Getting out of hand!

[Nich]

So I am in the market for a 7 wt rod. So while getting some tying materials while I was at Fish Tech I thought I'd check out the line up of Sages. So my buddy Ralphy started going over the lines up and talked about changes and what rods he has casted. I"LL I HAVE TO SAY IS WTF! Prices are getting out of control but yet it doesn't seem to effect their sales. Here are a couple examples the TRC is going away and being replaced with the TXR at a cool $810.00 a pop (again WTF). A 4 pc 7 wt Z-axis is going to be something like $710 I believe, and for the most part all the premium rods went up a nice little chunk of change. I understand that some of these prices hikes are economically driven. I also think that it comes down to the "because they will pay it attitude". That's why Simms makes $700 pair of waders (that's straight from the horses mouth). The only saving grace of all the these high prices are rods with lifetime warranties that they strongly stand behind and some great customer service (that has been my experience not everyones). I also know that it's just not Sage and other "premium rod companies" are charging around the same prices.

BTW for the bass guys out there they are adding a new "bluegill" rod to the bass lines up and it looks pretty cool.

[Norm]

Stick it to the man.

Build your own.

Go Green.
Build it with grass.

Norm

[UtahFlyGuy]

Well how often are you gonna be fishing a 7wt? I'd go used bro if it were me.

[Nich]

Well how often are you gonna be fishing a 7wt? I'd go used bro if it were me.

Probably a decent amount Carping, streamers out of the drift boat, Muskey ect. But that's not really my point. I'm just saying that rods have gone up and up and up and up a lot over the last 8 years I have been avidly fly fishing. It won't be long if the trend follows that we'll be paying a $1,000 for the next generation of rods in a couple years.

[UtahFlyGuy]

Probably a decent amount Carping, streamers out of the drift boat, Muskey ect. But that's not really my point. I'm just saying that rods have gone up and up and up and up a lot over the last 8 years I have been avidly fly fishing. It won't be long if the trend follows that we'll be paying a $1,000 for the next generation of rods in a couple years.

My thinking is that these companies know you want the latest and greatest and you will buy it regardless. I do
agree Nick that were get'n hosed though.

[Tyson]

As Tim Rajeff would say, you will pay a disproportionate amount of money each additional feature that makes it an "elite" rod. So for instance if you want a rod that has power you can buy one with power. OR you can buy one with all the power but is a bit lighter, maybe a little faster recovery, and that can literally double the price, or something like that.

[UtahFlyGuy]

As Tim Rajeff would say, you will pay a disproportionate amount of money each additional feature that makes it an "elite" rod. So for instance if you want a rod that has power you can buy one with power. OR you can buy one with all the power but is a bit lighter, maybe a little faster recovery, and that can literally double the price, or something like that.

Tyson, are you throw'n a Echo these days?

Pro's

Con's

Thanks Man.

[TS30]

My thinking is that these companies know you want the latest and greatest and you will buy it regardless. I do
agree Nick that were get'n hosed though.

I was just making fun of my brother two days ago about this very thing! My brother is a perfect example of this. A few years ago he "upgraded" to the new hot bullet on the market for his .300 Win mag. Over the last 3 years he's dropped 3 deer and an elk with said bullet, in each example only needing a follow up shot once. The 3 others dropped the animal dead in its tracks. He still has two boxes of this exact load left, yet Barnes came out with their new "best bullet on the market" and he just has to have it. I asked him why and he started quoting to me all the pluses in the new design and how superior it is to the old one. I simply asked him, "Did the old ones work exactly how you wanted them to?" His response, "Yes." My question, "Then why do you need to upgrade?"

He just started laughing, realizing his justifications are really just a cover up that he is a gear whore. Fishermen and hunters are gear whores. This will never change. And as long as there are fishermen and hunters, there will be companies charging ridiculous prices for the next best thing out there. It's science......

[Tyson]

Tyson, are you throw'n a Echo these days?

Pro's

Con's

Thanks Man.
No I have never fished one. I have only cast the two-handers on a couple of occasions.

