@RhysFishes finally got my hands on the #8 and it’s amazing off the bat, I am surprised how light it was compared to my 20yr old Shakespeare’s which are fast action also. Some reports were that the #7&8 feel heavy but I guess it’s what you are use to because it was light and buttery smooth casting for me. Next task is to build a rod holder using the one in your Christmas ideas vid as a guide. Thanks for all your videos, they are well put together and very helpful, keep ‘em coming and congratulations to you both on the little arrival.

[@captainrylenaviation29]

Rhys in your opinion which is better reel suited for this stillmaniac rods.. The Stillmanic xlv or the Hardys mtx s 7/9 reel? Thanks

[@RhysFishes]

I haven't tried any hardy reels so can't give a fair opinion on them but based on their price point they'd be considered the top end in terms of reel design and looks etc.. If you have the money then splash out. I use airlfo casette reels or the XLV and I find the XLV to be significantly lighter (to be expected given it's cost price) and the lighter real does make the fishing more comfortable :)

[@captainrylenaviation29]

Thanks Rhys. Im hook on your video now. Learning alot from your youtube. Hence i bought this rod. Im using your method to fish here USA which is a washing line method. Any line types you recomendation? From a sink tip or intermediate lines. Im using it for 7 wt stillmaniac 10 feet rod. Water im fishing is a still water 10-15 feet. Thank you in advance

[@BasithZaman]

Hi Rhys, really enjoy the videos you post and they’ve helped me improve so much as angler. I am looking at getting the 9’9’ #7 stillmaniac after your review and use in the latest videos as well. What reel would be best to use with it? I’ve got the airflow switch black cassette reel with max catch gold floating line. Would that be okay to use or do you recommend a different reel and what floating line would you recommend?

[@BasithZaman]

Oh and also I’ve got the 9’6’ Shakespeare sigma supra fly rod #7 I got it after you recommended it on your channel and I really like it. Does the stillmaniac perform better then that?

[@RhysFishes]

I use the switch black too and can’t fault it with this set up. The 6wt is a softer version than the 7wt and I prefer the 6wt for the lighter stuff. Pick up a floating line from the new haylie fishery. They are about £18 and straight as an arrow.

[@BasithZaman]

@@RhysFishes thanks buddy appreciate your help

[@coreywelsh9592]

Tip of my old Rod has just snapped, buying a new one but will only be buying one which weight would you recommend #6 or #7 , small still waters

[@RhysFishes]

6wt. Love it for Small stillwaters

[@orkneytroutfishing4638]

@@RhysFishes Hi Rhys, can the #6 handle #7 midge tip lines & intermediates? Or would you suggest the 10’ 6 Onki?

[@RhysFishes]

@@orkneytroutfishing4638 The 7wt will handle a midge tip and intermediate better than the 6. The 6 is ideal for bung, dries or straight lined nymphs / buzzers. Regarding the onki 6wt, I haven't tried it, but do use the 10 5wt. I'd say if your looking for a rod to pull on or fish heavier stuff, go for the 7wt Stillmaniac

[@gordonredmond1329]

Hi mate, great video as always. I want to ask what reel you are using on that rod?

[@RhysFishes]

Vision xlv reel gordon 👍

[@gordonredmond1329]

@@RhysFishes cheers mate. I'm fishing the North Esk River for Salmon this month, can't wait 👍🏻👍🏻

[@kenjones1604]

Hi Rhys great review - I am thinking of purchasing a new alround rod and this looks perfect, I generally fish a 7wt floater / inter wether bung straight lining or using lures. One question what is difference in the 9'9" and 10' apart from the 3" :) I am thinking of doing some boat fishing my stillwater has a couple you can use so I was airing on the 10' can you help.

