Euro Rod Shootout | Mid-Price Rod Comparisons
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- Опубликовано: 30 июл 2024
- We've had the chance to fish with several different tight-line nymphing rods of the past year and lay out our opinions in our own version of a rod "shootout". Hopefully this video will be helpful to you in choosing your next mid-priced euro rod.
The lineup:
-Risen 23PS (www.risenfly.com/products/23p...)
$290 and Lifetime Warrenty
-Syndicate P2 Pipeline Pro (syndicateff.com/p2-pipeline-p...)
$325 and Lifetime Warranty
-Orvis Recon (www.orvis.com/p/recon-3-weigh...)
$425 and 25 year Warranty
We compared each of these rods against each other and also to a high end rod which was used as our comparison baseline.
This is all just our opinion, which was formed around what we think feels like a good rod to us
#RisenFly #SyndicateP2 #OrvisRecon
Gear Used
• Nymph Rod
• Dry Fly Rod
• Scientific Angler MPX Line - amzn.to/2Gpipli
• Leader Material
o Maxima Chameleon - amzn.to/37setwb
o Amnesia sighter - amzn.to/3aIR7nU
• Cortland Tippet - amzn.to/2Rn5ruM
• Fly Storage
o Dry Fly box - amzn.to/2TRZJme
o Nymph Box - amzn.to/2sWi3Qj
o Streamer Box - amzn.to/2vkXuhe
o Working Fly Box - amzn.to/2RpUhFE
o Extra Fly Storage - amzn.to/2sYSMoC
• Waterproof Camera Bag - amzn.to/38AVEqF
• Wading Staff - amzn.to/2GkBdSP
• Hip Pack - amzn.to/37pXDy5
• Buff - amzn.to/30RUK6x
• Nippers (THE BEST ON THE MARKET!!!) - amzn.to/2Rra8nr
• Desiccant powder - amzn.to/2Rn2ESu
• Floatant - amzn.to/2NWR91L
• Tippet (and other garbage) disposal system - amzn.to/36qW8ON
• Filming gear
o SonyA6000 - amzn.to/2FIBpLw
o GoPro Hero3, Hero3+, Hero4 - amzn.to/2FN712y
o Editing Software - amzn.to/2QNF54X
*These are Amazon Affiliate links
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I appreciate the system you used to break down each rod. Very informative and well done.
Glad you found it helpful! Thanks for watching!
Good video! I have the Recon as well and landed a 20" bull trout in Idaho last year! VERY impressed with the rod! I need to check out the other rods in the line up though!
The new Clearwater from Orvis has been nothing but stellar for me since it was released last spring. I've landed a number of +20" trout from the Delaware on the 3 wt. Would certainly be in this category of budget nymph rods for anybody looking for a rod under $300.
I would love to see how it feels in comparison to the old Recon. Sounds like one heck of a rod!
Very informative. Thanks 👍🏼
Really enjoyed watching the comparisons very informative thanks for sharing 🎣🎣
Glad you enjoyed the video. Thanks for watching!
Very well done, better than many others review. 👏👏👏
Love my recon. Landed a few steelhead with it. Had the Clearwater 1st. Also a great stick, was the main reason I bought the recon. That rod also brought in a few steelhead last spring and this fall here in WNY.
Nicely done review! FYI- Orvis upgraded their Recon rods and vastly improved their rod repair process. It will be much quicker and cheaper this year than before. (They will send you just the broken section to you instead of shipping the entire rod to them and then wait for them to replace the section and ship it back to you.) Also, the Clearwater 10' 3wt is a pretty legit Euronymph rod for $198. Hope to see you guys back in Craig later this year -if we can travel!
We really want to try both of those rods, particulary the clearwater in the 10 ft 2 wt model! You should be seeing at least one of us this year (hopefully)! You guys run a great shop and we wish you the best of luck in these tough times!
Great video guys. A couple to add are the cortland comp Rod mk1, cortland nymph rod and the orvis Clearwater. All are fantastic rods and great options to get into the euro nymphing. I have personally used each and many situations and they have done well.
