Trout switch and trout spey rods are simply smaller versions of “regular” switch and spey rods. Usually takes 2 weeks. The cork handle is satisfactory in both shape and quality. Everyone enjoys a rod that can launch a long bomb, but if the rod is too stiff it can be less enjoyable when fishing normal to short distances, (often closer distances are where fish actually get caught since it is easier to control your swing more precisely). If a rod easily could handle throwing a large articulated fly (such as one of Galloup’s Silk Kittens) 75 feet it got a perfect 20. The only Achilles heel with this rod is the breakage factor (which may have something to do with it’s impressive light weight and swing weight). (If you can think of a better one please let me know!) Like the Orvis Helios 2 single hand rods, the H2 11’5-weight switch rod has a beautiful smoke blue colored blank with silver trim thread wraps and high-end flexible titanium snake guides. The quality of cork is very good, although the length of the foregrip seems longer than it needs to be. Rods are repaired, not replaced. Our easiest-on-the-wallet spey reel is the ECHO Ion, which we’ve sold for years. The softer action of the Hydrogen was much different than rods like the Trout Spey HD and caters to anglers with slower casting strokes. Castability in Wind – 20 points available. Inexpensive rods also make for good backups. I like the shape of both the foregrip and rear grip handles. We also love the Airflow Skagit FLO tips. If from neglect or any other cause, you must use the Expeditor service, which charges your credit card $100 but you get a brand new rod in 3-4 days. We feel learning to spey cast with a trout spey rod is less intimidating as they are much lighter (and shorter) than regular spey rods. For the money, the 375  is one of our all time favorite switch and spey reels. Echo Shadow Click Fly Reels. Life is short, what else are you going to spend it on? Sage and the other big names make amazing single handers, which is their specialty, but I feel as if they lack in the two hand department. Distance is an important measurement in Trout Spey, especially when fishing some of the larger western rivers where longer casts are required. Thank you for all of your blogs. 4. These are actual pictures of every rod laid on top of each other for as accurate a deflection board as we've ever seen or produced. The Portuguese cork is excellent quality with attractive cork burl accents. No points are award here, although I like 4 piece rods better than 5 piece rods. Snake roll? In general I like rods that have an even number of sections, since it makes it more convenient to pull the rod apart in half and the upper and lower sections are equal in length. This reel is the one that won our 2016 5/6 Reel Shootout. Bottom Line:  If you’re fishing large rivers, but still want the feel of a 3wt, this is going to be the rod for you. Redington Dually 11’5”  5-weight     $249.95. Usually takes 4-6. It’s also amazingly light so you can high stick this rod without much shoulder fatigue. As far as running line goes, everyone has their own preferences and we can adjust to this when you order an outfit. This rod does a lot of things really well for the angler who knows how to harness its power and high performance. Probably the best fly fishing reel available at any price. Power and Accuracy! Similar in action to the Beulah Onyx, the Custom Flywerks Quantum is more of a medium action than a fast/stiff action, which stays true to many of Steve’s rods. They should have a Spey reel shootout. The cork quality is decent and about what you’d expect for a less expensive rod. Orvis is not working on any Helios 3 two-handed rods to replace the H2, however Orvis tells us they are currently working on a new USA made two-handed Clearwater rod series. Also it is easier to grip than mono, which works well when stripping your fly to add action or while winter fishing, once your hands are cold. As in prior shootouts, it is critical to eliminate as many variables as possible. These leaders come with a perfection loop so you can easily loop the leader into the thinner end of the FLO tip. Manufacture’s Claimed Overall Weight (in oz. Length is in the 15’ +/- zone, which has become the standard for smaller trout Spey rods. If you would like to substitute a good but less expensive reel like the Einarsson 9 Plus at $732.00 or even the TFO 375 at $374.95, give us a call. Line management easily became the most important factor between making a 100 foot cast or a 150 foot cast. Orvis uses a black and green carbon fiber inlay that matches the blank well. Best New Fly Reels for 2020. Even if you do buy a nicer rod in the future, you’ll have a back up rod which you can to lend to a friend or use should your main rod be at the rod repair center. One of the great advantages of both trout spey and trout switch rods is their capability for mending line. We were happy to see that the trend of excellent design, terrific performance, and a reasonable price continues with the 10’6” 5-weight switch rod. I took the average of these measurements and this figure became the swing weight. What weight of tip (length and grains) was added to the Skagit lines for the Skagit casting tests? Braided PE Advantages:  Tangles less than mono but shoots better than coated running lines. This roughly translates to about 100 feet of terminal tackle: 50 feet of running line + 33 feet of skagit line + 10 feet of FLO tip + 4 feet of leader = 97 feet. There’s a lot of truth in the saying,  “buy nice or buy twice!”