Esox_Hunter
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Switch Rods (part 2)
Since the other thread I had been following closely somehow turned into another pin vs fly debate I figured I would start a new one.
I am going to be in the market for a switch within the next month or so. I am looking for either a 11'6" or 11' 7wt. I haven't established a finite price range yet, but I am thinking 350-400 is going to be a maximum. I have done some researching although I have not found anything that has caught my eye as of yet.
Any suggestions for a rod that meets my criteria?
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Loomis
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RE: Switch Rods (part 2)
2009/08/21 14:17:57
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I can certainly help you out with that.
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KJH807
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RE: Switch Rods (part 2)
2009/08/21 14:40:05
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i would think 7 might be a bit heavy for steelbows...
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Esox_Hunter
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RE: Switch Rods (part 2)
2009/08/21 14:48:15
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ORIGINAL: KJH807
i would think 7 might be a bit heavy for steelbows...
I am kinda thinkin the same thing, I may end up going with a 6, nothing is set in stone yet. Right now I am just trying to get a feel of whats out there and how much of a beating my wallet will take from this purchase.
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Loomis
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RE: Switch Rods (part 2)
2009/08/21 15:04:22
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The general basis is that switch rods can be overlined/underlined, so if you get a 6 you could under or overline it. but I agree with the 7 being too much for steelbows.
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HCsteel
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RE: Switch Rods (part 2)
2009/08/21 16:33:25
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How common are 5wt switch rods? I think that would be a good weight for the purposes I would use it. Something around 11 or maybe 11' 6"?
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norm289
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RE: Switch Rods (part 2)
2009/08/21 20:23:32
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I have an 11' 7wt TFO Deer Creek Switch and it works great for everything I use it for. It was around $350.
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2Bonthewater
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RE: Switch Rods (part 2)
2009/08/21 21:17:15
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I found a used winston 11 foot 7 wt on ebay.......330 bucks was in great conditon--great rod for New York--rocket launcher--I use the Elixer line on it I own a Beulah 9/10 that I use for Salmon in New York......rocket launcher--use Rio Salmon/Steelhead F10WF line I just purchased a Beulah 4/5 switch........have not had a chance to throw any line with it yet.......purchased matching Beulah Fly line........ I was looking at Echo Switch in 6 or 8 wt.......cheaper than Beulah--but the Beulah rods are pretty good..... anybody test out the Echo Switch Rods Yet??
post edited by 2Bonthewater - 2010/08/20 10:45:49
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PAFLYBOY2
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RE: Switch Rods (part 2)
2009/08/21 22:07:17
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I have an 11' 6wt Deer Creek Switch that I really enjoy. I find that it's great for the PA tribs(well, Elk anyway) as well as the OH tribs. Using an Airflo Delta 6/7 line I've enjoyed casting anything from 15' type 6 sink tips to floating tips with(gasp!) indicators. This summer I've been having a ball swinging popping bugs down and across for smallmouth. The rod never felt too light for the steelies that I caught, and it doesn't feel too heavy for the stream smallies either. It balances perfectly using a reel that weighs 8oz empty, and really feels light in the hand. I'm sure there are many great choices in Switch Rods out there(Echo, Beulah, etc) but this is the only one I've had the pleasure to use. The best thing you can do is to try and cast as many as you can so that you can find one with an action that fits your personal taste. Good luck and tight lines.
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Loomis
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RE: Switch Rods (part 2)
2009/08/22 08:57:01
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I looked at a TFO switch rod in Bass Pro Shops when I was out of town for work this weekend. Nothing against anyone who has em, but I saw the epoxy peeling up around the hook keeper and the first stripping guide had the thread showing where there was missed spot of finish as well. Thats about the 4th time I have seen that before on a TFO rod in a shop....
Enough for me to never own one..
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sudsy1000
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RE: Switch Rods (part 2)
2009/08/22 11:26:28
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I just had one built on a Batson Rainshadow blank. I cast a few others, all mentioned above and this one performs just as well if not better. Plus it was customized just for me.
Esox, PM sent.
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Plum Bob
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RE: Switch Rods (part 2)
2009/08/22 12:36:08
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I have a Beulah 11 1/2 ft 6/7 wt and really like the rod. Very good with a 420 grain compact skagit and about 80 grains of sink tip for swinging flies. $410.
