Both rod(s) 'price point' appear to be going after the St. Croix line of rods. To expand the question above: has anyone cast these two side by side? Or rather, I should say, the three of them?
fae
I tried and bought the 9'5wt ibis yesterday. It is a mid flex rod with a fairly stiff butt section. It is faster than a sage rpl but not nearly aas stiff as an orvis trident tip flex. It casted smoothly and loaded easily. A beautiful rod at a great price. I will have to get used to the rod case, it does not have a sock but instead has four built-in pockets for the rod sections.
Well I would expect you to be the first to own all three!
(For others: Fred is referring to Spey rods...)
I am sure I can speak for Nobuo in that CND pricing was not intended to target any existing manufacturer. I believe Nobuo's intent is to offer the best value for highest performance possible in three model ranges. The prices range from high value ($265 1306 Expert) to exclusive performance level e.g. the Thompson Specialist 16' 7" 11wt at $715 USD.
Having cast all three I have my opinions. Even though CND is the only sponsor of the three I will abstain from any biased comparisons and invite people to try for themselves. Afterall people have different preferences - some like an overhand taper with light tip, others like a buggy whip. Both extremes have their merits.
What I will say is that the CND provides a unique design - traditional action with a robust tip, smooth load profile, and surprising power in high technology materials for casting ease. Classic hardware rounds out the package.
And yes, even the Custom series are affordable, the Specialist appropriately priced. We're really lucky that the spey industry is getting recognition from manufacturers - we have a lot more choices than we did in the past for sure!
(Sorry, that came off sounding like we disagree on a lot of things. Not true).
I think the marketing strategy on these rods is loooong over due. And they're (per the two I've gotten to cast) pretty darned nice rods. Cost for many folks is a major draw back in purchasing spey equipment. It's very easy to drop well over a $1,000 for a rod, reel and a single line. Most folks can't go there (and Joan says I can't either:hehe: ); with the choices available, price points, etc., I suspect these rods will sell rather well.
And best of all, they present real alternative(s) to a specific manufacturer who 'controlled' a substantial segment of the market. A good thing!
fae
Speaking of Winston, their repair service is second to none. I sent a 20 year old rod for repair. Not only did they do a superb job on the repair, but they put a new grip on it.
Winston has a rod in the "St. Croix price range"? Wow... sign that the apocalypse must be near... :hehe:
I'll have to try one out for fun.
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