I have a System 5 and a System 8. I recently acquired the System 5 and have not had a chance to fish it much, but so far I really like it. I bought the System 8 a little over 20 years ago. When I lived in Florida, I used the 8 in the salt flats around Sarasota Bay and used a Scientific Anglers Wet Cell 9 weight level line on it and that combo would cast a mile. I caught lots of sea trout, redfish, snook and ladyfish with it and it was perfect for those. Now, I probably will never use it again as I probably will never get back to Florida. I may use it for bass in some of the lakes around here. About 20 years ago, when the Fiberglass and Bamboo forums were all one entity, I took the System 8 to the very first Bamboo Bash (or conclave) in Townsend, Tennessee and the System 8 was well received and a bunch of guys took turns casting it.
Joe

The System rods were and are a benchmark in fiberglass fly rods. That doesn't mean they will be a favorite for everyone, for instance, as Magic indicated above., "fast" or what I think of has fast progressive. In the case of my System 5, I very slightly prefer its more supple progenitor, my Fisher 8' for 5. But all the System rods are consistent in type/action. They were perfected enough to be more than likeable for the length/line-weight and techniques of their time; thus, whatever minor dislikes any one user finds (whether in fittings or casting/fishability) tells that angler more exactly what refinements to seek in a slightly different rod, contemporary or "vintage." The previous owner mentioned above, for instance, preferred a different reel seat, whereas I like the one provided exactly as it is. (The owner of the modified rod could easily find and install a standard seat if preferred.) Or I could easily change the System 5 grip to my preferred shape, but the factory version is quite suitable for me, so I haven't bothered.









As for the reel seat, much as I like Rodon hardware with a cork insert, I like the factory seat (a standard component of the time, still easy to find) just as well and have used that model on several other rods, so I wouldn't change a thing. You can easily customize a System rod to taste, but improving it would be difficult.

photobucket tried to make
clearly whrlpool never paid, and I never did, either, but rode out the teapot tempest with our free accounts

Was back to the states in September and picked up the System 5. The rod is in very good shape. The spigot ferrule gap is 1/8" which I assume indicates the rod has seen use through the years. The lettering on the lower rod is worn also indicating use. My first time out, I found out the System 5 reel drag is virtually nonexistent. I don't know if that is the way they are or it is worn. I sold the reel and line and use one of my Medalist 1494 on it. In comparing the Epic 580, Seele 805 and Fenwick FF805, to me, the Fenwick and the System 5 are the fastest of the four. I find the Epic progressive but "tippy", The Seele the a smooth progressive, The Fenwick a little stiff as also The System 5. But you can really put your fly where it needs to be with the System 5. I primarily sight fish so most of my casts are less than 50 feet, most in the 30-40 foot range. Have had the rod out five times, skunked once and landed 32 rainbows and 3 browns on the other four trips. Fish ran 18 to 25 inches. At this point as far as which rods I like the best I would rate the Seele first, Epic, System 5 and the Fenwick. Although I first I did not like the Epic because of its tippiness but grew to like it, so the System 5 may move up in that regard as I use it more.

Is that 200 C (392F) true for most any reel spring ?

absolutely - you just need to soak it - 15 min is plenty.
Spring creep rate is a function of the ratio of exposed temperature to the set temperature.
You want a spring set temperature not high enough to alter the metal heat treatment.

this is the temperature you don't want to reach on set temper, because any higher begins to lower the spring hardness (strength), and to get that hardness back you have to austenitize (white hot) and quench

you're welcome bro - can't count the number of reel springs I've set tempered in my kitchen oven - I normally set temper springs at 350F, which works for bronze as well as steel.

nice photos - thanks for posting

I like the Orvis reel seat on there. I’ve never been a fan of all metal reel seats and kinda want to replace the one on my System 7.

Got to fish my System 5 with a 406 DT-6 this past week. The rod likes the 6wt. more than the 5wt. Rod loads a lot better, seemed a little stiff with the DT-5. No photos but took four rainbows between 20 and 22 inches on beadhead nymphs.