. These tips have a thicker diameter and more mass than other tips, which translates to a smoother transition between your line and leader. Hook Setting Capability – 20 points available. The ONE is the ultimate in versatility, castability, and performance. Sage Trout Spey Fly Reels. But the componentry of the Demon is top-notch, especially for a rod at its price-point, and the rod's performance is solid overall. Categories include: gravel bar one upsmanship, pairs well with a Cuban, swing weight, takes well to Instagram filters, etc. The cork handle has a nice shape and the quality of the cork is very good. These tips have a thicker diameter and more mass than other tips, which translates to a smoother transition between your line and leader. Perhaps the reason for this extra weight is that TFO uses both a layer of IM6 graphite as well as a layer of Kevlar woven into the blank in a crisscross patern. The Sage ONE Trout Spey 12’6” 5-weight is unbelievably light for its length, but most of all I like how much power this rod has over other trout spey rods. When we originally tested this rod it was $589, now the price has dropped in half and costs only $294.50, making this rod a bargain, while supplies last. While the rod casts well with an Airflo Skagit Scout 300gr, it didn’t receive a higher Skagit ranking because of it’s fast action and narrower timing … 6WT Spey Shootout - North Fly Shop Dec 2 2015. Most all the rods in the test use some type of ceramic lined SiC stripper guide as well. – James Anderson and the rest of the Yellowstone Angler crew, Patagonia Foot Tractor Wading Boots – Felt (Built By Danner), Armstrong Spring Creek on the O’Hair Ranch, Sage ONE Trout Spey  12’6”#5 …………………………..…..$1,050.00, Einarsson Invictus  8/10…………………………………..…… $1,049.00, Airflow Skagit Scout 360 grain …………………………………… $59.99, Airflow Skagit FLO Tip Kit (T7-T18)………………………..… $120.99, 150 yards of SA floating braided PE mono……………………..$34.95, 200 yards 20 pound backing ……………………………………..…$19.99, YA custom handtied trout Spey leader ………………………….…$3.95, G.Loomis IMX Pro 11’11”#5  ….………………………………………..…. You really have to wait for this rod and let it do the work rather try to punch it or force it to work. These have stiff Maxima but sections, with a longer “knotless section” for ease of changing your indicator depth, and size 10 owner micro swivel, followed by 2 feet of Trout Hunter 3X fluorocarbon tippet. You can easily high stick this rod all day without over tiring your arm, enabling you to get incredibly long and perfect drifts out of the drift boat. These reels are $79-99. The deflection board was a bit of a struggle with these longer rods (some up to 12’ in length). NEW! Mono, braided PE, and fly line. They offer reels from low end to high end for anglers pursuing stream trout all the way up to Bluewater species. It just does everything really well, particularly if you're a Skagit caster. R.L. In hand it feels significantly heavier than the Orvis H2, Douglas DXF, Fenwick Aetos, and St. Croix Imperial. In this column you’ll find the length of each company’s external rod tube. Here is your powerhouse of the shootout. The reel seat has nice threads that don’t collect sand or grit and get jammed. examines it. The Platinum’s smooth medium action makes casting fun,  but it was more difficult for me  to produce tight loops. In our 8-weight reel shootout, the TFO took top honors as far as  “free spooling” reels go. In making the deflection charts, we placed the rods at approximately a 45-degree angle and then hang a lead weight of 3.9 oz. The Imperial trout 5-weight switch rod has more of a medium action than a fast action, with a wide, easy-to-hit sweet spot. A cordura coverd rod tube and cloth bag are included. The best economical outfits allow you to do just that and are not meant for just beginners. This line is 350 grains and has plenty taper to turn over a heavy indicatory rig, with a large indicator, weight, and two nymphs. Save your money and go with regular 20 pound dacron backing instead. We couldn't get an accurate representation of each rod by tracing them on a whiteboard so we enlisted the help of our photographer and changed the way captured the flex of each rod. 1. The Douglas DXF placed second in our trout switch category, and is