Clearwater just revamped recently right? Originally they were considered a lesser model, but the new blanks I believe compare to even the Helios, which is great from what I hear. I almost got a Cortland, but was convinced by comp guys the Syndicate would be better. So far I have been pleased! Nice suggestions though, totally forgot about the Clearwater option.
The blank is very similar to the recon in terms of action and stiffness. I actual am thinking of picking one up to have around. The cortland a few years back would break on small fish. They went back through and change some things and now it works very well
@@coreystoner4129 Thats awesome! I have a recon, but its an 8'6" 4 wt. I love it, but I bought it before I converted to Mono Rig/Tight Lining. So I use it very infrequently. If the Clearwater fishes like that now, its a steal for the price. I was gonna look into a small clearwater for brookies, just because the price is so good, and I have heard in general they are much more quality rods now. Thanks for the follow up!
Tight Lining MD they are worth it for the money especially the new 10’ 3 weight Clearwater. It had a better action to the old recon that’s why they are redoing the blank and I plan to pick one up. Technically speaking with the mono core fly line I use along with the euro leader I use technically it’s one big mono rig but as long as I don’t have sag which I never do half the time and I can pick the line up at distance I’m happy with it
Nice video guys. Would have loved to see cortland in the mix. I love mine!
isn't that an uplocking rod?
Good production....thank you
Great video guys
Thanks for the support, Pat!
Love it! Pairing the reel correctly is super important, as you know. What is great about that set up is the line is basically irrelevant, to some degree, and allows such versatility to the approach. I haven't fished the Recon, but do have a 10' 3 wt syndicate that I love. I may eventually invest in a 4 wt, to give a big more backbone for more streamer action. For now the 3 wt is just enough to do everything efficiently enough to catch fish, and some days lots of them. Can't wait to see you guys in PHW in May! Keep up the good work and congrats on 10K, by year end I hope to hit 1k and get a new computer, camera, and improve overall production. Till then I can just admire your great stuff!
Really looking forward to meeting you as well, Mike! Thanks for the continued support, as always!
@@BackyardBassin No problem. You guys are the best!
Great video! Any suggestions for a reel for a 10 foot 2wt Syndicate? Balance, Weight, reasonable price is important. Any info would be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance and tight lines! Craig
Nice review roundup. Regarding Orvis repair turnaround, I just sent in a Clearwater rod with a broken tip -- it's $60 to fix but the turnaround was 3 weeks and that was in December over the holidays, so I thought that was pretty good.
That does sound pretty good! I believe that their newer rods are manufactured to be able to replace individual sections now instead of repairing them. Just bought a new recon 8wt and am now really encouraged by your comment in case anything would happen to it. Thanks for the comment!
Echo shadow II for $250. Hands down one of the best nymphing rods on the market and is only $250 retail. You literally can’t beat it. I fish an ESN now and honestly the echo is just heavier, other than that there is very little difference. Both are very fast rods with beastly backbones and great tippet protection. The echos recovery isn’t great but I’ve never found it to be that big of an issue.
Interesting... I'd love to try it sometime! Sounds like a really nice rod!
Howdy guys... I am trying to make a decision on a mid priced 3 wt euro rod...I did watch your shootout video...my question is have you ever fished the shadow X ... it is around the same price as Orvis recon I am also considering syndicate ... any more helpful advice would be greatly appreciated thank you keep the videos coming👍
PLEASE , of the euro rods, which one has more of a medium or moderate action. I’m using a moonshine 10.4’ 2 wt and it has a 2 wt tip but has no bend in the butt. I’d love this rod but I’d like it more if it had more bend nearing the butt area. Any info will be appreciated!!!!!
Hello , question how long are your leaders when nymphing ? do you use a euro nymph line? thanks.......
I personally own the LL Bean Streamlight Ultra 2 and live it. Sensitive tip but enough flex to cast dries and streamers. Reel is nice with a smooth drag. Have recently gotten into nymphing and has performed great. I’d highly recommend.
That's one I'm not familiar with. I'll have to check it out. Thanks so much for sharing!
Backyard Angling Np. And enjoyed your video as well.