[@RhysFishes]

I haven't used the 9.9ft for a 7wt so can't really comment Ken. For the methods you've described though the 7wt/10ft will fit just fine. Would reccomend you visit a local vision dealer, most shops these days are happy to let you have a cast with it before purchasing 👍

[@Ferretfanatic69]

Also give the Wychwood RS2 a throw!!! I took the hero out for a test on my local reservoir and it wasn’t long before I stringed my RS2 up. Hero is in my opinion a through action and apparently the onki is even more so? Rods are very much a personal item and really need to be cast by the intended user. You could well end up buying a rod on someone’s words and end up hating it? Cast before you buy is a must if possible 👍🏻

[@ibelieve1468]

Hi does the 10ft#7 rod like to be over lined to load say with an #8 floating line as so stiff or better with light lines like 444 or snowbee XS or the heavier Rio type lines that are at least 1/2 weight heavy on the arm. Cheers

[@RhysFishes]

I didnt feel the need to overload the rod with an extra weight line on the 7wt but then I never overload my rods with an extra wt line 👍

[@castersfishingwales2038]

back in the day, we put the fly in the cork, but for that price would you want to?

[@RhysFishes]

Still do it now 👍

[@tommyboyd6189]

What rod would you recommend in a 5# that would handle straight line buzzer fishing on small still waters. I need light tackle due to medical reasons

[@RhysFishes]

Have a look at the vision onki 5wt. I use it for all my river fishing 👍

[@jibbajabbajibbajabba9047]

Hi pal , could u do a video, about fish movement dries sub surface how to tell the difference, finding it hard too know what they r on , fish r bloody hard to find out what they r taking ??

[@RhysFishes]

Will do once they're properly on it

[@CBCB78]

I’m torn between this rod and an orvis Clearwater. I’ll be honest, I’d never heard of this rod until I started watching your videos.

[@RhysFishes]

If you get the opportunity try both and see what works for you 👍

[@CBCB78]

@@RhysFishes the Clearwater has been binned. It’s now between this and the Wychwood RS2?? I’m gonna take the plunge on a 10ft #7 and a 9’9 #6. It’s a hefty investment but I figure I won’t buy more rods for a decade and these should cover all bases for me

[@RhysFishes]

@@CBCB78 try and get a feel for them before you buy. 👍

[@CBCB78]

@@RhysFishes I wish I could mate but I don’t have any stockists anywhere near me to test them first. I’m in Liverpool.

[@barrybigplums]

@@CBCB78 my rs2 snapped on my very second cast with the rod ….. I was beyond cheesed off

[@johnlyon7586]

Hi buddy I've just purchased 10,7what floating line do you recommend

[@RhysFishes]

I like a cortland 444 or sl personally

[@user-wg5sg2nq9s]

What's everyone using floating line wise on their 6wt stillmaniacs?

[@RhysFishes]

7wt new haylie floater.

[@user-wg5sg2nq9s]

@@RhysFishes on the 6wt?

[@RhysFishes]

@@user-wg5sg2nq9s yes. I find it’s better with 1 line wt up

[@barrygrey5119]

I think you should review the new Vision Hero rod now. New release from Vision

[@RhysFishes]

I'll see if I can get my hands on one

[@barrygrey5119]

Was planning on getting a #5 Vision Onki, but may wait and see what the Hero is all about, seems a reasonable price too.

[@RhysFishes]

@@barrygrey5119 we have the 5wt onki and its lovely for the rivers when it comes to dries or duo. I'd imagine the hero can't be too disimilar 👍

[@trevorluft6032]

Playing devils advocate here only comes with a 5 year warranty and am I right in thinking it doesn’t have a hi tech resin within the carbon?

[@RhysFishes]

Yep, no lifetime warranty as far as I'm aware and not quite sure about the latter question👍

[@jjbroberg517]

What cassette reel have you paired with the rod?

[@RhysFishes]

Vision xlv

[@stefg9161]

Did Steve Cullen not review this rod recently?

[@RhysFishes]

Yep 👍

[@allanstewart6894]

What line do you accompany this rod with?

[@RhysFishes]

7wt lines covering varying depths 👍

[@liamthain7756]

Where does everyone get there flies from ?

[@RhysFishes]

Fario fly

[@stevecullenflyfishingflyty7729]

Did you read a d watch mine! Uncanny! 😂👍

[@RhysFishes]

Great minds pal 👍

[@williamrollins5775]

Serious fishing have these rods down 20% to £311

[@Charlie-cc3jl]

They get such good reviews from a lot of people but they are just to expensive for me because I do all types of fishing so I need tackle for sea and other freshwater fishing

[@Charlie-cc3jl]

Rhys you can get hook holders in aliexpress

[@RhysFishes]

Good to know 👍

[@Charlie-cc3jl]

Are you allowed to film at the tournaments you do