[chanceb]

I've never paid full retail for a single premium rod. If you're patient you can usually get one for about half of retail via ebay, forums, etc.. and I'm not necessarily talking about a used rod either.

[Norm]

Every year (Hockey) Skate manufactures come out with the latest and greatest. Nike/Bauer, CCM, Easton, Rebok ect. A few years back Bauer came out with their lightest skate yet, composite boot, perforated Stainless blade, all kinds a bells and whistles. Thousands sold at $399-$499/pair ($399 for jr. skates). A year later everyone realize they were crap, runner would bend if it got hit hard with a puck, the boot would wear out and breakdown. Fortunately they improved the design and had already come out with the latest and greatest One90 skates now priced at $499 - $599. I bring this up because many of you are probably not familiar with hockey and it might give you an outsider’s perspective looking in at a hockey gear heads crazy buying habits; $220/composite sticks and $599/skates. I guess my point is average person in this country is a sucker. Clawing and jumping over each other to have the latest and greatest, even if the latest and greatest is a piece of sh!t. The average joker I see on the river makes buying $599 skates look sane. Oh, and I just bought a pair of those latest and greatest skates from last year for $160, why? Because today the sheep are jumping of the cliff for the Bauer One95's.

Keep on, Sheepin on.

Norm

[cheech]

time for change;)

I just bought a top of the line baitcaster for $150 made of nano bio fiber super duper composite technology. The top of the line reel to go with it... another $150.

Start huckin' broomsticks n' cable fellas. It's easier on the pocketbook;)

Fly fishers are getting GOUGED. That's why I'd be perfectly content to fish my 804-3 pac bay for the rest of my life. It's a sweet honey stick... $60 for a blank.

[PowerBaitHeppy]

SThe only saving grace of all the these high prices are rods with lifetime warranties that they strongly stand behind and some great customer service (that has been my experience not everyones)

Cabela's offers the same with their rods at a fraction of the cost.

Well how often are you gonna be fishing a 7wt? I'd go used bro if it were me.

Another reason to go with something like Cabelas. I saw some very good rods in the bargain cave as well as on clearance that were very affordable. 7, 8, 9, 10 weights.

I have a second answer to UFG's question. How often a 7? I use a 7 frequently in southern Utah. I like using a 7 at places like Minersville and New Castle. I honestly feel that many anglers are "under gunned" with their rod weights.

QUOTE=Nich;212428]Probably a decent amount Carping, streamers out of the drift boat, Muskey ect. But that's not really my point. [/QUOTE]

Understood that your point is rediculous prices. But, this is yet another reason to go with a less expensive rod. Again, check out the clearance rods at Cabelas.


We use many of Cabela's rods when we head north for big Salmon. There are good reasons we use the Cabela's rods:
1. Affordable
2. Quality isn't the deciding factor. They are good rods, maybe not the best, but when they are only being used for 7 days out of the year, who cares?
3. Warranty. Rods get broken, especially on trips like this. Cabela's has replaced all of our broken rods without a question.








Loopy -- you can send my gift certificate to: PBH@ 3828 w...

[jonescort]

They have a 7wt fli at cabelas right now for 175

[F/V Gulf Ventur]

The reason prices are so high is because people will pay for it.... supply and demand. You of all people should know this.

[RipRap]

They have a 7wt fli at cabelas right now for 175

FLi is a sweet stick. I've picked up two more now that they are discounted to make way for the new models.

[UtahFlyGuy]

The reason prices are so high is because people will pay for it.... supply and demand. You of all people should know this.

I sure hope the damn colors match...............;)

[PowerBaitHeppy]

They have a 7wt fli at cabelas right now for 175

They have them cheaper than that if you look hard enough...

I picked up a rod discounted at 50% last week...

[Sladewagon]

I don't know about any of you suckers, but the only time I payed full price was for my Winston blanks, and that was more for a special occasion and I have zero regrets (best rod ever). Just wait til the new rods come out, and buy the old ones at half price. That's how I got my 590-2 xp. Used is great too.

