Ok, as a bamboo rodmaker myself, I have to say that Headwaters really messed up on the ferrule fit. That should never have been that loose to start with. That should be considered a manufacturing defect and you should be able to send the rod back and get the ferrules replaced. I would never send a rod out the door with that kind of problem. Also, you need to know that you should never have to use candle wax or any wax to get the fit right, for any length of time. What happens is that the wax will pick up dirt over time and you run the risk of having the ferrules gall and get so stuck that the ferrule set will have to be cut off and replaced. Wax is always just a temporary fix. Send it back and get it replaced.
Good review. I own 4 Headwater Bamboo rods and really like all of them. Prior to purchasing the Headwaters I rebuilt vintage bamboo by stripping them down and rebuilt all hardware and finishing. I’ve also taken an American made blank, Payne 98 taper. And built it up. I feel the Headwaters compares and outshines these rods. The price is fantastic for a bamboo. Don’t hesitate to purchase one, you won’t go wrong.
What a terrific review. I have built two bamboo rods from blanks I acquired from third parties (7ft 4wt, 8.5ft 6wt), both Payne tapers. I have to admit that I am very intrigued with the Headwaters rods and from your review I am seriously thinking about acquiring one of acquiring a Victory series 8.5ft 5wt; also medium action. Frankly it comes down to the old adage that a fly fisher never has enough rods. Again, great review. I have subscribed and am looking forward to learning more from your experience.
Interesting - the reel is identical to a secondhand one I purchased for $25(NZ) that was made by a Chinese tackle company Leichi. Made from CNC Aluminium and with a gear drag system - very sweet sound and solid build. I contacted them directly for another one and advised they were no longer making it.
To answer your concern over the lack of a line weight on the tube. A lot of the current and past rodmakers do not like to put a line weight on the tube or even necessarily on the rod, because what is a 3wt to me, might be something you like better with a 4. In fact, I know a few rodmakers that will put a dual weight on the rod to cover the fact that you might like one line weight and I will like a different one. Gives a starting point, but avoids getting the rod back and the customer saying - you said that this is 4wt and to me it feels more like a 5. Legitimate concern, but personal preference being what it is, it makes it hard to predict.
Great review thanks, but a pure beeswax block is what you need to keep the joints together- it’s stiffer and sticks on the ferrules, making an airtight seal. Candle wax is too soft, particularly on a warm day.
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Ok, as a bamboo rodmaker myself, I have to say that Headwaters really messed up on the ferrule fit. That should never have been that loose to start with. That should be considered a manufacturing defect and you should be able to send the rod back and get the ferrules replaced. I would never send a rod out the door with that kind of problem. Also, you need to know that you should never have to use candle wax or any wax to get the fit right, for any length of time. What happens is that the wax will pick up dirt over time and you run the risk of having the ferrules gall and get so stuck that the ferrule set will have to be cut off and replaced. Wax is always just a temporary fix. Send it back and get it replaced.
This is great advice. Thank-you. I haven't had a bamboo rod until now so this is good to know.
Good review. I own 4 Headwater Bamboo rods and really like all of them. Prior to purchasing the Headwaters I rebuilt vintage bamboo by stripping them down and rebuilt all hardware and finishing. I’ve also taken an American made blank, Payne 98 taper. And built it up. I feel the Headwaters compares and outshines these rods. The price is fantastic for a bamboo. Don’t hesitate to purchase one, you won’t go wrong.
Thank s. This video will help using my new antic J Heddon #20. I will using it with a different mind.
What a terrific review. I have built two bamboo rods from blanks I acquired from third parties (7ft 4wt, 8.5ft 6wt), both Payne tapers. I have to admit that I am very intrigued with the Headwaters rods and from your review I am seriously thinking about acquiring one of acquiring a Victory series 8.5ft 5wt; also medium action. Frankly it comes down to the old adage that a fly fisher never has enough rods. Again, great review. I have subscribed and am looking forward to learning more from your experience.
Thanks so much for the nice comment! It helps us keep motivated 👍 cheers and tight lines! Enjoy the Victory (if you end up getting one)
Interesting - the reel is identical to a secondhand one I purchased for $25(NZ) that was made by a Chinese tackle company Leichi. Made from CNC Aluminium and with a gear drag system - very sweet sound and solid build. I contacted them directly for another one and advised they were no longer making it.
Probably the same factory making it. I love the little reel though it’s super cool and ya, that classic sound.
To answer your concern over the lack of a line weight on the tube. A lot of the current and past rodmakers do not like to put a line weight on the tube or even necessarily on the rod, because what is a 3wt to me, might be something you like better with a 4. In fact, I know a few rodmakers that will put a dual weight on the rod to cover the fact that you might like one line weight and I will like a different one. Gives a starting point, but avoids getting the rod back and the customer saying - you said that this is 4wt and to me it feels more like a 5. Legitimate concern, but personal preference being what it is, it makes it hard to predict.
Great review thanks, but a pure beeswax block is what you need to keep the joints together- it’s stiffer and sticks on the ferrules, making an airtight seal. Candle wax is too soft, particularly on a warm day.
That’s great to know. Thanks!
Great review. Good job.
👍👍👍
Thanks!
Agate guide: pronounced ag et. 😍