our economical winner for the best mid-priced trout switch rod. As soon as the rod looked perfectly parallel to the floor, I would take a recording off the scale. An aluminum rod tube and cloth bag are included. No need for Hatch backing in this case, as the TFO 375 wide spool has plenty of backing capacity. If you're a novice angler and looking to get into Trout Spey for the first time, it's worth upgrading to either the Hydrogen or the Echo, especially if you know you're going to fish the rod more than a few times. Nearly all are charging a “handling” fee of $50-$100 to repair or replace your rod. With a longer tippet section like this you can change flies 4 or 5 times before having to re-tie some 1X to your swivel. For the largest fish caught on the Battenkill, you may want to “palm” the rim of the spool, which will add extra resistance to the reel’s drag. One of the amazing things about the Custom Flywerks rods (something you’ll also find on Meiser’s rods) are the colorful feather inlays located just above the cork handle. 300 for the Scandi? This makes it more convenient when putting in your car, a tight line rod holder, or an overhead rod box. It has a lot of power but also a wide sweet spot, which will be easy for beginners to hit. When selecting a reel for a single hand #5-weight rod, you would normally choose a #5-weight reel for line capacity and to be the right weight to balance with your rod. Our standard is to use Scientific Anglers floating braided PE mono, which has a very slick coating and shoots well, yet does not have the memory issues of mono. This is a good rod for anglers trying to swing slow and deep with heavy sink tips. These reels are heavy. Orvis Clearwater 12’ 5-weight     $349.00. (tie) G. Loomis IMX PRO 11’11” 5-weight     $575.00. Fast action but a tad bit slower than the H2. The reel comes in a number of sizes and they have even added some for Spey rods, so you can chase salmon and steelhead with a click and pawl. Larger Streamer capability  – 20 points available. Low overall rod weight is important when casting all day, especially in Trout Spey, but the rod’s balance point is also really important. Reviewing the capabilities of the G. Loomis Asquith 9' 5 wt. Good news / bad news here. All you have to do is flick the reel handle quickly and let the 375’s smooth bearings do the work. Custom Flywerks rods are all built on mandrels designed by Steve, but with the impeccable quality and workmanship you’d find in a Meiser rod. I now use the Hardy Fortuna which is an unbelievable tool. The rods with the lighter swing weights were awarded the highest points. We matched the IMX Pro up with one of our favorite trout switch and spey reels, the TFO 375. All of their reels are backed by a fantastic warranty. The nine longer rods,(11.5 – 12.5 feet), with more flexible mid-sections that are more suitable for spey casting and swinging flies, we categorized as trout spey rods. Tested Overall Weight (in oz. The reel seat and handle are huge, and look like they belong on a rod for king salmon rather than trout! )Here is the data we collected in the shop on our trusty Brecknell postage scale. Design, Fit, and Finish (10 Points) – Aesthetics that offer functionality and high-quality performance are important on any fly rod. The rod's softer mid-section and increased length made the IMX-Pro both forgiving and powerful, a rare combo. Are you sure you didn’t have the 4? However, if your fly shop doesn’t carry the rod that interests you, we would love to help! Choose between three different budget levels: the best high-end outfit, the best mid-priced outfit, and the best economical outfit. We set up each of the rods we were comparing with the same exact reel, line, running line, amount of backing, and leader. Reel seat, cork and components are nice enough but not in the same ball park as the Orivs H2, Winston Micro Spey, T&T DNA, or Custom Flywerks. If you are the type of person that loves great gear and can afford to purchase the best, then by all means go for it! Really the only thing holding the Imperial back from an even better finish is its heavier swing weight. Our standard is to use Scientific Anglers floating braided PE mono, which has a very slick coating and shoots well, yet does not have the memory issues of mono. Trident Fly Fishing is a full service fly shop. New! The cork grip is different from other handles, using a conglomerate of worm cork rather than cork rings. The Quantum 12’7” 5-weight is the longest rod in the shootout, yet you’d never guess that by picking it up. If you plan to swing for trout, the Sage ONE 12’6”#5 is the sweetest rod you can find at any price. Lines . If rod is broken because of a defect, or while fishing, replacement is free. It is one of the single most underrated reels we’ve ever stocked. Tons of research continues to be done on Trout Spey lines because of Trout Spey’s recent rise in popularity, and we found that the Scandi side of things is still in need of improvement. The Pulse has simple componentry and a classic cork handle for improved comfort on the water. Beulah Onyx 12’4” 5-weight     $775.00. NEW! G. Loomis IMX Pro 11’11”#5 with TFO 375 reel,           <$116.92>. Nymphing with a 12-15 foot spey rod from the bank is a form of art that is frankly too difficult to learn for many anglers. You’ll be able to turn over an indicator, even in harsh wind, and still be able to stack mend down the river. The aluminum down-lock reel seat isn’t fancy but works well. For the trout spey rods, we chose our favorite trout spey line – Airflow’s Skagit Scout. Long rods need larger reels to form balanced outfits. 