I've been using 'hand-me-down' Hardy De-Luxe for the last two seasons which, after a couple of days using my river outfit, feels like I'm using a tree trunk to cast a fly line!

As awesome as the rod is, it's old and also very heavy! Therefore, I'm playing with the idea of getting a new rod for use on reservoirs. So a 10ft 6-7wt rod is on the cards for a purchase soon I reckon.

Budget will be £150, but has anyone got any recommendations??

I've looked at a few models, mainly Orvis, Greys, Sage, anyone like to make any suggestions?

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I would strongly recommend the Guideline Lpxe 9ft 6 for a 7. Fantastic Reservoir/boat/Sea-Trout and Grilse rod.

I think its priced at just under £200, but well worth stretching yourself for one.

If you want to stick with the budget, try the Greys range.

Grommit on here, will do you a good price on one.

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If they've got any left Harris Sportsmail were selling the Diamondback VSR 10ft. #6 for £130. Search for the earlier thread which makes reference to these rods...that is an absolute steal.

Hi Gareth

I have just bought a 10'-0" Vision Zone 3 5wt, well within your budget, a great rod for the money, I used to use 7-8 wt but find I can easily manage with a 5wt.

A lot of people, me included, fall into a trap thinking you need a heavy rod for the weather conditions and size of stillwaters, however the rating of the rod is more related to the size and bulk of the flies you are using which need a heftier line to throw them.

If we meet up at the weekend give the rod a try.

Bill

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There is a fine line between the angler and madness

Hi Gareth,

I bought the Orvis western2 earlier this season and have enjoyed its tippy action. The guideline rods were also in the mix when I was looking. But the Orvis won out for its action and finish.

Best to try them out if you can - I bought using direct mail before and got it all wrong with a Daiwa Lochmor rod once - couldn't get on with it.

I know what you mean about the Hardy Deluxe rods. I used a 9'6" rod for a while that was built like an armoured Land Rover - a little over engineered!!

The Greys Platinium rods are light as a feather and are also a pleasure to use. If its lightness you're looking for these are near the top of the list.

Tightlines.

Thanks for the tips guys!

Primarycolours - The Orvis Western2 is currently top of my list, think I'm going to have to give one a go.....ah well, guess I'll just have to force myself to go to the nearest tackle shop now!

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Fly Casting Tuition, Guided Fly Fishing Trips, and High Quality Fly Tying Services

Web: Gareth Lewis Fly Fishing
Blog: Fly Fishing in South Wales

Gareth

Sounds a good choice, it got a good write up a few months ago in Trout Fisherman, mind you I take everything with a pinch of salt what is said in there.

What about a Beulah?

Bill

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[url]www.wildtrout.org[/url]

There is a fine line between the angler and madness

hello Gareth, how you doin fella, long time no speak. It all comes down to personal preference of course but I am a firm believer in Greys. You could get a Greyflex for that budget or push for the next model up.

Oli...

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Oli...

A bad day's fishing is still better than a good day's work!
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Hi Gareth,
A greys greyflex or a sharpes of aberdeen are great rods for around the 150 pound mark. In fact I think its hard to buy a bad rod now. It really depends on the action you want. If you were willing to spend a bit more you could get in contact with Mick Bell of bloke rods. He's a member of the forum(username bloke). I took delivery of one of his rods recently and I'm delighted with it. Lovely finish and it can really throw a line.
Good luck

I agree with Underwood, forget the tackle snobbery and go for a Greys M2 10ft 7wt with a Snowbee XS WF7 a great setup.

Tackletart

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