I've got a couple high end Orvis rods,but fish my Clearwater most of the time.Everybody's casting stroke is slightly different and certain rods just feel better regardless of price range.I bought an old South Bend 7'6" 6wt. fiberglass rod at a yard sale for 2$,and it's my go-to rod for little creek,dry fly,brookie fishing....Anyway, like your videos.
Couldn't agree more with your comment! Glad you enjoyed the video. Thanks for watching!
Great Work Guys!!!!
Thank you Frankie! Appreciate the support!
-Doug
Orvis just reworked the recon line of rods. I wonder how the new ones are. I was able to pick up the one you reviewed for under $300, as they were being closed out.
That's a really good deal! I think I heard they are supposed to be similar to the old H2's. I saw they are supposed to have that white band above the handle which is really a shame. The old recon is such a beautiful rod
I was just out in Utah and caught my PB brown trout roughly 21" on a 10' 2 wt syndicate. I'm here though looking into getting a 3 wt. just to reduce the fighting duration on bigger fish. I'm currently looking at a Douglas DXF 3 wt.
The Douglas DXF is a nice rod. I tried one out this spring. I'd love to do another shootout in the future though and include more rods so I could do a side-by-side comparison.
Very nice video, I really appreciate the effort. I have a Cortland Competition 3wt, but I felt a little over matched on the Madison last year. I'm going back in July (hopefully, if this virus clears out) and I'm trying to figure out if 1) my setting technique just sucked and it's the Indian, not the arrow, or 2) I need a stronger 3wt or move up to a 4wt. for a little more backbone.
Any help from anybody would be greatly appreciated !
You can bring in 20lb fish on that 3wt. Im curious what issue you're having. Just slow down and enjoy the fight.
Hey, great video. What do you guys think of the Hardy Zephrus Ultralite rods for Euro nymphing, and between the Orvis Recon and Zephrus which one would you recommend? Thanks
I own a RECON (old model). The Recon is a fantastic rod. Good sensitivity and back bone. I have landed several fish over 22 Inch with no problems. The down-locking reel seat also helps to balance the rod with lighter reels. I have an Orvis Battenkill Mid Arbor and it is the perfect combination for the rod. The difference with the newer version is that the new one does not have a hook keeper which is not good for a $450+ rod.
I’d like to see your opinion on all the different rods you guys have fished combined. Could be a good comprehensive overview
Great video, thanks for the info. Any experience with the Echo Shadow 2 or Cortland Competition?
Unfortunately I don't. Maybe I'll try to get my hands on one and redo this video someday. Been getting a lot of questions on the Cortland
I just recently bought the orvis Clearwater 10 3 wt euro nymphing combo so worth every penny. You guys ever use maxcatch rods
Nice! Orvis makes a good rod, that's for sure. I can't say that I have ever used maxcatch. Never heard of them actually.
Two questions:
1) Out of those rods, which do you think could fish wet flies on a floating line better?
2) Is the sage ESN better than these rods and do you think its worth the price tag?
Thank you!!
1) I personally think the Recon would do best but I wouldn't discount the Risen in a 10 foot since it's a pretty stiff rod. In my opinion I think they would all throw wets fairly well.
2) the ESN is better in my understanding since it is a high end rod. I've heard that it is EXTREMELY sensitive and a lot of competition guys use it. I'm not sure how it performs in anything other than tight line nymphing though so I can't comment of the versatility. I've said that because I use my 10 3 more than any other rod that my next one will be a high end rod although I would want one that could throw wets, dries, and small streamers in addition to a euro rig, as I can with my recon. I'd continue to get some other opinions though. Sounds like you're putting in the research. If you go with the ESN comment back and let me know how you like it
Backyard Angling Yeah ill do that man. Appreciate the reply. Yes im picking up the ESN (after I buy a keltec ks7 12 guage this weekend), im kinda tore between it and the T&T Contact, but im leaning more toward the ESN since its lighter. 👍🏻
Nuckin' Futs I tried both the ESN and the H3 3 wt. I went with the Orvis because it seemed to have more backbone, and better quality guides. Also, for a high end rod, why does Sage not use alignment dots?!?
