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Solid
08-17-2007, 10:58 AM
Looking into a new salt rig for next year and need to nail it down now, so I can keep an eye out for specials, and add it to my Christmas list! I have decided to go with a 10wt. Rig and keep my 9 wt. stuff for backup.

Starting with Rod, I am thinking best value would be TFO TiCrX for around $250. I am using a TFO Pro series now that is OK, but a little on the soft side. Sometimes it feels like it is having a hard time handling the 250 grain sinking line, but it might just take some time to get used to it. My old Gold Cup rod seemed to handle the TS 350 much better. Anyone use these rods? I am also open to other suggestions, Sage, Albright, ect that fall into that price range.

Reel - thinking that the best “Bang for the Buck” seems to be Teton Tioga. I like the idea of having LA spool and a standard spool that holds lots of backing (Albies). I am a little confused when it comes to selecting reels, but thinking I should get the regular Tioga, or should I get the Magnum(Large arbor, wide spool)? As always open to other options, but really looking for people who have experience with the above mentioned, and I am sure there are tons on this site.
Reel is pretty much a done deal, unless I hear about something else in that price range that I must have. Rod is another thing, here are a fews options.

Albright XX series – High $300
Albright A-5 series – Low $200 (5 piece rods?)
Sage – Priced out, Launch series has no 10 wt.
Gloomis Crosscurrent - High $300
TFO Teeny series Low $200
TFO TiCrx – Low $200
Orvis T-3’s High $300

BTW, I did just read the Albright XX vs. TFO TiCr post. Thanks!

Strat
08-17-2007, 11:17 AM
Looks like you are on the right track. If you can find a 10wt T3 priced in the same ballpark as those other rods you should try it - I fished one for a day right after they came out and was very impressed. I would put it right up there with the Xi2 and GLX for both action and craftsmanship.

The tioga should be OK for most stuff. A watched a freind of mine land a couple of small SBFT on one...although it did eventually break down on him. Can't beat it for the $$...

flyinsalt
08-17-2007, 02:44 PM
You will love the TFO Ticrx for the 10wt rig. I've also heard a lot of good things about the Tioga, but I would look on ebay for a deal on an Old Florida. I've seen a couple go relatively inexpensive and I believe the Old Florida is comparable to Tibor. I have 5 Old Florida reels and I've never had a problem with any of them. Of course, if you want to spend the money and make an investment in a Tibor Everglades, I don't think you will ever regret it.

Hoss
08-17-2007, 11:23 PM
I like the TiCrx quite a lot, it'll boom line. I use TFO pros though because I like a little more feel to the rod. TFO is a decent product for a great price. Can't go wrong.
I am saving my pennies for a new salt rod and looking to get an Echo 2 Saltwater. I like Echo quite a lot and have a couple of their rods already.. It's more expensive than the TFO at about $280. But its a true saltwater rod with more durable components. And it comes with a case. It also comes with two different tips. One's faster for distance one's slower for accuracy.
I also have Beulah 10 wt guide series. Love the thing. I have a couple of Beulahs and have had friends offer to buy the rods from me right out of my hand. It can through line a mile. It's about $280. Beulah does have a Blue Water series. BUt they are a little steeper at $370 of a 10/11.
Another thing Im considering is getting a CTS Affinity S blank and building a rod. Really like the blanks.

Jason726
08-19-2007, 12:53 PM
Just an fyi... if you decide on the Orvis T3 and buy it on their website you can get a Mach reel at 50% off... pretty good deal...

I had a T3 for several years and liked it... just upgraded to a Loomic CC GLX...

Never tried a Mach reel, but have heard good things...

Good luck!

jf

Solid
08-19-2007, 10:57 PM
Thanks for the replies, I never gave echo much thought, but I might now. Just spent a few minutes reading up on the rod, sounds good and $280 is in the right price range. Now, I have to find someone local who has those rods so I can check them out (if thats even possible). Thanks again!

masssalt
08-20-2007, 06:26 AM
Just one more FYI, TFO have a special bundle offer going on the TiCrX rod with a Hayden reel for $ 499.

Jay Horton
Advisory Staff TFO

Hoss
08-20-2007, 06:12 PM
Solid-
Don't hesitate to call up Echo/Rajeff sports to find out where you can get your hands on one. 866.347.4359