Two other rods that would be very good for erie swinging that I would love to have are:
Meiser Highlander 11'7" 5/7 wt $565
Beulah platinum series 11'7" 5 wt $545
You mention that you want something in the $350-$400 price range. If you fish a lot consider spending an extra $150 or so for the Meiser or Beulah platinum.
A 2 hand 5 wt is comparible in power to a single hand 7 wt, plenty of power for 5-10 lb erie steelhead.
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swinger
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RE: Switch Rods (part 2)
2009/08/22 21:31:13
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ORIGINAL: sudsy1000
I just had one built on a Batson Rainshadow blank. I cast a few others, all mentioned above and this one performs just as well if not better. Plus it was customized just for me.
Esox, PM sent.
My first switch I did on a Rainshadow 10'8" 8wt blankk. Liked it alot so I bought another but extended the blank to make it a full 11'0. Love the blank. The design is more of a long single hander than it is a "spey" rod. Bob Mieser had his part of designing that blank for Bill at Batson. Bob built it up to what Bill wanted and this is what came of it. I love the blank and for the money you cant go wrong. People may say the 8 wt is alittle much for them steelbows but for the steelbows here in OH on the big river it is perfect in high flows. For a client I did up a 7wt and that rod is perfect for normal flows for my area. A 6 wt may get spun up for myself for early fall/ low flows but I have other things on my plate for right now. For your area a 6 would be just fine but you can really put the screws to them with a 7wt. With all the crowds in your are getting them in quick is good for others and even better for the fish. Its a great tool to swing with as well as to indy fish with. In any event I would strongly suggest getting somebody to build you a switcher up on a Rainshadow. You can get what ever you want on the blank and you can have a unique piece you can call your own. If you have any questions on lining the Rainshadow or any others in general, dont be afraid to shoot me a pm and I will get alittle more in depth. Here are some pics of my switch I use to swing with. Also a never seen before pic of my single hander indy rod, ( sorry KJ). Trust me that one doesnt get that much use. Custom work adds more personality and maybe even some class to your pics.
Quality over quantity I am reality I>U JC Rules!!!!!!!
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beerman
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RE: Switch Rods (part 2)
2009/08/22 23:45:09
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If anybody is is interested in buying a switch rod, I have a rod that Fish USA member casts_by_fly built. It's a 7 weight, two piece, 10 ft. 6 in. Rainbow blank fly rod with a black cordura case. I will sell it for $200 firm. It is cranberry in color with a rainbow/steelhead decal on the rod. The end butt extends. PM if interesred.
changes in latitudes, changes in attitudes....nothing remains quite the same The Beerman ~ Greg
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Loomis
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RE: Switch Rods (part 2)
2009/08/23 12:44:03
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This is the switch ill be primarily using this year. Built this one on a St. Croix blank and fitted it with a removable ferrule style fighting butt. Casts excellent and has a ton of ****. Can't wait to put a bend in it this year.  
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swinger
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RE: Switch Rods (part 2)
2009/08/23 14:03:10
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Those preformed grips sure speed things up.
Quality over quantity I am reality I>U JC Rules!!!!!!!
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Esox_Hunter
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RE: Switch Rods (part 2)
2009/08/23 21:12:18
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Thanks for all the input fellas.
Right now I am leaning towards getting a rod built with a rainshadow blank, I still haven't decided 100% on whether it will be a 6wt or 7wt. I really need to stay in my price range and the rainshadow will still allow it without sacrificing quality. Once I get this pretty new rod I will be reel shopping so I need to keep a few bucks in my pocket.
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steelheadman28
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RE: Switch Rods (part 2)
2009/08/29 16:23:25
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I would check out TFO they make some great rods and most are right around your price range.
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Esox_Hunter
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RE: Switch Rods (part 2)
2009/09/02 21:19:06
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After giving this some serious thought, I opted to have Loomis build me a rod. With the extended fighting butt it will be an 11' 4" 7wt, built on the rainshadow blank.
Now that Loomis took all my money, I am trying to find a shiny new reel to stick on it this fall. So far I have been looking at Cortland Precisions and Okuma Helios reels, I can pick either one of them up for $150-170. The only problem is that I have no experience with either of the reels. I am hoping to stay under $200 so I can still afford a new line.
Does anyone have any comments on the 2 reels I mentioned?
How about any other suggestions on a reel that may fit in my price range?
