I think you don't know anything about MAXIA FLY FISHING RODS. With a host of awards in other line weights, we had some really high expectations for the Sky. Obviously, on a technical level, the Thomas & Thomas is the most accomplished in this category : it is very comfortable given its classic reel seat, it is the most responsive of the #3, and it has the delicious moderate fast action without any hard point on the blank, trademark of the Contact series. Unfortunately, the Sky fell in this shootout. The Yellowstone Angler in Livingston, MT carries some of the finest fly rods made by Thomas and Thomas. But when it comes right down to it, it’s a sign of a rod that was *specifically* designed for tight line nymphing, rather than a standard fly rod that was simply elongated. Perfect for summer conditions. $425.00 Hardy Ultradisc. I think ya'll really struck out on this "shootout" ! Design, Fit and Finish: The 10.5’ version is identical in this category to the 11.5’ version. Would be much better with a downlocking reel seat. We think BTW is a worthwhile measurement for all rods, but especially for Euro nymphing rods. She was a 9ft 5wt, and I only had a few weeks to get to know her. Thomas and Thomas Contact II. So I purchased one and must say it is one great rod. Probably the least known/talked about rod in this test is the NRX Nymph. This rod is covered by the Sage Lifetime Warranty. A little over a year and a half ago, when Thomas & Thomas announced the sale of all company assets and its manufacturing facility, the response from long time Thomas & Thomas rod owners was a bit unexpected. The CFF of the Vision Nymphmaniac which has a real power of #2 is 77 cpm. Build them like we do, or add your own personal touch with a different reel seat, grip, guides and thread colors. The price of 1 single element (in case you’d break it) is 42€, not including delivery fees. I know that I don’t want to be carrying or fishing with that much extra weight. Not OP, but I have a related question that I'd love to hear your thoughts on: I currently have the Syndicate 10' 2wt, which I really like for nymphing. The DXF clocks in at 3.2oz for the 11’3wt model. If reach is your primary concern, this is the rod for you. We’ve been carrying Mystic for several years now and we’ve always been impressed by the Reaper for its top notch performance and value price. Trident Fly Fishing is a full service fly shop. They include a high-quality cork handle (extra flor), an aluminium built and anodised reel seat with a burled black ash spacer and a titanium-frame ceramic stripping guide followed by 11 single foot RECoil guides. Thomas and Thomas fly fishing rods are handmade in the USA since 1969. Casting and Sensitivity: The CN is a decent rod to cast, but lacked feel. Overall I see the Super 10 as a rod that offers you a choice. 2018 European-Style Nymphing Fly Rod Shootout and Fly Rod Review. It’s heavier than the DXF across the board. This area is evolving so fast that you are going to see a lot of changes over the next year. There is not any ultra-fast rod in this test, which is rather logic because we are talking about nymphing rods and white water dry-fly fishing. Early iterations of 11’ 3wt’s require as much as 8 oz to properly balance. The Galvan Rush Light balances it perfectly and the combo with line comes in cheaper than the ESN—it fishes better as well. I've had very good results with it and can without a doubt recommend it. I’m looking to migrate from a Greys GR70 streamflex, 10ft 3wt to a Sage ESN. Thomas & Thomas not only joins them, but one ups them all with their new "Contact" series of tight-line nymphing rods. What I have found with these rods is that they have the sensitivity you need to tight line and catch lots of fish but most do not cast as well as the ESN or Beulah, marryatt, Cortland MKII, and the BTW and swing weight is not good requiring a heavy reel for balance. BACKGROUND Zach St. Amand told me that the new Thomas and Thomas “Contact” is his new favorite. That’s the same weight as the Redington Hydrogen ESN, heavier than the 10’6″ 3wt Sage ESN’s 2 11/16thoz (Sage doesn’t make an 11′ version of their Euro rods), and lighter than the Cortland Competition MKII. If your after that big sale (closeouts) on fly fishing gear from brands like Sage, Simms, Winston, Abel, Loomis, Lamson, Bauer, Echo, Redington, Rio, SA and more, then you are on the right page. Unlike the old rod, which was just a long rod, the new ESN is definitely designed specifically for tight line nymphing. Should try Euro nymphing leader set up with Maxima chameleon #15-20 then 12 or15 # green amnesia tied to then sighter. Hope this helps some! It’s got lightweight guides and a downlocking reel seat. As the second longest rod in review, is still felt lively and light in your hand. Like an Alfa Spider, Greys faded out of the mainstream and into the fond memory of enthusiasts. 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