TFO IM8 vs. TiCR

[MKDeceiver]

I found a 9foot for 8 weight with tube IM8 for a good close-out deal. I felt both the TiCr and IM8 and think the IM8 feels much better. The IM8 is a little more sensitive, yet still feels like it has the punch of the TiCr.

What do you guys think? I know the TiCr is the new line, but it uses IM6, is a thicker rod, and isn't finished like the IM8. To me it looks like TFO is trying to put out a top end rod cheaper...I guess the new rods have the titanium guides but I'm not sure how much of a difference that makes. By not finishing the TiCr with rod finish, I think TFO is compensating the heaviness of the IM6 modulus graphite vs. the IM8 light higher modulus graphite. I guess the Titanium chromium coat helps stiffen up the rod but is that really that better than using IM8 graphite?

Help me out...I think both will throw a ton of line, I just want to get your feelings since I went with IM8 for better deal...

[seatrout]

I've been using Temple Fork Rods for two seasons now, starting with IM6 and going on from there. The three materials produce different feel to the caster, and I like them all depending on what the rod is being used for. The rod you bought has lots of power and you feel the rod load a bit more ... at least to me. The TICR feels a bit faster and the coating smooths out the stroke as well as protecting the blank. The heavy but was a Lefty addition to increase the lifting ability of the rod particularly for boat anglers. To me the finish doesn't matter much, but I like the performance. You'll like that rod!

[striperboyz]

The TiCr is a beefier rod with a more progressive taper, so the TiCr is stronger and stiffer in the lower 2/3s then lightens up in the tip section. The IM 8 is an awesome rod, but the difference is the taper is more constant, but the rod is similar stiffness the whole length giving it a smooth powerful cast. My first TFO was the salt water series(replaced by the professional series) and when the TiCr came out I actually got to talk to Rick Pope who said that Lefty Kreh designed the TiCr to have a super progressive taper and a strong butt section. He flat out told me he wasnt sure how it would be recieved in the fishing world because he thought it was designed too much for Lefty's casting style (not a bad thing in any respect), which means a stiff rod, and fast tip for super tight loops. What I found was the IM 6 and 8 are rather forgiving allowing for easier lazy casting, but if you half ass a double haul with the TiCr, holy shnikies, you're going to throw some line! --127-3-

The other thing to consider is your casting motion, when I started casting saltwater rods, I had an ol' school moderate action freshwater cast relying 90% on the loading of the rod for the cast. I soon realized that with saltwater rods you need to combine arm motion with rod action to maximize you cast.

I bet they will release TiCr with IM8 soon, because the IM8s only go up to 8wt.

Anyways they are both awesome rods :cool:

Cheers,

Josh

[MKDeceiver]

I just loaded the 8weight rod with 9 weight floating line and went and threw it in the back yard...Rod is powerfull!! I could throw almost the whole line 90 feet, with 2 false casts. Had a little trouble picking alot of line up and firing, but I was on an incline so it was tough to tell...

Most of my rods are Orvis TL's with a high mid flex, 6.5-10...My 9 weight, 9.5 flex, that I use on the Striper flats, has a very similar flex to this rod. Typically I shy away from the really, really fast action rods. I like power and more of a mid flex so I can feel the rod flex and use a longer casting stroke. I load most of my rods with 1 weight higher line just for that purpose...

If you use a long stroke, you can really run into problems with the super fast rods...

[MKDeceiver]

...Alot of situations on the flats require quick casts...For example a fish might pull up on you 30-40 feet away...Sometimes making that quick cast, 20-30 feet to position fly in traveling lane is essential...Having to load a fast action road in that situation may actually make things a little more difficult. Being able to lob a fly in those situations is key, and perhaps a fast action rod in those situations can actually inhibit your presenting of the fly timely, accurately and softly...

You guys are right...It comes down to your casting style. Flat-out...