Bought the 9ft 4 weight, never going back to expensive rods this thing is perfect, great job Shakespeare! concentrated on great action and functionality Top Marks.
Great to see a budget review, I have 9ft 4wt and I love it as it doesn’t look or feel cheap. Just goes to show you don’t need top of the range rods to have a good time !!!
My 10ft #3 arrived today. The handle on mine is superb, a lot better than those in this video. Big shout out to Jim's Tackle Redruth, excellent service, price and very prompt delivery. Another quality presentation from Andy, precise and informative.
I bought a 9ft oracle II 4 weight earlier this year and I have to say I love it. I am by no measure a fly fishing guru. But I am 60 years old and I have had a few rods and I have broke a few rods. And IMO this rod is excellent value. Did the business on a trip to Skye in May .
@@IBandAndyFishing looks like a crackin spare indicator rod. Cheers for doing a proper review. You put them through the ringer before doing a review. Many would fish once with it then give their opinion. No you andy. Professionally well covered honest reviews are hard to come by nowadays. To many people on the books haha cheers mate 🍻
I have the 10' 3wt (which I usually overline with a 4wt line). I got it for less than 70 euros. My favourite road I've ever had and at least 3x cheaper than any other I've had. Amazing.
I've a 6ft #4 Oracle 2 for the Alyn in Wrexham, i first tried it out on an upland llyn in Blaenau Ffestiniog, it handled very well when i caught a 2lb Rainbow. Doesn't look much i agree, but very good rod for the money.
Great to see that the River range is just as good as the Stillwater range. I don't own an Oracle II River, but I do have an Oracle II Stillwater (10ft 7wt). It casts every bit as well as my Vision Onki of the same line weight. The only difference really, is the actual weight of the rod.
I haven't fished these but tried out the 9ft 4wt at Sportfish and thought it was astonishingly capable for a rod of this price. I have been looking forward to your review of them for a while. Great to see what you think of them. Thank you.
Excellent review Andy, I have the 10’ 3# and first trip out the section below the tip snapped at the joint, had it replaced and first trip out today the rod is stunning , lovely action and caught several browns and grayling, which put a very satisfying bend in it, lovely soft tip. Cannot fault the rod and unlike yours my cork is like your 9’ 4# so must be pot luck I guess.
i've got the oracle II 6ft 3wt and to say its probably one my favourites out of my fly rod collection . Mainly focussing on the small to micro streams and remote rivers on Exmoor and Dartmoor with it ,even with the smaller size it can easily handle the larger trout and grayling worth the money pound for pound . Best used in those venues where longer 8-10ft rods aren't an option with room and overhanging vegetation .
Great video again andy my fishing buddy has been using one of these rods and likes it just ordered the 5 weight at 10 foot so see how it goes at the price you can't go wrong
You will probably enjoy the 10 foot weight 5 it's a nice rod. I also have a Oracle ll stillwater my favourite rod, for less than a ton. Tight lines🏴.
Hi Andy.The cork is fine on mine,no issues at all.I also have a couple of agility rods,with no issues and a fairly old float rod and the cork is fine on that I have to say that I love the shakespeare range of rods.
Some of Shakespeares products are really good value highly useable rods, I’ve got a range from skp barbel rods to even budget sigma fly rods that have caught quality fish after all most brands are made in china.
Great question, probably comes down to the range you're likely to fish, and the individual fly line weight. If you're going to fish short, or with long leaders, you could still over line - just make sure it isn't a heavy #5 line as the rod won't cope with it. If you're fishing longer and having to carry more line in the air, I'd stick to a #4 personally, a really competent caster could even fish a #3 on this rod 👍
I have the original Oracle 10' #4. A perfectly functional rod. Although I can't make my mind up as to whether it's a #4 or #5. I don't really care what carbon a rods made of. Does it do what it's supposed to do is what I care about.
@@IBandAndyFishing They've always produced perfectly functional fishing tackle at a reasonable price. Occasionally they produce some outstanding stuff as well.
As a complete beginner fly fisherman what would you recommend? I would be tempted by 10ft. I hope that I will be fishing the Arto in North Wales. Plus can you use them on a Lake fishery?
I think I'd go for the 9' personally. You could use it on stillwaters, you'll just have to be conscious of the fact it isn't designed for casting long distances, it will be limiting for you
Its a good time to be a fly- fisher as the gear is fantastic at very reasonable prices. There is lots of focus on cork, I dont mind cork fills, the important thing is that there are no voids in the cork itself. If there is, then it wobbles by finger pressure, and the whole rod is spoiled, I have 2 rods like this...and the feel is forever lost. They are 80/90s rods.
I think that's why there's the focus on cork- it's the only bit you're in physical contact with, so any issues are ones you're going to feel every time you use the rod. The problem here was that the filler was coming out, which as you say, means long-term problems
Shakespeare wanted us to use two different length of rods, so it made sense to use the 9' 4#. I'm more than happy using a 9' on our waters, I do prefer the 10' personally though
Ahh, that makes sense! Thinking of a 10ft 4wt myself for the reasons you have previously described. Love that Shakespeare have created a reasonably priced one!
