Info needed on L.L. Bean Deluxe model

Re: Info needed on L.L. Bean Deluxe model

feeds@yuku.com (jgestar) — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 23:09:15 GMT

Careful, this history stuff turns into rod collecting. Then you're in big trouble!

The Scotchply rods all had painted rod blanks. The glass/epoxy mixture used for those rods was a milky white. After 1962, there were very few Phillipson rods made on unpainted rod blanks. However, I think Phillipson did use the name DeLuxe for different rods at different times. LL Bean put their own names on their rods, but it...

Re: Info needed on L.L. Bean Deluxe model

feeds@yuku.com (TroutBum4wt) — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 21:58:55 GMT

Tom,
I just got the Johnson book on "Fiberglass Fly Rods."

The L.L. Bean section was not much help, but the Phillipson chapter noted that the company "brougth out a new 1964 line of Scotchply rods called the Royal, DeLuxe and Master."

Would this be my rod's series, versus the late 1950s rods? Did the company use the "DeLuxe" name more than once, or did L.L. Bean named their own Phillipson-made rods?

The book also had an old...

Re: Info needed on L.L. Bean Deluxe model

feeds@yuku.com (jgestar) — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 19:50:23 GMT

Yes. With time and exposure to light, the phenolic resin in these rods darkens. The varnish tends to darken too. Occasionally a rod shows up that must have been stored in a closet most of the time. It looks like Jeff has one.

When these rods were made, they were the state of the art fiberglass.

Tom

Re: Info needed on L.L. Bean Deluxe model

feeds@yuku.com (TroutBum4wt) — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 18:31:45 GMT

I'm not sure I'm following. So, my rod is a dark-colored eponite fiberglass?

Re: Info needed on L.L. Bean Deluxe model

feeds@yuku.com (JeffSod) — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 13:50:57 GMT

Heres a couple more for reference-

Re: Info needed on L.L. Bean Deluxe model

feeds@yuku.com (jgestar) — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 13:31:49 GMT

Yes. The term "butterscotch swirl" came to mind the first time I saw an Eponite rod. I don't know what causes this because both Silaflex and Fenwick pressure cured their rods also, but those rods don't have that same uneven appearance.

The photo below is the best I could find in my files.

Tom

Re: Info needed on L.L. Bean Deluxe model

feeds@yuku.com (bassackwards) — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 11:47:29 GMT

Is it lighter brown than trevarno with lighter splotches?

Re: Info needed on L.L. Bean Deluxe model

feeds@yuku.com (JeffSod) — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 10:50:58 GMT

I'm no expert but I think you can tell by the color and weave of the glass.

Re: Info needed on L.L. Bean Deluxe model

feeds@yuku.com (bassackwards) — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 07:58:30 GMT

How can you tell the difference between eponite and trevarno?

Re: Info needed on L.L. Bean Deluxe model

feeds@yuku.com (TroutBum4wt) — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 21:32:25 GMT

Thanks Tom
I paid $50 for her.

Re: Info needed on L.L. Bean Deluxe model

feeds@yuku.com (jgestar) — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 20:56:39 GMT

Yes, that is definitely a Phillipson made rod. That reelseat is a telltale sign, as are the ferrules. The blank looks kinda like an Eponite blank to me. That would suggest it was made in the later 50s.

From what I understand, the glass Phillipson rods were always wrapped with nylon thread. The LL Bean models were wrapped with black.

Tom

Re: Info needed on L.L. Bean Deluxe model

feeds@yuku.com (TroutBum4wt) — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 20:06:05 GMT

[Edit: Linked to the bigger photos. Tom]

Re: Info needed on L.L. Bean Deluxe model

feeds@yuku.com (TroutBum4wt) — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 19:58:58 GMT

I hope the photos work.

Re: Info needed on L.L. Bean Deluxe model

feeds@yuku.com (TroutBum4wt) — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 10:18:14 GMT

Tom,
You can see the weave of the fiberglass for sure. The dark brown almost looks like wood.

I will try to get a photo(s) posted.

What kind of thread was used to tie down the guides? I need to replace one.

Thanks for the help!

Re: Info needed on L.L. Bean Deluxe model

feeds@yuku.com (jgestar) — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 10:08:51 GMT

TroutBum,

Welcome to the Fiberglass Flyrodders!

Your rod has the characteristics of a Phillipson made rod, but some photos would certainly help. Particularly photos of the ferrules, grip, and a close up of the rod blank. Phillipson did make rods for LL Bean in the 50s and 60s. Is the rod blank painted? or can you see the weave of the fiberglass cloth? Most Phillipson rods made after 1960 had painted rod blanks.

From your description, I'm guessing you...

Info needed on L.L. Bean Deluxe model

feeds@yuku.com (TroutBum4wt) — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 09:51:31 GMT

Hello,

I've finally joined your great forum after finding a nice looking, vintage fiberglass rod at a flea market in Branson, Mo.
Any information on the history of the rod would be great.
The only writing on the rod is: "L.L.Bean Deluxe" and this was in cursive script.
"8 1/2" was on the other side. No other information was listed such as what line weight to use.
The blanks are dark brown in color. It has a fullwells handle. Metal reel...