Hi All

Thanks for the help so far.

I've been out in the garden practising my casting and am ready to buy my own lightweight kit for river fishing.

So: one last question before I click "BUY"

John Norris has two budget Shakespeare rods: the Trion XT and the Odyssey XT.

I know I want to go short and light, so I'll be getting a #3 but the former is £40 and the latter is £26 - is there much difference in quality? Do they handle or perform differently? Bear in mind that while I'm a experienced angler I am new to fly fishing.

Edit: I intend it team the rod up with the smallest Grey G1 reel, rather than the *too* cheap basic Shakespeare, which frankly looks a bit crappy.

Thanks again! And after this no more questions for a week at least: I promise!

They are both decent rods for the price Rev, the fittings on the Trion are IMO just a bit nicer, and worth the extra.
Good luck with it, and ask all you like, that's what forums are for.
Steven.

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"A glint of sun has warmed the air,The flies will soon hatch out, To lure and tempt from their deep lair, The bonnie speckled trout." SKB tackle supporter. I love Furled Leaders.

I've got 4 wt rods in the 'old' ranges, i.e. pre XT. I'd say the Trion feels a bit livelier when casting. The Odyssey does the job, no complaints. For the money, it's a great rod and one not to get worried about putting some scratches on it. I bought the Trion equivalent when it was 'sold off' last year.

Provided the new ranges are similar to the previous models, both are good value, and will perform adequately. The Trion is 'nicer', but also more expensive. There's a saying about paying your money and making your choice.....

Good luck and enjoy which ever you decide on.

i've got the 9' 6 #6 trion XT and love it, it got best rod under 100 in trout and salmon this /last month

*BUMP*

I am also now considering the purchase of either the 7ft #3 Odyssey XT ot Trion XT, but don't really understand the benefits of the Trion...could someone shed some light? I agree the fittings look nicer on the Trion, but what does than actually mean when you're fishing with the thing?

Thanks.

Agreed. i have both, but prefer the trion as it's slightly softer action makes delicate presentation better.

John Norris have the Trion on sale. Got mine there and like it a lot - that said, I haven't tried the Odyssey.

As a rule I usually avoid the very cheapest product in any line or range as going just one or two rungs up the ladder buys you a lot more for you money; I think margins are widest at the very top and very bottom. Just my 2c.

Hi

You might find this of interest.........................


New 7' #3 Shaky- Amazing value !

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Englander

"Barbless since 2008"

Vision GT Four catapult 9' 6#
Vision GT Four SW 9' 9#
Vision 3 Zone 9' 5#
Vision Cult 9' 3#
Shakespeare Trion 9' 5/6#
Cortland Endurance 9' 6#
Shakespeare Expedition float tube
Vosseler DC3 reel
Okuma Helios 8/9 reel
Greys G series 3/4 reel
Snowbee Geo 3/4 reel

Hi,
I have around 4 Odyssey rods of various lengths and I have to say I actually prefer them to many Hardy/Greys/Sonik rods I've had in the past.

I like the action, I can delicately present a dry with the 3# version and I've had no issues at all with larger fish, the back bone of the rod is ample to cope with anything the modern reservoir can throw at you, including the wind.
I also have a 6ft 6in Trion and its a decent little rod too.

That 'Mustang' reel however is another story....Buy the outfit and bin the reel immediately, don't even entertain trying it...
Both Rods will do you proud though.

It still baffles me why Shakespeare are looked down on in certain circles, I have had all manner of tackle and spent probably thousands in the 25+ years I've been fishing and I just can't fault Shakespeare in any way and better still they are about half the price too.
(probably the main basis that Rupert & Tarquin frown on them)
The Shakespeare Trion salmon rods are quality. The latest versions are frankly superb.

I bought an XT 8# from grommit this week for sea trouting. tried it out yesterday at raygill on a few stockys very nice rod for the money alan