My next rod will be an dEcho, probably the #5 2h. I've heard nothing but praise for these sticks, and at about half the cost of the big boys, the price is right. Of course it won't have all the features of a sage, but I'm not a good enough fisherman to really care that much. For me, it's quantity with pretty good quality over quality with much less quantity.

[«°Ñøvã°»]

Just look around be patient let the deal come to you. There are plenty of people out there who will pay said $800 for a rod use it a year and end up selling it because they want the next best thing. Stay a year or two behind the curve there isnt that big of a difference except the price. BTW I have a Loop 9' 6 wt i might part ways with. Designed for stillwater/salt water

[RipRap]

Does anybody know what the markup is on fly rods? If Cabelas can sell an FLi for a regular price of $315, then discount it to $175, are they still making money on that rod?

[chris]

Does anybody know what the markup is on fly rods? If Cabelas can sell an FLi for a regular price of $315, then discount it to $175, are they still making money on that rod?

*&^% Yes.........

[mike doughty]

i guarentee my cabelas FT blank that i built will catch just as many fish as that $800 rod. one of the reasons i prefer to build my own

[cheech]

ahhhh and into the cheap rod vs expensive rod debate... some on this board have the opinion that you will never be a complete angler without a $700 rod.

Trav where are you... This is where you step in and tell us how cool Winston's out of date technology is...

[«°Ñøvã°»]

i guarentee my cabelas FT blank that i built will catch just as many fish as that $800 rod. one of the reasons i prefer to build my own

doughty chums with liverwurst

[Stoney Clarke]

Go retro, I have a sweet 3 wt Orvis HLS, it is 15+ years old and it is a dream to cast. I have a Scott "G" 5wt that is probably the best dry fly rod ever built. I am selling a Sage SP 6wt for only $300. These 3 rods are probably considered some of the best rods ever built. they were the top of the line in their hay day and can all can be had for $300 or under.

SC

PS Anyone want to buy my SP?

[tfopro]

I think P.T. Barnum said "suckers" were born every minute. Are people "suckers" when it comes to FF gear? For the scientists: If two blanks are the same modulus and taper, what REALLY makes them different? For example, you buy a $50 Remington online from Chepolasports.com (38-modulus IM-7 medium-fast taper) or a high-end with the same modulus and taper for $350. Did you just pay $300 more for their name, prettier hardware, a warranty that costs $35 and a half-hour in the post office to invoke, and a pat on the back from your mine-is-bigger-or-more-expensive-than-thou friends?

[Deaddrift]

The price of fly rods has actually gone DOWN over the years for what you get for your money. What was a "premium" rod 5 or 10 years ago is now available for cheap. The trout don't give a damn! I fish "old" Sages, and just bought two "premium" light lines for under $200 on ebay. 15 years ago, I bought the same rods new from a retailer for over $400.

Jeeze, they're just sticks that cast a line. Yes, some feel so good they're like an extension of your own arm and hand, and we all have our preferences. However, the "perfect" rod for each angler is widely available for far less than $600 to $800. There's many manufacturers who sell rods made of quality plastic, with premium cork and components, for much less. Find the one that fits your casting style, and buy two!

[Boomtown58]

I remember when gas was 33 cents a gallon............................................ ...

[Utah DaveII]

I do think there is a difference in performance of rods. I tend to like High modulos rods with a medium fast taper. That being said I do not know if it is a $300+ difference.

You buy a Temple Fork rod you are essentially getting a sage rod with early 90's technology. With the exception it is made by the chinese and they snap like matchsticks.

For the record the Sage Launch is a fabulous rod priced at just over $200.00 bills. I also like the echo II (a little higher modulos graphite than the TFO) a lot.

I personally hate IM6 graphite, yet some people still love many of the "classics" made from this stuff (Sage LL, Winston WT, Temple Fork, Albright). I love good rods, but I cannot afford them. I end up buying them at closeout time. Luckily I know Sage changes their rods every 4 to six years so I do not have to wait that long.