2020 marks the return of Greys to the United States. If you are familiar with Bob Meiser’s spey rods, then you may recognize the distinct and amazing work that Steve does coming out of the same shop. A four-way split Corudra covered rod tube is included but no cloth bag. Steve’s reputation as master rod designer and line wizard are not only warranted but underestimated. Matching spey or switch lines, heads and tips are important to create the perfect casting rod and reel combinations. Rods like the Sage ONE, Beulah Onyx, IMX Pro, and Custom Fly works took top honors here. While loads of research has been done on Trout Spey since 2014, the design of the Boron III TH-MS was clearly ahead of its time. I felt like this rod had a wide sweet spot as well, as I could “save” the cast with a little more power if I didn’t have my timing perfect. Now that the Orvis Helios 2 is no longer available, the DXF is the best trout switch rod on the market. As always, I was impressed with Winston’s attention to detail and dedication to impeccable craftsmanship. If you are fishing reasonable distances however, it will be hard to find a rod that feels as smoothly “zen” as the Quantum. It wasn’t until just recently that switch rods were invented, filling the gap between single handed rods and two handed rods. (Trout switch only). Give us a call anytime and we can help you determine which type of two-handed rod is right you. If you are a steelheader looking to keep your cast in tip top shape while you are not pursing steelhead, this rod is going to feel and act like your 7 or 8 weight spey rod yet feel much lighter and more fun while fishing for fish under 30 inches. Both the trout spey and trout switch rods were tested with our own hand tied Yellowstone Angler leaders. In this case, the “B” refers to beginners who are still learning how to perform basic casts like the D loop, spey, snap T, and double spey. Photo: Eric Paulson. In hindsight we probably should have used a 6.2 ounce weight, (which is what we used for the 9′ 8 weight rods), as it would have shown a deeper bend and it would be easier to see which rods were faster (bent down more) and slower (little bend in the tip). A classy aluminum rod tube and cloth bag are included. We also tested every rod with Scandi lines but found the group collectively performed worse with Scandi setups overall. For the trout switch rods, we chose Rio’s InTouch Switch, which at the time of the test, was the only switch line available in a size WF-5-F. Here is our pick for the best inexpensive rod to swing with. The Demon came really close to winning the shootout. In other words, if you are just learning to spey cast, it will be less frustrating for you to start off with a line that is one line size up. Rods are replaced. Consider this a Spey rod review in a shootout fashion that has taken place over years. To harness the power of the Pulse takes a better caster with a long casting stroke but after adjusting to the fast-action build of the rod it's truly a pleasure cast with a heavier line. With it you’ll feel like you have the best chance at swinging up a trout, and as we all know swinging up trout (or steelhead / salmon) requires confidence. Trout Spey has recently gained popularity in contemporary fly fishing. It’s also a stellar rod for the angler that wants a Sage but doesn’t want to yield to the higher price tag of the ONE or the Trout Spey HD. Softer trout spey rods had more difficulty handling these larger streamers, where the ONE handled them like a champ. Sage ONE Trout Spey 12’6”#5 with an Einarsson Invictus 8/10, <$238.87>, Includes free FLO tip zippered tip wallet     –. Give us a call at the shop anytime you want to talk rods regarding “regular” switch and spey rods. A cordura covered rod tube and a cloth bag are both included. Usually takes 2-4 weeks. The grip is also thicker than most, while the tiptop is a little bit smaller than we like. $35 handling fee. You will find each manufacturer’s policy listed below under Warranties Explained. Heavier in hand compared to the H2 and DXF, but still exceptionally smooth. The Redington Dually 11’5” 5-weight is another inexpensive rod coming in under $300.00. The eight rods that were