Richard Schall No telling. One feature I like about the thomas and thomas contact is the REcoil guides. The ones where if you push down on them they'll fold down against the rod and then pop back into place.
Can we see the 5wt rod review?
Final got to hear this through my Roku lol ,but I would also like to hear your thoughts on the Echo shadow 2, and shadow x and the Cortland comp and there new nymph also maybe Sage pulse esn all under $$500 thanks Gary
That is some great feedback, thank you! We've been getting a lot of comments on those rods so I would like to reach out to these companies to see if we can get a loaner rod for a year so we could reshoot the video with more rods. Thanks again for the comment!
Thanks for the reply ,and great job on the review of the rods you did it's hard to find honest reviews on nymphing rods most of the reviews are fly shops that sell them
Bro, sorry for the non-fishing question, but what kind of accent would you say you have? Is it Central PA? It's unique and I was just curious. I live outside of Philly now, but have lived in every time zone in the US and I have become interested in accents. Cheers. BTW - I have the Syndicate P2 10ft 3wt. I dig it.
Lol I get that question a lot! I would say it is probably a PA Dutch accent. We are from central PA which has a lot of PA Dutch influence. I'm really interested in accents as well and have heard that across the country, people find PA accents very unique.
@@BackyardBassin I’m late to the conversation but I’m a life long dry fly fisherman who took up Euro nymphing a few weeks ago. Ive had decent success with a borrowed Orvis Recon 3 wt. It’s the newer version. Thoughts on whether I should get one? Ive been looking around. And also - about your accent. James Franklin has an accent like yours. It’s not a common PA accent in my opinion so it gets a persons attention.
Haha yes, it's definitely a unique accent! As for the rod, if you liked it then I would go ahead and get it. The more rods I've thrown the more I've come to realize that of it feels good to you then it's a good rod for your fishing style. Thanks for the comment! Hope my response helps!
I understand what you are getting at with sensitivity, but sensitivity should be a unit of measurment within your entire system, particularly your leader set-up. This is why I go with a micro-thin leader with only an 8lb butt section of 15 feet max cham, 5 feet of 2x Cortland sighter, ring, 3-4 ft tippet. I might be wrong in the science and actuality of this, but I also like to fish very heavy tandem flies as well as I feel like I have better connection throughout the system.
That's a good point! This is why we made our comparisons fishing the same leader setup. We use a 15' section of Maxima Chameleon to a 2x sighter but have recently tried reducing the weight of our flies for more visual sensitivity. We've found our catch numbers have really gone up as a result. There is a good article on Trutta Goods website on this that we found helpful. I also think George Daniel might have a blog post on this if you were interested. Anyways, thanks for the comment and sharing some of the things that work for you. It's really cool to hear different perspectives and methods that work for others. Be well!
Any experience with the Echo Shadow X? Really interested in buying one.
No experience, unfortunately. We are working on getting our hands on one though. We hear it's a great rod
Orvis Clearwater 10’ 2wt is a great rod for the price. Can’t beat it for $200.
I have heard the Clearwaters are a bit heavier and stiffer, competitively. Have you found that to be the case? I'm a little underwhelmed with my Syndicate P2 10' 3wt and would appreciate a bit more power and accuracy turning over multi nymph rigs with split shot, especially in the wind.
I got a Fenwick Aetos that works fine.
Ive narrowed my choice down to 3, price not considered whats your thoughts,
1-orvis reacon gen 1
2-syndicate
3-hanak czech x nymph
I'm not very familiar with the Hanak but I can give my thoughts on the Recon gen 1 and Syndicate. First question I would ask you is if you want to use the rod for tight-line nymphing only. If that is the case, then the Syndicate would be my choice. It is much softer and throws a light rig much better and I think more accurately. But my personal preference between the two is the gen 1 Recon because of how versatile it is. I can tight-line nymph with it, throw a suspension nymphing rig, cast a dry fly, and even throw some small streamers. I like only having to carry one rod so that is why I like the gen 1 Recon. Really hope this help!
