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Featured Topic History of Fiberglass at Winston | |
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 kinzua |
Steffen Bros. 5wt: 8' vs. 8.5' |
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Guide
Posts: 122 (07/03/09 11:41:25) |
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 |
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fred1369 |
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Master Guide
Posts: 64 (07/03/09 12:13:00) |
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.
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gypsy |
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Master Guide
Posts: 539 (07/03/09 12:41:30) |
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 rod for bigger rivers like the Delaware.
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Boo |
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Master Guide
Posts: 582 (07/03/09 12:44:40) |
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.
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scud dog |
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Master Guide
Posts: 1435 (07/03/09 17:56:32) |
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.
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frogmorton |
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Master Guide
Posts: 288 (07/04/09 09:26:51) |
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.
Your Signature ...
Last Edited By: frogmorton
07/04/09 09:29:05.
Edited 1 times.
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LeoCreek |
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Master Guide
Posts: 196 (07/04/09 17:15:32) |
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 wouldn't have gotten both 8'6" and 8' blanks in the same line weight, but am now very happy that I have both of these since they're
just different enough to fill separate niches. I didn't need them both, but I suppose I'm a fly rod junkie (with apologies to my sweet wife!).
Tom G.
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