TFO model opinions?

[pearson]

I'm relatively new to this sport, but my introduction has been upside down. My first experience last year was to Islamorada for tarpon & bonefish for 4 days. I didn't do too well, but my guide didn't throw me in the drink, so I suppose I did OK for my first time out. After that I went to Alaska for a week for rainbows & silvers. Did much better there, so my skill is improving some.

Anyway, I'm going to Mexico off the Yucatan this year for Large & baby tarpon. I've decided to invest in some equipment. I've already found and purchased a nice 12wt GLoomis GL3 12wt for the larger tarpon. For the smaller ones, I need an 8wt with a 9 line, according to the guide. I'd also like to use this rod in a local river for steelhead.

Since I'm just beginning and have a budget to consider, I've happened on the TFO rods. I've casted both the TiCr and the Professional in the 8 wt. If I had a blindfold, I really don't think I could have told the difference. What I'm wondering if anyone has an opinion of the durability of the Professional vs. the TiCr, and if one or the other is more suitable for the intermediate caster. I'm strong, athletic, and probably a quick learner, but don't want to hamper my learning by buying too much rod if that's possible. I know that these are both "budget" rods, but don't want to needlessly throw money away.

Thanks for reading!

[Quicksilver]

You won't be throwing your money away. I think both of the rods you are considering are equally durable. If you don't notice a difference while casting the two then go with the less expensive rod. Trust me, as you progress with your casting TFO will have a product for you. It is great that TFO rods are reasonably priced. Don't think just because the price is low that the rod is not a great product. I own two TFO's. I have one of the old #8 4 pc. rods, and the #7 4 pc. Professional. My next rod purchase will be either the #8 or #9 TiCr.

[Jay MacLaughlin]

Pearson -

My first rod was a Loomis GL3, and I remember a conversation with casting guru George Roberts about the relative slowness of the way the rod loaded. It is a strong rod, but one that loads progressively. Some folks might describe it as a mid-flex rod.

Although I haven't cast the TFOs, the reports I read suggest they are much faster rods, or more in the tip-flex design.

So the question is, as a relative newcomer, will you be thrown off your casting stroke when you move between rods of very different styles and speeds? Slow or fast rods aren't inherently better or worse. It's just that as you try to find your individual casting stroke, the learning curve is complicated by the difference not just in rod weights, but in their performance. Cast a bunch of rods and make the choice not on price points or marketing sizzle but on the ones that feel "right" to you.

[Quicksilver]

GL3 is a slow rod?????

[SageBoy]

I had a GL3 and I thought it was a relatively fast rod. I also had a Loomis Nautikos which I thought casted like a 2x4. Both of which are now sold since I had a chance to cast the Sage RPLXi. The RPLXi fits my casting style much better. I could be wrong but it seems to be just a tad bit slower then the GL3. I can load the RPLXi much faster.

.02

[masssalt]

I think you will find the TFO Professional Series rods more suited to your skill level and application. These rods, ( While still fast-actioned,) are more full flexing and easier to load than the TiCr series. Particularly for your salmon fishing, I think you will find these to be fine rods for the variety of casts you may use, overhead, roll and single-hand spey techniques.

The TiCr 8 is a great rod, ( Maybe my favorite?,) but being more tip flex, requires more skill in timing and is subsequently more tiring to use, especially for a begining caster.

Jay Horton
Pro Staff, Temple Forks Fly Rods

[saltyric]

I just purchased a TiCr 8wt to use as a travel rod. I like as good if not better than the $400.00 Orvis Trident PM10 I've been using.

[John_P]

did anyone else think the TFOs were a bit on the heavy side? I had one at a local show in NJ and thats what I thought - though it seemed like a very nice rod, esp at the price.

BTW Redington had this RS2 rod at $159 also felt pretty good!

[pearson]

I think you will find the TFO Professional Series rods more suited to your skill level and application. These rods, ( While still fast-actioned,) are more full flexing and easier to load than the TiCr series. Particularly for your salmon fishing, I think you will find these to be fine rods for the variety of casts you may use, overhead, roll and single-hand spey techniques.

The TiCr 8 is a great rod, ( Maybe my favorite?,) but being more tip flex, requires more skill in timing and is subsequently more tiring to use, especially for a begining caster.

Jay Horton
Pro Staff, Temple Forks Fly Rods

Jay,
Thanks for the response - based on your sig I suppose you ought to know! You know, I'd probably have bought the Pro by now, except for the durability issue. It seems smaller in the butt than the TiCr and my local dealer here in Sacramento has indicated a higher rate of breakage with the Pro than with the TiCr. Tiring isn't going to be an issue, either. After I purchase the rod, I'm planning on several hours a week across the street at a 150' pond in the park. That is, unless you think that it would hamper my learning which is another story. If a fuller flexing rod is what I need, and durability isn't an issue (the tarpon concern me) than it seems the Pro is for me.

Jeff

[pearson]

Pearson -

My first rod was a Loomis GL3, and I remember a conversation with casting guru George Roberts about the relative slowness of the way the rod loaded. It is a strong rod, but one that loads progressively. Some folks might describe it as a mid-flex rod.

Although I haven't cast the TFOs, the reports I read suggest they are much faster rods, or more in the tip-flex design.

So the question is, as a relative newcomer, will you be thrown off your casting stroke when you move between rods of very different styles and speeds? ....

Jay,
Thanks, I am thinking about that too. I did notice the difference on where it flexed. Here's my thinking: I'm going to be using the 12wt GL3 to throw 400g sinking tip line to tarpon. From what I've felt in the short time I've practiced with it, loading the rod isn't a problem. I do feel like I need to be a little more patient with my casts, but I just thought that was part of the deal with the larger gear. Now, my thinking and limited experience might not count for much at this point, but that's where I'm at so far.

-Jeff