Hello, I recently completed the build of one of Dusty’s new configurations the Western 8’3” 3 piece 5 wt. I have always liked this in between length and Dusty’s version is exceptional.
The action is medium fast being more on the medium side. I thinks it’s one of the nicest *********’s I ever cast. From 15 to 55 ft. the rod is effortless, very accurate and so smooth. The blanks recovery rate is great with no tip bounce allowing for very tight loops and no air waves in the line. It will form a very nice loop with a few feet of line and leader beyond the tip. The tip is a little faster than on the Western 8’6” and 8”9” 5 wts. but works really well with this length.

The blank is unsanded, Uni S glass that feels very light in hand. I cast it with a Epic glass and 406 WF 5 F and like them both. It has some butt power for longer casts and could easily throw larger, nymphs, steamers and a dry/ dropper or indicator rig. With it’s length and superb action it would make a great spring creek rod for protecting light tippets and casting small dries and midges. I think it’s nicer than Dusty’s 8’ 5 wt. which everyone agrees is a great rod. Now that Dusty is rolling is his own blanks the quality control is fabulous. The blank is very straight and really had no spine on all 3 sections enabling me to set the guides on the it’s straights axis. Also the ferrules fit perfectly. I have always been amazed by Dusty’s glass rods/ blanks on how he achieves such small blank diameters. Just an all around wonderful new design by one of the best rod makers today!

You’re really pumping out the new builds lately, Lanny. Thanks for sharing your reviews on such a wide range of modern blanks - the new ********* sounds great.

After picking up the ********* 895, I’m looking forward to adding another ********* to the collection, preferably on one of Dusty’s new in-house blanks.

Sounds like an awesome rod! I have heard rumors of a 3wt in that same length configuration. Dusty is cranking out some cool stuff right now. Did you try a DT5 on the rod?

I've been thinking about a 5wt ********* rod for a while now, but could not make up my mind about which one. Thanks for helping me decide