shorter in length, (10.5  – 11.5 feet), with stiffer actions that are more suitable for nymph fishing we classified as trout switch rods. The IMX-Pro is the longest rod in the shootout at nearly 12 feet. 7. If you can afford it then yes, of course. This heavier swing weight may be a result of the increased power Sage built into this rod. The one thing we liked better about the Aetos was its lighter swing weight and feel. You must make your own loops and the knots are thicker than mono knots. The reel and spool are made from machined aluminum, making it very durable and corrosion-resistant. That would be crazy stupid heavy and 50 grains past the window printed on the rod blank. When fly line coated running line does tangle it is usually a bad one! This smoother transition matches the thickness of the Skagit line as well as the leader on the other end, making this the best tip we have found. The drag is smooth and reliable. Rod is repaired, not replaced. Is the best high-end outfit really $950 better than the best economical outfit? And one of the top three lightest in terms of swing weight, (behind the Beulah Platinum and T&T DNA). Another Yellowstone brown caught on the swing – this one fell for a white Home Invader, Warranties Explained; Manufacturer by Manufacturer. JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. Very light in the hand, only the Orvis H2 felt lighter. This seems strange to me since it is not very stiff. In our opinion, the best line to learn with is a Skagit Scout, matched with one of Airflo’s 10′ FLOtips, followed by a short, 4′ leader – all of which you can read about below. Tag team designed by Tom Larimer and Steve Rajeff, the G. Loomis IMX pro is a terrific all-around swing weapon. Rods are replaced. 3. Most rods that are considered "trout spey" rods are in the 2-5 weight range and are capable of throwing streamers up to size #4 depending on the particular rod and type of shooting head. Bottom Line:  This is the best lightweight Scandi rod on the market with top-of-the-line craftsmanship. We still have a few red and gold reels left, but most of these are black. These high-end rods are simply delightful to cast and look fantastic. If you live somewhere calm and don’t really plan on battling with the wind when you are on a fishing trip then you might downgrade this category. We matched all of our mid-priced outfits with a Temple fork Outfitters 375. After zeroing out the scale, we would put all 4, (or 5) sections on the scale and record the scale’s output in ounces, down to the nearest tenth of an ounce. Mono Disadvantages:  Has lots of memory (no matter what brand you buy despite the claims). We use a swivel over a tippet ring because it helps eliminate line twist, especially when stripping your fly back after you have completed your swing. It is much easier to learn how to spey cast with a heavier line as you can feel the line load better. Reply ↓ Iain MacLeod. The good side to all this is the Deer Creek is a very durable rod and one that is unlikely to break. Of all 17 two-handers we cast, only the Hardy Jet was lighter. I repeated this for each rod a half dozen times, zeroing out the scale each time. In this column you’ll find our recommended grain weight for the Airflo Skagit Scout lines we used in the shootout. Rods that were overly stiff with slower actions lost points too, where rods with more lively, energetic tips got awarded higher points. The Fenwick Aetos is the best performing inexpensive trout switch rod at $299.95. Trout Spey downsizes traditional Spey gear for smaller fish and smaller rivers. This is a rod that provides superior performance at a mid-price level. Sometimes a little retail therapy can go a long way! Of course, it's built in the USA and designed by some of the best in the business. What OPST have done with these rods is amazing and what’s nice is their rods are true to weight, a 7wt is exactly that, it handles fish as a 7wt SH would. Silky smooth drag combined with 2:1 gearing makes a reel that salmon fisherman’s have trusted and appraised for decades. Perhaps one reason these rods feel heavier, is because St. Croix double coats the mid-modulus blanks with flex coat to make them more durable. 7. Some rods, like the G.Loomis IMX Pro and Winston TH Micro Spey felt best when holding the foregrip right at the top. Sage is a juggernaut in contemporary fly fishing, so the fact that the ONE Trout Spey AND the new Trout Spey HD ended up at the top of the pack in the shootout is no surprise. This rod isn't only powerful, however. Even though it’s bulky, it doesn’t mean that it’s heavy or difficult to control. The Pulse is one of the fastest rods in the shootout. James Anderson with a Yellowstone brown caught on the swing. It has been designed to provide you with practical features and it protects the fish from getting spooked by random light flashes. 