@@BackyardBassin Well you made my choice for me! Lol Even though i start my day with nymphing a priority but you know how it is sometimes you have to switch up tactics and the small/mid size streams i fish i have great sucess with streamers. I always have an extra rod in the truck but like you said no one likes dragging around 2 rods on the stream. Just for the record i wanted the recon and love the looks so your info of greater versatility sealed the deal!! Thanks for the response and maybe we'll cross paths if you're even in the western PA area. 🎣🎣
Really glad I was able to help! I think you'll like it a lot. Be sure to say hi if you ever see us on the stream!
@@BackyardBassin Do you guys make your way out around western Pa ever? Im in somerset county area and fish a few streams there and bedford county. I have plans to venture out to some new waters, state college area being one. My in-laws live in Coudersport Potter County so on ocassion when we visit them my father-in-law takes me to some of his local honey holes. Lol
Echo 10ft 3wt. Does everything you need for $180
I love my 3wt 10’ Shadow II with the competition kit✌🏻😷
Are you referring to the Carbon XL? Shadow II?
Have you handled the tfo drift? If so, love to here the review. thanks
I've never tried the drift but I hear it is a nice rod. Unfortunately I don't know much more than that but would love to try throwing it!
I have one and like it and the multi function aspects are great but before i bought it, and it was a steal at 250 vs retail 399, I had a cheap Chinese maxcatch 10’ 2w. Pardon the run on sentence.
Just looking for some validation vs the syndicate which I’ve had my eye on. Thanks
Try reaching out to Holsingers Fly Shop. Great little shop in Central PA. They carry both TFO and syndicate and may be able to give you an opinion
Robert Pelletier looking forward to your review.
Do u recommend using an over size line when throwing dries?
I do! That is my favorite way to fish a dry actually. I find that it helps load the rod better accuracy at shorter distances (
Gracias i just bought one ill up size the floating line thanks
How would you rate the Sage Pulse Euro rod?
Unfortunately I have not gotten the opportunity to fish with it. All I can say is that Sage makes one heck of a nice rod so I bet it would be a good one. If I get the chance to try one, I'll reply back.
Have you guys reviewed any Moonshine Rods?
We have not gotten our hands on any Moonshine rods actually but would be interested in checking them out. If we ever get one we'll be sure to include them in another review at some point. Thanks for watching!
It would be nice to see you compare the vesper 10’6” 3 wt.
I like mine but i am not as experienced as you are
Great video and I really appreciate your positive attitude when answering comment questions. Could you tell me a little bit more about overlining your recon 3wt with a 4wt line? Do you feel that it enables you to cast a dry with more confidence and accuracy and also allows you to throw a bulky indicator rig if you want to? I’m all about versatility, but also want a more dialed in contact nymphing rod, so I’m super curious what your take is on overlining that Recon 3 - thanks man!
Forgot to say I’ve fished level euro nymph lines before and really liked them on a heavier 10 ft rod. I’m thinking a Recon 10 foot 3wt and carrying a euro line on one spool as well as a traditional floating line on another. Thx!
Hi Joe, glad you found some of our comments helpful. As for overlining the Recon I think it's important to note that this is the older Recon model. I believe that the newer Recon is a little less stiff.
I don't believe that it makes as much of a difference for throwing a heavy suspension rig and makes a much bigger different to me throwing a lighter suspension system with a wool or yarn indicator. I think throwing dry flies makes the biggest difference to me though. I find I can throw slightly farther with a heavier line weight and can throw more accurately at close distances especially.
Can't remember if I mentioned it in the video or not, but when contact nymphing I use an ultra long leader so my heavier fly line doesn't leave the reel ideally, or if it does, just the first few guides.
Hope this helps!
Doug
Actually just started carrying a second spool with a euro line on it this past spring. Really love the euro line! I think I get a little lazy in the spring though when I'm constantly switching back and forth so I tend to use a long leader during that time of the year. I think your idea sounds like a good one though!
Awesome, thank you for the thoughtful reply. And that’s a great reminder about the old Recon versus the new one. I’ve been fly fishing for a long time but man oh man, there’s a lot to take in these days with all the different rod designs and fly lines. Your take in things is really helpful - thanks!