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Loomis
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RE: Switch Rods (part 2)
2009/09/03 08:09:29
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Esox_Hunter
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RE: Switch Rods (part 2)
2009/09/03 11:58:26
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ORIGINAL: Loomis
I took your money??? I believe it was your woman that paid that bill!! haha
Upon immediate repayment (I forgot my check book), I was forced to drop another $40 on dinner. This was because I "made" her listen to me BS about fishing for "like an hour!" She told me she was coming with, yet somehow I got made out to be the bad guy and paid the price! By the way folks, I went with the Orvis Mach IV. It was way too good of a deal for me to pass up. I also got another spool so I can have a WF loaded on one and a skagit system on the other.
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Loomis
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RE: Switch Rods (part 2)
2009/09/03 12:55:35
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Upon immediate repayment (I forgot my check book), I was forced to drop another $40 on dinner. This was because I "made" her listen to me BS about fishing for "like an hour!" She told me she was coming with, yet somehow I got made out to be the bad guy and paid the price!
Eh doesn't sound too out of the ordinary lolol
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freshwaterdrumR
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RE: Switch Rods (part 2)
2009/09/03 13:15:14
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ORIGINAL: Esox_Hunter
After giving this some serious thought, I opted to have Loomis build me a rod. With the extended fighting butt it will be an 11' 4" 7wt, built on the rainshadow blank.
Now that Loomis took all my money, I am trying to find a shiny new reel to stick on it this fall. So far I have been looking at Cortland Precisions and Okuma Helios reels, I can pick either one of them up for $150-170. The only problem is that I have no experience with either of the reels. I am hoping to stay under $200 so I can still afford a new line.
Does anyone have any comments on the 2 reels I mentioned?Â
How about any other suggestions on a reel that may fit in my price range?
I've been using an okuma helios for a few years now and couldnt be happier, freshwater and saltwater. I've never had any drag problems due to dirt or ice since it has a waterproof/sealed drag.
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cdcaddis
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RE: Switch Rods (part 2)
2009/09/10 10:28:42
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Cabela's make a great looking three piece switch rod for a #6 line. I have one and like it very much, sometimes I put a WF #7 on it when I'm swinging bigger flies. It costs $200 and has a nice cloth sack and nylon covered and zippered top plastic tube. Here is the model info; LST116 11'3" 3 piece 6 weight http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/product/standard-item.jsp?_
post edited by cdcaddis - 2009/09/10 10:32:13
Flyfisher for fifty-four years.
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Loomis
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RE: Switch Rods (part 2)
2009/09/10 11:04:12
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I have an LST and I think I would give it away if someone wanted it...
Not impressed with it at all.
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SilverKype
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RE: Switch Rods (part 2)
2009/09/10 11:09:29
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Ross discontinued their momentum's about two months ago. There were selling for $185.00 a cabelas. That's about 70% off. You could email cabelas and ask. A #4 would fit your rod nicely. They are heavy and I wouldn't suggest one for a 9' rod. I have one on a 12'6 5/6 and it fits perfectly. Ross alos just discontinued their evolutions.. they are on cabelas. They since have some 3.5's but they are probably a bit light for your setup.
post edited by SilverKype - 2009/09/10 11:10:10
My reports and advice are for everyone to enjoy, not just the paying customers.
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jimhalupka 
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RE: Switch Rods (part 2)
2009/09/10 12:21:00
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ORIGINAL: Loomis
I have an LST and I think I would give it away if someone wanted it...
I'll take it
"Sure, we can assiduously three-quarter our wets downstream, mend and wait out each fly swing, over and over again, which to my way of thinking, anyway, relegates the angler to the role, not of nemesis as it should be, but of butler." -Art Lee
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2Bonthewater
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RE: Switch Rods (part 2)
2009/09/10 12:30:51
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KJH807
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RE: Switch Rods (part 2)
2009/09/10 12:37:12
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ORIGINAL: jimhalupka
ORIGINAL: Loomis
I have an LST and I think I would give it away if someone wanted it...
I'll take it
i'll buy it for you you, if.... 1. you stop pinning 2. wear this shirt at least 36 hours a week (which i will also purchase)  deal?
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Skip16503
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RE: Switch Rods (part 2)
2009/09/10 12:47:55
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ORIGINAL: Loomis
I have an LST and I think I would give it away if someone wanted it...
Not impressed with it at all.
I'm sure someone at the One Fly would like it win it as a Prize in the Drawing....
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