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BlueDunn	Diamondglass Help	Lead	[-]
Guide Posts: 1 (08/04/08 12:25:35) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts Report Post	Hi- Let me start by introducing myself; my name is Seth and I live and fish all over VT and NH. Mostly small to medium sized streams and am have been having a lot of fun with the brookies, rainbows, and browns that call these places "home". I'm new to glass and need some help in choosing a decent (in both price and feel) rod. I'm considering purchasing a rod from the now "defunct" Diamondglass line; I've heard nothing but good things about these rods and have a few questions. First let me start off by saying I would love to cast one of these rods but there are no Cortland/Diamondback dealers in my state that carry this line anymore. So without further ado: 1) Considering the 8' 4-wt, 2 piece rod; how would you describe this rods action? Is it slower than a graphite rod's action (in the same class; i.e. moderate)? Would I be able to "feel" smaller fish (native brookies/rainbows) in smaller eastern waters? How do you feel this rod would handle a 5-wt. line and would it harm the rod? 2) For the 7'6" 3-wt, 2 piece rod; is this rod's action slower than the 8' 4-wt? Would be able to put a 4-wt. line on this rod and what difference would it make? I want to feel the rod load a little better and want a bit more feeling out of the experience; I can't seem to find a graphite rod that'll do either of those things for me...even my trusty Orvis Superfine (new model). I really appreciate any help with these topics as I'm a bit new to the fiberglass rod world (can you tell?)! Thanks again, BD Last Edited By: BlueDunn 08/04/08 12:35:55. Edited 1 time.
flyflingerandy1		#1	[-]
Master Guide Posts: 479 (08/04/08 12:36:03) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts Report Post	All rods are flexible as to line weight. You could throw a WF4F DT4F and WF5F on the 4wt and not harm the rod, just your casting distance, on the 3, a DT3F, WF3F, WF4F easily. Andy
Boo	DG	#2	[-]
Master Guide Posts: 442 (08/04/08 12:37:55) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts Report Post	The DG 2 piece rods are faster than the 3 piece DG. I had the 8' 4wt 2 piece and would describe it as a med fast, similar to a medium graphite. It was faster than a graphite Orvis Superfine 7/11 4w. But, the 7/11 is one of if not the slowest graphite rods I've ever cast. The DG 2pc rods are very nice and difficult to beat for the price. But, I much prefer the 3 piece DG rods over the 2pc rods. They feel smoother and have more flex. The 3pc 8'/5wt and 7'/3wt are two of the nicest casting fiberglass rods I've experienced. The 8 1/2'/4wt is ok, imo. by the way, i would highly recommend the Orvis Superfine 7/11 if you want to really feel the rod load and feel the fish. It's my all time favorite graphite rod and I'd take it over most glass and bamboo...really it's that sweet to me! Last Edited By: Boo 08/04/08 12:41:43. Edited 2 times.
