New Rod

[THLTD]

Hello,

If you had a a budget of $1000.00 and was looking for a new 5wt rod only, what would you pick?

Comments on the Douglas Sky G???

[35 whelen]

Orvis or sage

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[spurly]

I had the Douglas sky in a 691, and it was a very nice rod.
I bought an Orvis H3-d in 5 wt. last year, that I like a lot. It’s a very powerful, but smooth rod.

[MK2750]

I have a Hardy Zenith 8'6" 5wt. that is as close to a perfect all around trout rod that I can imagine. IIRC the Douglas Sky is made in the same South Korean plant and exhibits a lot of the same characteristics according to reviewers. The new Douglas Sky won the notorious 5 weight shoot out but the new Hardy Zephrus is cheaper and is no doubt very similar at 4th place.

I haven't been keeping up with the Jones lately but the G Loomis NRX LP ranked right up there for many years running along with Scott Radium in 5 weights. Both are built in NA if that means anything to you. I personally will choose NA manufacturing over Asia every time, all things being equal and in this case it pretty much is. It should be noted that G Loomis does not offer the personalized service of yesteryear as it was purchased by one of the big companies IIRC.

Having said all that, the next 5 weight I own will probably be the Sage X if I live long enough for them to go on closeout pricing or the used market starts coughing them up.

[pikergolf]

The OP might find this interesting.
https://www.yellowstoneangler.com/ge...ight-shootout/

[Mr Flyguy]

Ditto for the Hardy Zenith. I've got the 9 ft 5 wt; it's ideal for the trout lakes and potholes in the Edmonton area.

[FlyTheory]

Orvis H3, Scott radian, loop 7x, or loop opti stream

[ÜberFly]

Winston! https://winstonrods.com

Made in Montana (as opposed to off shore)!

Awesome rods!

Awesome warrantee (unlike Sage if and when where you have to wait for sooooo long to get it back)!!

[MartinL]

I bought the 6 wt Douglas Sky based on the Yellowstone shootout win a couple years ago and its a hell of a rod for less money than most other hi end rods. At the time the 5 wt didnt rate as high but looks like the new 5wt G has addressed the issues and I wouldnt hesitate to buy one at all.

That being said my go to 5 wt is a 10 ft Hardy Zephrus FWS which is a great rod for indicator / chironomiding.

[Gerald J]

If I had that kind of money, assuming you have a range of rods already, I would probably look at a Bamboo rod. Just because it's different.

[flyrodfisher]

Originally Posted by Gerald J

If I had that kind of money, assuming you have a range of rods already, I would probably look at a Bamboo rod. Just because it's different.

http://www.bamboorods.ca/

[ShortsideK]

If I had that $ burning a hole in my pocket I think I would be looking at an "Epic" glass rod.
Great reviews and "different".

Regarding where rods are manufactured, I think we're somewhat hypocritical since we all have TVs, phones, vehicles, etc. that are made outside of North America. (think Samsung)

[Bolete]

Loomis NRX LP

[THLTD]

Thanks everyone for your input...Some good feedback. This is a graduation gift for my son and he has been looking at the Douglas as he has an LXR now. Has been a very good rod for the price point. Going to spend a bit more money on the this one.

[Caddis]

For what its worth, I second the G Loomis NRX Lite Presentation. I have many rods, and the 5wt I own is arguably one of the better rods out there. It won the Yellowstone shootout over other high end rods for many consecutive years.
Bonus, it is currently on sale at the Fishin' Hole.