Steffen Bros. 5wt: 8' vs. 8.5'

Re: Steffen Bros. 5wt: 8' vs. 8.5'

feeds@yuku.com (LeoCreek) — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 17:15:32 GMT

I agree with the advice to give Mark a call. He is great to work with, knowledgeable and honest. I know it can to be tough to pin something down based on advice of others without trying something in your own hands. But if you tell Mark what kind of waters you fish most, fly sizes and types, whether you tend to cast a bit on the agressive side or more relaxed and slowed down, your mending and roll casting needs, primary species you'll fish for, etc., he can help you out.

I...

Re: Steffen Bros. 5wt: 8' vs. 8.5'

feeds@yuku.com (frogmorton) — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 09:26:51 GMT

I've owned both rods and really there's not much difference. I kept the 8'6"er for the extra length and because it's a 4 piece rod. I think I fish that rod more than any other, it's great for drys, nymphs or streamers. Smooth with power, it handles wind as well as any glass rod in that weight that I know of. As always, I'd recommend giving Mark a call. He's knows any differeces there may be and talks like a rod maker not a rod salesman.

Re: Steffen Bros. 5wt: 8' vs. 8.5'

feeds@yuku.com (scud dog) — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 17:56:32 GMT

If you're undecided between the 8' and 8'6"...there's also an 8'3"! LOL! The Steffen survey shows a lot of guys really like that 8'6" rod. You also have a great 8' #5 already John. Perhaps the 8'6" would add another dimension to your quiver... Better length for a river too.

Re: Steffen Bros. 5wt: 8' vs. 8.5'

feeds@yuku.com (Boo) — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 12:44:40 GMT

I also like his 8'6" 5/6. To me it's more of a 6wt than a 5wt. Smooth with a quick recovery. I've owned one other Steffen but the 8'6" 6wt stands out the most.

Re: Steffen Bros. 5wt: 8' vs. 8.5'

feeds@yuku.com (gypsy) — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 12:41:30 GMT

Both are outstanding blanks. The 8.5 is a little slower and smoother but not by much. I find that 8'6" will cast 5 and 6 weight lines equally as well but if I had to pick between the 2 I would go with a 6wf for it's shooting ability. I've cast a full sinking 6wt on my 8'6" out to 85 ft on a soccer field...a better caster could certainly cast further than that. So yes you can get some distance out of it but....it really shines in the 25-50 ft range. A great fiberglass...

Re: Steffen Bros. 5wt: 8' vs. 8.5'

feeds@yuku.com (fred1369) — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 12:13:00 GMT

I have not handled the 8'6" Steffen, but the 8'0" is a wonderful rod, a DT-5 (IMO). Mark's blanks are straight and his ferrules are the best out there. You won't be disappointed, it will do what you're asking it to do.

Steffen Bros. 5wt: 8' vs. 8.5'

feeds@yuku.com (kinzua) — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 11:41:25 GMT

Has anyone compared the Steffen Brothers 5wt in 8' and 8.5' lengths? Specifically, is there a difference in smoothness, power, or action between the two blanks? Would either rod handle some wind and distance? My intended application would be dry flies for trout on the Upper Delaware River.
tia, John