Shakespeare make brilliant rods. I've owned all sorts of branded rods incl the expensive ones. For stillwater (boat and large lakes) I've ended up leaving everything at home except my Agility2 11' #6 which is my go to rod. Casts superbly. Will look at these Oracle2's for river work. I currently use an Orvis. I honestly think there is a lot of bull about the very expensive rods. Is a £1000 rod from Sage or Orvis or Hardy good, of course it is, but is it 10 times better than a £100 Shakespeare? Absolutely not! I wouldn't say it was twice as good. It is not a coincidence that well known anglers endorse the expensive rods when they get free or heavily discoubted gear from them.
it does feel these days like the gap between the budget ranges and top end ranges is closing up. I remember 20 years ago, some of the budget rods were awful, but I honestly can't remember the last time i picked up a fly rod at any price and thought it was bad
@@IBandAndyFishing yes I agree, many good cheaper rods now. I'm going to stick my neck out but I think there is no need at all to pay more than £300 for a rod and often £100 is just fine. And you are not suffering or at a disadvantage at the budget prices.
@@IBandAndyFishing Hi Andy sorry for the late reply.The cork handle is ok a few fillings as one would expect for the price.If you want can send some photos if wanted for a follow up of a later update of the rod if you are thinking of doing.Really like you and IBs videos keep up the gpod work and tight lines.🎣
Bought the 9ft 4 weight, never going back to expensive rods this thing is perfect, great job Shakespeare! concentrated on great action and functionality Top Marks.
A fabulous rod, isn't it? Glad you're enjoying it!
@@IBandAndyFishing On your recommendation Andy !
Great to see a budget review, I have 9ft 4wt and I love it as it doesn’t look or feel cheap. Just goes to show you don’t need top of the range rods to have a good time !!!
I couldn't agree more, a great rod for the money!
My 10ft #3 arrived today. The handle on mine is superb, a lot better than those in this video. Big shout out to Jim's Tackle Redruth, excellent service, price and very prompt delivery. Another quality presentation from Andy, precise and informative.
I bought a 9ft oracle II 4 weight earlier this year and I have to say I love it. I am by no measure a fly fishing guru. But I am 60 years old and I have had a few rods and I have broke a few rods. And IMO this rod is excellent value. Did the business on a trip to Skye in May .
fantastic news, so many positive responses to these rods, Shakespeare have nailed it again!
Cheers andy been waiting for this one for a bit 🙏🎣
hope it all makes sense bud!
@@IBandAndyFishing looks like a crackin spare indicator rod. Cheers for doing a proper review. You put them through the ringer before doing a review. Many would fish once with it then give their opinion. No you andy. Professionally well covered honest reviews are hard to come by nowadays. To many people on the books haha cheers mate 🍻
I have the 10' 3wt (which I usually overline with a 4wt line). I got it for less than 70 euros. My favourite road I've ever had and at least 3x cheaper than any other I've had. Amazing.
I've a 6ft #4 Oracle 2 for the Alyn in Wrexham, i first tried it out on an upland llyn in Blaenau Ffestiniog, it handled very well when i caught a 2lb Rainbow. Doesn't look much i agree, but very good rod for the money.
you really can't beat them for a value, branded rod can you?
Great to see that the River range is just as good as the Stillwater range. I don't own an Oracle II River, but I do have an Oracle II Stillwater (10ft 7wt). It casts every bit as well as my Vision Onki of the same line weight. The only difference really, is the actual weight of the rod.
great for the money aren't they? A little heavier on the swing weight, but we're really spoiled with the quality of kit at the moment!
I haven't fished these but tried out the 9ft 4wt at Sportfish and thought it was astonishingly capable for a rod of this price. I have been looking forward to your review of them for a while. Great to see what you think of them. Thank you.
I couldn't agree more with you there, the 9' 4# really is a spectacular rod for the money!
Excellent review Andy, I have the 10’ 3# and first trip out the section below the tip snapped at the joint, had it replaced and first trip out today the rod is stunning , lovely action and caught several browns and grayling, which put a very satisfying bend in it, lovely soft tip.
Cannot fault the rod and unlike yours my cork is like your 9’ 4# so must be pot luck I guess.
Fantastic news, I figured that might be the case with the cork, I just got a bad one this time!
i've got the oracle II 6ft 3wt and to say its probably one my favourites out of my fly rod collection . Mainly focussing on the small to micro streams and remote rivers on Exmoor and Dartmoor with it ,even with the smaller size it can easily handle the larger trout and grayling worth the money pound for pound . Best used in those venues where longer 8-10ft rods aren't an option with room and overhanging vegetation .
fantastic stuff - so many positive experiences with these rods, everybody who has one seems to love it!
Good review. Not really bothered how a rod looks but how it fishes means everything.
Great video again andy my fishing buddy has been using one of these rods and likes it just ordered the 5 weight at 10 foot so see how it goes at the price you can't go wrong
You really can't, can you? Amazing that you can still get a decent rod for less than the cost of a premium fly line!
You will probably enjoy the 10 foot weight 5 it's a nice rod. I also have a Oracle ll stillwater my favourite rod, for less than a ton. Tight lines🏴.