BlueDunn		#3	[-]
Guide Posts: 2 (08/04/08 16:33:45) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts Report Post	Boo wrote: The DG 2 piece rods are faster than the 3 piece DG. I had the 8' 4wt 2 piece and would describe it as a med fast, similar to a medium graphite. It was faster than a graphite Orvis Superfine 7/11 4w. But, the 7/11 is one of if not the slowest graphite rods I've ever cast. The DG 2pc rods are very nice and difficult to beat for the price. But, I much prefer the 3 piece DG rods over the 2pc rods. They feel smoother and have more flex. The 3pc 8'/5wt and 7'/3wt are two of the nicest casting fiberglass rods I've experienced. The 8 1/2'/4wt is ok, imo. by the way, i would highly recommend the Orvis Superfine 7/11 if you want to really feel the rod load and feel the fish. It's my all time favorite graphite rod and I'd take it over most glass and bamboo...really it's that sweet to me! Thanks for the input. I cannot find the 3-piece DG rods anywhere- apparently these are very popular rods...probably doesn't help that Cortland decided to axe the line. So in lieu of those 3-piece rods I'm left with the choice of either the 7'6" 3-wt. (that I would most likely throw a 4-wt. line on) or the 8' 4-wt. I fish mainly small streams and rivers (and generally speaking cast no more than 30' of line) and do a fair amount of nymphing all season long (makes me think the 8' would be a better rod but I've heard the 7'6" has a better feel to it)... I was looking into glass rods because I want more "feel" when playing a fish and heard that fiberglass transfers "feel" better than graphite...also a little turned off on graphite as there seems to be alot of "bounce/rebound/feedback/wiggle" (not sure how to best describe this...) and not as much in the butt. I also cannot find the 7/11 you mention...those must be popular too. ~BD
jgestar	Welcome!	#4	[-]
Posts: 2561 (08/04/08 16:52:56) ezOP Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts Report Post	BD, Welcome to the Fiberglass Flyrodders! I love your avatar photo. Have you found our Fiberglass Flyrodder's Wiki yet? Many of the current glass rod makers are listed. I have a couple of new companies to add, but it is still a good place to start. In particular, there are quite a few comments on the Diamondglass page that might give you a feel for the various rods. It is sad that you can't access a Diamondglass rod in Vermont, of all places. For that matter, it is getting harder to find Dglass anywhere. I finally got my hands on an 8 foot, 4 weight a couple weeks ago. It is the first Diamondglass I have cast. I lined it with my "4½" weight test line and the rod behaved just fine. I'm actually trying to get to the water for a real test, so I will have firmer opinion soon. Even so, I think it will be happy with a WF4, a DT4, or a WF5 line. The heavier lines will slow it down just a little. You won't harm the rod by overlining it, but you probably won't like the way it casts/feels. I haven't handled a 7'6", 3 weight yet. If you are looking for a slower action rod so you can feel the rod load, another candidate would be the honey colored, Lamiglas 7½ foot, 4 weight. Different guys like this rod with anything from a DT3 to a DT5 line. However you use it, it is smooth and slow. They are only available as blanks, but a fair number of them change hands through the For Sale section. In addition, you can get it as a 2 piece, 3 piece, or 6 piece blank depending on your requirements. Tom
scud dog		#5	[-]
Master Guide Posts: 982 (08/04/08 17:19:50) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts Report Post	I've owned the 7'6" #3 and have fished the 8'#4. I found the 7'6" #3 was my least favorite of the D'glass rods I owned or fished. I've owned or fished: 6'6" #3; 7'0" #3; 7'6"#3; 7'0" #4; 8'0" #4; 8'6" #4 and the 8'0" #5. I sold the 7'6" quick. It never really felt right with a WF3 line; DT3; or WF4. The 8'0' #4 is a very able rod. For me, this is a no brainer: I'd get the 4 weight. I've fished it with a DT4 and WF4 already and it's a nice "crisp" glass rod.
BlueDunn		#6	[-]
Guide Posts: 3 (08/04/08 17:34:14) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts Report Post	Thanks guys! I truly appreciate all the input on this. I think my main concern (if it can be called a "concern") is this; will I feel an 8" brookie on the DG 8' 4-wt? When I say feel- I think I mean will there be some play in the rod or will it act like a stiff lever? I'm not sure how else to describe this but I hope you can understand what I'm trying to say...? Thanks again! ~BD
Boo	Feel...	#7	[-]
Master Guide Posts: 443 (08/04/08 20:32:14) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts Report Post	I know exactly what your saying and the 7/11 will have more 'feel' to it than the 8'/4wt DG. Generally speaking glass will have more tip bounce than graphite. Also, generally speaking, graphite will be more stiff than glass but as with anything there are exceptions. There's an article in one of the old 'Fly Fisherman" Magazines from the late 1970's[?] about how graphite transmits more "feel" than glass etc. as one of the advantages of graphite over glass according to the article. I guess things have changed as graphite has gotten more rigid and stiff as the years have gone by.....most with little or no feel at all these days.