This is exactly the comment thread I was hoping for! I currently have the Syndicate P2 in 10' 3wt but do not often use it for Euro nymphing, preferring instead to fish light or unweighted nymphs under a NZ wool indicator and/or dropshotting, teams of traditional wets, and the occasional dry. I've been running a Cortland 444 peach DT3F line with it, although for short cast nymphing, very little fly line is outside the guides. I have been having difficulty getting these rigs to turn over well, especially with longer leaders and in windy conditions. The Syndicate feels very soft, slow, and noodley in hand. I would really like to improve accuracy and consistency, hopefully without paying too high a price in sensitivity. Should I be overlining my 3wt with a 4wt line, trying a different taper fly line, or just ditching the 3wt for a 4wt rod altogether? For my stated purposes would I see any substantial benefit from any other rod in the sub-$350 range? Thanks so much guys for the effort making these videos and your valuable insights! All the best, Seán
Have ever tried tenkara rod?
Yes! They are alot of fun
Have u tried the syndicate 2wt?
We have tried a friends syndicate 2wt and loved it! That will absolutely be the next rod I buy.
Marryat tactical all the way !
What's your opinion on the sage esn?
sebastian walker great rod but some people I know that had the esn are going to a tnt contact
Unfortunately I've never had the opportunity to fish one but I've heard they are really sensitive.
sebastian walker I scoped out the ESN, TNT and the H3. The TNT and ESN seemed slightly more sensitive, but the H3 had more backbone and was a better all round rod. The TNT and H3 had better, comparable features. The TNT felt the slowest of the three.
I bought the Orvis, and it proved exceptional on the Madison, Gallatin and Lamar. Wish I could afford all three though.
Richard Schall I own the h3 as well and I find it to be every sensitive when paired with a mono core level fly line. When I have it attached to the specific euro I use and sell I feel every little tick. I have even brought in steelhead on it.
Unfortunately the lifetime of a rod is not your lifetime " according to St Croix" and others. So Orvis giving an objective 25yrs is a better contract. Nice video! Your opinion as an adverage guy may be better than a pro that is sponsored.
Thank you, I really appreciate the feedback! I agree that 25 years is plenty! The only thing lacking in the Orvis warranty though is the turn around time, although that may change with the H3's interchangeable sections. Only time will tell
Is that a Recon generation 1 or 2
Gen 1 - the better rod in my opinion
I could hear everything but the guy talking , would of been nice to hear him as I'm looking to upgrad my current euro rod
I can hear the intro and in-between segments and checked your other videos and can hear them all fine just no sound when you talk on this video and my volume is up all the way ????
Sponsored by Syndicate?
We wish!!!
@syndicateflyfishing we would love to get our hands on the 10' 2wt!
Orvis recon sensitivity the same as syndicate?? Come on, they are not even close.
I have found the sensitivity and accuracy in my Syndicate P2 10' 3wt to be a little lacking, but then again, I have nothing to compare it to.
Orvis warranty turn around time is absolutely awful.
Based on my personal experience, I totally agree! Although I hear that it has gotten better with their new rods. I guess they're designed to have interchangeable sections so now they'll just ship you the section that broke. Not sure if that is 100% accurate, but just what I heard at one point.
Why is it the more expensive the best? Trap. Ripped off
I wouldn't say it's the best for euro-nymphing. The Syndicate is our favorite for that. I prefer the Recon though for the versatility. Generally I think a good rule of thumb is to buy the best rod that you can afford, but then again, fly fishing is my favorite hobby. :)
Yeah the way a review usually works, is you use the rod then you talk about it. You kids are the easiest ones to con. Put the euro label on any 10ft rod and jack up the price%75. Mid range $450? Lol. I feel sorry for anyone spending more than $200 for a rod. Its all sticker after that. Same with these lines. Downsize your fly line 1 or 2 wt’s. These “euro” lines are usually overpriced, too limp, and shoot like a wet noodle. Syndicate offers a lifetime warranty, Yeah till they go out of business.
I learned a lot from this video. From your post, I learned that Youtubing while drinking equals RANT MODE and basically all of the EN industry is a con. Super insightful, BRUH (and there you go, you pulled a word out of me that I would NEVER normally say).