I have any Oracle 2,10ft 5 at and I absolutely love it.
fantastic news! How is the cork on yours?
Hi Andy.The cork is fine on mine,no issues at all.I also have a couple of agility rods,with no issues and a fairly old float rod and the cork is fine on that I have to say that I love the shakespeare range of rods.
Some of Shakespeares products are really good value highly useable rods, I’ve got a range from skp barbel rods to even budget sigma fly rods that have caught quality fish after all most brands are made in china.
You really can't go wrong with the price of these can you? So much good budget kit out there!
@@IBandAndyFishing absolutely should encourage more angling all round, just do it!
for the 9 ft/4 version, would a class 4 line be better, or maybe a slightly overloaded class 5 line?
Great question, probably comes down to the range you're likely to fish, and the individual fly line weight.
If you're going to fish short, or with long leaders, you could still over line - just make sure it isn't a heavy #5 line as the rod won't cope with it.
If you're fishing longer and having to carry more line in the air, I'd stick to a #4 personally, a really competent caster could even fish a #3 on this rod 👍
thank you very much for your comprehensive answer, I will stick to class 4 with a good quality link 👍
@@IBandAndyFishingthank you very much for your comprehensive answer, I will stick to class 4 with a good quality line👍
Great rod. I bought the 10ft 3wt inspired from a couple of videos ago from yourself. Great feel very light. I Think you used the 9ft 4wt??
Hi Daryl, we used both, very happy with both too!
I have the original Oracle 10' #4. A perfectly functional rod. Although I can't make my mind up as to whether it's a #4 or #5. I don't really care what carbon a rods made of. Does it do what it's supposed to do is what I care about.
Shakespeare are good at these budget rods, aren't they?!
@@IBandAndyFishing They've always produced perfectly functional fishing tackle at a reasonable price. Occasionally they produce some outstanding stuff as well.
As a complete beginner fly fisherman what would you recommend? I would be tempted by 10ft. I hope that I will be fishing the Arto in North Wales. Plus can you use them on a Lake fishery?
I think I'd go for the 9' personally. You could use it on stillwaters, you'll just have to be conscious of the fact it isn't designed for casting long distances, it will be limiting for you
Have you ever used Maxcatch rods? I have their Nano nymph rod and I think it's great for the money (120 quid) but I have nothing to compare it to.
Hi Walt, I've handled a few yes, definitely a brand we're interested in working with going forwards!
Its a good time to be a fly- fisher as the gear is fantastic at very reasonable prices. There is lots of focus on cork, I dont mind cork fills, the important thing is that there are no voids in the cork itself. If there is, then it wobbles by finger pressure, and the whole rod is spoiled, I have 2 rods like this...and the feel is forever lost. They are 80/90s rods.
I think that's why there's the focus on cork- it's the only bit you're in physical contact with, so any issues are ones you're going to feel every time you use the rod. The problem here was that the filler was coming out, which as you say, means long-term problems
Noticed before you were using a 10ft 4 wt previously. That is in the range - how come you opted for the 9ft?
Shakespeare wanted us to use two different length of rods, so it made sense to use the 9' 4#. I'm more than happy using a 9' on our waters, I do prefer the 10' personally though
Ahh, that makes sense! Thinking of a 10ft 4wt myself for the reasons you have previously described. Love that Shakespeare have created a reasonably priced one!
High I wanded if you can give me a suggestion on rod n real combo for a beginner small to medium rivers trout grey lung ect
Shakespeare make brilliant rods. I've owned all sorts of branded rods incl the expensive ones. For stillwater (boat and large lakes) I've ended up leaving everything at home except my Agility2 11' #6 which is my go to rod. Casts superbly. Will look at these Oracle2's for river work. I currently use an Orvis. I honestly think there is a lot of bull about the very expensive rods. Is a £1000 rod from Sage or Orvis or Hardy good, of course it is, but is it 10 times better than a £100 Shakespeare? Absolutely not! I wouldn't say it was twice as good. It is not a coincidence that well known anglers endorse the expensive rods when they get free or heavily discoubted gear from them.
it does feel these days like the gap between the budget ranges and top end ranges is closing up. I remember 20 years ago, some of the budget rods were awful, but I honestly can't remember the last time i picked up a fly rod at any price and thought it was bad
@@IBandAndyFishing yes I agree, many good cheaper rods now. I'm going to stick my neck out but I think there is no need at all to pay more than £300 for a rod and often £100 is just fine. And you are not suffering or at a disadvantage at the budget prices.
This 3wt versus the Vision Hero 3wt?
not even close, the Hero wins hands down. You could buy two Oracles for one Hero though!
I have the 10ft 3 weight and the cork is fantastic. You must have been unlucky!
I thought that might be the case, I really couldn't fault it otherwise!
I have the 10' #3 greart rod for the price.
How was the cork on your bud?
@@IBandAndyFishing Hi Andy sorry for the late reply.The cork handle is ok a few fillings as one would expect for the price.If you want can send some photos if wanted for a follow up of a later update of the rod if you are thinking of doing.Really like you and IBs videos keep up the gpod work and tight lines.🎣