tonemike		#8	[-]
Master Guide Posts: 382 (08/04/08 22:36:25) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts Report Post	hey bluedunn, though i guess it's all relative, i get lots of feel from my 2pc 7' 4wt and a bit more from the 8' 4wt. i really enjoy fishing both rods a lot. like scud, i got rid of my 7'6" 3wt right away, but then again, i've heard of folks who just love that rod. i like the 2pc rods much better than the three, but many folks here feel the exact opposite way. this past saturday i fished the 7' 4wt with my young son on a small stream way up in the hills and we caught little native cutts with the biggest running 10". we had a blast, and unlike some lighter gear, these 4wt rods aren't just nice little toys, but can cast into a bit of wind with a medium sized hopper-dropper rig just fine. welcome aboard and let us know what you end up getting. -mike
BlueDunn		#9	[-]
Guide Posts: 4 (08/05/08 07:02:24) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts Report Post	tonemike wrote: hey bluedunn, though i guess it's all relative, i get lots of feel from my 2pc 7' 4wt and a bit more from the 8' 4wt. i really enjoy fishing both rods a lot. like scud, i got rid of my 7'6" 3wt right away, but then again, i've heard of folks who just love that rod. i like the 2pc rods much better than the three, but many folks here feel the exact opposite way. this past saturday i fished the 7' 4wt with my young son on a small stream way up in the hills and we caught little native cutts with the biggest running 10". we had a blast, and unlike some lighter gear, these 4wt rods aren't just nice little toys, but can cast into a bit of wind with a medium sized hopper-dropper rig just fine. welcome aboard and let us know what you end up getting. -mike Thanks for the info! I'll keep you posted on my decision. I'm leaning towards the 8' rod as the extra length would help in the wind (as many have mentioned) and in nymphing. Also in the early season I end up throwing around quite a few small, weighted Woolly Buggers and streamers- may be a benefit there too. ~BD
Scooter2022		#10	[-]
Guide Posts: 54 (08/05/08 07:03:54) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts Report Post	I don't want to highjack the thread, but all the talk about the Diamondglass reminds me that about a year-year and a half or two years ago the local Gander Mountain was selling their remaining DG's at, don't quote me on this, but I think it was $185. Something like that-%50 or %60 off. If I remember correctly all they had left were the 6'6" 2 pc 3 wt. and maybe one or two 2 pc 4wt's., though I don't remember the length. I didn't buy one because #1 I didn't have the extra cash at the time and I didn't have the need or desire for a short 3 wt at the time. Also, don't get mad at me for saying this, but the ones they had there did not impress me at all in the area of workmanship. I tend to look a little too close at things before buying them and these had gaps in the reel seat/cork area that shouldn't of been there. Nothing that would have affected the fishability, but still an imperfection that had I had the cash, I probably would have passed. In retrospect I should have bought one. I eventually would have gotton over any imperfections and would have loved it and fished it or resold it and made my money back. Tom.
