There were enough of us that they gave us our own room in the (defunct) restaurant area. It was great to get a chance to meet and talk to everyone.
What did you guys think of the show? I talked with the promoter on Sunday (yes, I went back in the morning on Sunday with my daughter to test a few more rods) and he said he considered it a success and was planning on doing it next year.
I got a chance to test a number of the Sages, part. the DS2 9 & 10 wt, the RPLXi 9 & 10, 2 pc and 3 pc., the Redington DFL (?, the T&T 10 wt. and the Heritage 9 wt 3 pc. The big surprise was the cheap (no warranty, $140) Heritage which cast very wellI was also very impressed with the DS2, which I will probably buy in the 10 wt. (Have 3 nines, and figure my old rp is doomed, with the hundreds of clouser dings).
At the risk of alientating a few folks, I've got to say that the more expensive rods did not seem to give much more bang for the buck. The DS2 has been changed this year to have the titanium reel seat, the blank is sanded,etc., which greatly increased the quality level. Still, I didn't see a tremndous change in distance of cast, etc. for 2 or even 3 times the money. yes, the faster rods cast with less effort, but then my biggest casting problem is that I overpower the rod.
What did the rest of you see that you liked? Spend any time at the casting pool?