1-406-222-7130. On the trout spey rods, we used the shop’s hand tied trout spey leaders. Last but not least, our own hand tied nymph leader tied with stiff butt sections for better turnover while utilizing a long knotless section of 20 pound, to allow for easy bobber adjustment. We also like the click and pawl sound you get with the Orvis Bettenkill. Usual time 2-4 weeks. Be sure to e-mail us your comments and any questions you have about the exact tackle you need for the fishing you are doing or tackle needs for a trip you are planning. If you are looking for an affordable, medium-fast 5-weight trout switch rod, the St. Croix Imperial is a great choice. Bottom Line:  Spend an extra $100 and get the much better Redington Hydrogen. Great feel and smooth power. But how does it cast? Logan Brown with a nice brown caught on the swing… Photo: The Axeman. Most Trout Spey rods are made to cast shorter, more aggressive line tapers. As such, it’s also the heaviest. We spend a lot of time testing gear and writing shootouts to give you all of the tools to make your next trip a success. We’ve come to expect nothing less from Thomas & Thomas. Your new trout switch winner by default – The Douglas DXF! Trout Spey is no different so we included a measure of price and rewarded the lower-priced rods for their value-based design. A Cordura cover hard case and cloth bag are included. Because it's a longer rod, we found it was a better Scandi rod than Skagit rod. If you happen to own one of these, consider yourself lucky! Lifespans may be increasing, but Orvis’ is now merely 25 years. The drag on the Sage is not as strong as on the Hardy but it is plenty strong enough. Plenty of backbone to bury the hook when you see the indicator go down. Learning to spey cast can be fun or frustrating, depending on the rod and line you start with. You send in rod and their warranty dept. These Galvan reels also have a wider range of drag adjustment than other reels, making it easy to fine-tune the drag adjustment, which is important when you are using light tippets like 6X and 7X. The important thing is getting out there and enjoying your time spent on the water period. Originating on the banks of the River Spey, the first spey rods were 22 feet long and made out of greenhart wood. On a 3wt winston you have 300gr? James Anderson with an OP steelhead. But for those who have mastered it and the line management involved, there is nothing more deadly in fly-fishing for achieving long, perfect, 100 foot drifts. Redington RUN Fly Reels. Please leave a comment with any thoughts/questions/comments. Not nearly as smooth as the other rods although admittedly a lot of power. The down-lock aluminum reel seat isn’t fancy but functions well with two locking rings. The Aetos is our pick for the best inexpensive trout switch rod. The TFO 375 comes in black, red, gold, or charcoal grey however most of our stock is now black. Personally on the Yellowstone, I prefer to fish larger spey rods most of the time over trout spey rods, since they offer more power on windy days and will throw larger flies when going for that hog brown trout. On the small to medium rivers I fish, these rods rock. Well, that changes with two-handed rods... more about that later. The cork shape and quality are both excellent. They have taken on some nicks and dings, but overall have proven to be extremely tough, even through some of the worst rip-rap falls. It sucks that Redington have discontinued the Hydrogen, it's a good rod. Orvis Clearwater 12’#5  with Orvis Battenkill IV, backing & leader at cost>        <$55.82>. Winston – Lifetime warranty to original owner, $50 handling fee. Like Winston, T&T writes the serial number on each section of the rod which also serve as alignment dots. Tom has been teaching anglers to spey cast for over 20 years now, and in my opinion, he is arguably the best instructor out there when it comes to explaining technique. And that really is bad news as there are not many of these available on eBay or Craig’s List. The TFO reel put a quick stop to this Jurassic Lake rainbow, back in our 8-weight reel shootout. Their wraps and coatings are simply perfect. Be wary of the true Spey rod hype that s out there. Thanks for the info, but I am a little surprised, i have some rods a hydrogen wt2, the winston microspey in 4wt, guideline in Europe weight 6/7 that is like the 4wt of winston, and you gave a very heavy loading in scandi. The cork handle shape and quality are both excellent for an inexpensive rod. One of the things I love about the TFO is that it spins like a skateboard wheel. The ability to firmly and quickly set the hook when your indicator goes down is one of the major keys to nymph fishing success. For only being 10’6” I thought this rod would feel a lot lighter, especially since the Hardy Zenith regular spey rods feel so light in hand. JG taking the Sage ONE Trout Spey out for a rip during testing. Recent Reviews on Top _____ HARDY Demon Spey Rods.