corlay		#11	[-]
Master Guide Posts: 129 (08/05/08 07:32:31) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts Report Post	Scooter2022 wrote: about a year-year and a half or two years ago the local Gander Mountain was selling their remaining DG's at, don't quote me on this, but I think it was $185. When I first stumbled upon this forum, early this Spring, I went back read a bunch of older threads, to get the "feel" of the board, and to learn more about glass rods. Anyway, after reading about the Gander Mountain clearance, I ran right down to our local shop, but found none. Only St.Croix and Reddington, and their own proprietary line... But then a few weeks later, I stopped by the Cortland Factory Outlet, and stumbled across a 8' 5wt 3pc discounted similarly. Prompted mostly by opinions found on this forum, I jumped on the deal - and it's easily my most favorite rod in that length/wt. My Father, who fishes a Fenwick 756, finds it too "noodle-y"; but I just love it... -- CoreyL
corlay		#12	[-]
Master Guide Posts: 130 (08/05/08 07:42:26) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts Report Post	If you're interested in a short, light rod for those maountain brookies Back in May of this year I stumbled across a few Diamondglass here: www.westbranchangler.com On their demo/clearance rack, they had 2 Diamondglass rods: 5'-0" (2wt?) 6'-6" (3wt?) both priced @$295 I betcha they're still sitting there. I don't think I've ever run across a fisherman with a fiberglass rod on that stretch of water before. And everyone's rod is ~9'. They do Ship. FYI... -- CoreyL
Cornmuse		#13	[-]
Posts: 582 (08/05/08 07:49:38) Administrator Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts Report Post	The 6' 6" 3wt is a fabulous rod, one I regret selling - there's a full review on Fly Fish Ohio. The 5' 2wt isn't a practical rod, IMHO though. I've cast it a couple times - very soft and honestly it could be a 1wt. Absolutely no butt strength - I don't think the rod could comfortably cast anything over a size 16. If you're fishing small (under 12" fish) with very small flies (size 20 and below) in close quarters (no casts over 30') it might be acceptable, but I'd opt for the 3wt. YMMV Joe C. "Live each season as it passes; breathe the air, drink the drink, taste the fruit, and resign yourself to the influences of each." - Henry David Thoreau Visit www.flyfishohio.com for great fly fishing and fly tying articles, the "Adventures in Fly Tying" monthly video podcast and the "Adventures in Fly Fishing" monthly audio podcast. The Midwest isn't a place you fly over to get to good fishing - it's right here in our own backyards. Think globally - fish locally.
scud dog		#14	[-]
Master Guide Posts: 984 (08/05/08 20:11:07) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts Report Post	Scooter, Two years ago? Subway sold foot longs on Tuesdays for $3.29 and we were angry because gas was over $2 a gallon. Blue Dunn, All of the 4 wt. D'glass rods are good. Go with your gut and trust you'll do fine with whatever you choose.
Scooter2022		#15	[-]
Guide Posts: 56 (08/06/08 06:14:47) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts Report Post	Yea, I shoulda invested in gasoline and deli meat too...
rpistell		#16	[-]
Sport Posts: 21 (08/07/08 07:08:36) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts Report Post	Hi - I live and fish in Southern Vermont - happen to have the Diamondglass 8' 4wt, 7 1/2' 3wt., 7' 4wt. as well as a 2 piece 7 1/2' 4 wt. lami along with way too many others according to my wife. I like all the diamondglass rods that I have. The 8' 4 wt. is very versatile and I prefer it with a 5 wt. line, however, for small stream fishing I feel the 7 1/2' 3wt or 7' 4 wt. would be much better for you. They both have great feel when a small fish is on and they both roll cast great. If I had to pick one I would choose the 7' 4wt. - it seems to it all well - dry, nymph and streamer. For me, just a fun rod to fish and handles really well in the small streams. I personally do not like the 7 1/2' 4wt. lami - just does not work for me, however, you may love the rod - you would have to cast one. I still see some of the Diamondglass rods in shops around here, so, I would suggest you get one and have some fun with it - also they are super rods for panfish etc. as many others on this board have already reported.
rbpcaddis	DG 8'#4	#17	[-]
Sport Posts: 25 (08/07/08 09:56:33) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts Report Post	I still have the 8' #4 two piece listed in the "For Sale" topic available. Brand new with plastic on the handle.
labtrout.clarksclassicfl...		#18	[-]
Sport Posts: 6 (08/08/08 14:15:33) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts Report Post	Seth, I recently bought the D-Glass 7 1/2-foot 3-weight, and I really like it here on small and medium-sized rivers in CT. I find it casts best with a DT3 line for small flies and tippets -- "fishing fine," as it were -- but it also handles a DT4 well on smaller streams for brookies. I've done most of my fishing for the past 20-25 years in CT, VT and NH with Orvis Superfines and Winston IM6 rods, and I've found the transition to this D-Glass to be very smooth and natural. I have a slower, traditional casting style and I like a rod you don't have to think about or work too hard to cast; just focus on the lie, point and shoot. The D-Glass is that kind of rod for me. Hope that helps and best of luck with whatever you decide.

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