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Post 09 Nov 2020, 19:27 • #1 
New Member
Joined: 12/16/12
Posts: 17
Location: US-VA
Hi folks,

COVID has kept me home and has given me a chance to, among other things, sell a few rods, and I even bought a "new to me" bamboo rod. One thing I've noticed over the years, is that I've never owned a 4-weight that really gave me the pleasing feel of the rod loading without much line out. In other words, I've owned some really nice 5 and 6 weight rods that just feel smooth and lovely (you can really feel the line loading the rod) without a ton of line out, but the 4's have felt overly light by comparison.

Obviously, 4 is lighter than 5, yes. But I'm wondering whether there are 4's out there that feel more like my 5's and 6's...if that makes sense? Forgive me, I'm a halfway decent fisherman, but I'm not a rod expert by any means.

My favorite rods right now are a (bamboo) Battenkill 7' 6" for 6 weight (5 works too) and a Orvis SFG 8' 5-weight. In fact, I own the 7'6" 4-weight SFG, and it seems to me to just be so light and "poppy" compared to the smoothness of the SFG 5-weight, if that makes any sense.

Thanks for any feedback!
Burns


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Post 09 Nov 2020, 19:35 • #2 
Master Guide
Joined: 08/03/14
Posts: 945
Location: central AR
If you can find one, the original black Diamondglass is the rod that brought me into the glass addiction. The 804 is great and I’ve heard the 864 is slower and more full flexing.


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Post 09 Nov 2020, 19:48 • #3 
Master Guide
Joined: 11/11/13
Posts: 774
Location: US-CA
Hello, the ********* 7’6” 4 wt. is a very full flexing rod that gives the exact feeling you described.


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Post 09 Nov 2020, 19:55 • #4 
New Member
Joined: 12/16/12
Posts: 17
Location: US-VA
Thanks for the replies so far. What about Steffen. You hear so much about them around here, how would they compare?


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Post 09 Nov 2020, 21:11 • #5 
Glass Fanatic
Joined: 09/18/09
Posts: 5561
Location: Relocated to the Drought Stricken West.
I'm a big fan of 4wt's but they do tend to be either overly floppy(Hardy Perfection), or zippy (Orvis SPG). I like the McFarlands, specifically the 7'9" (any of them) and his GTX 8.6" 4WT. The 8'8" S-Glass is an exquisite dry fly rod.

The original Epic 8' 4wt was really nice too (I haven't tried the newer version). I don't have the experience with the Steffen's to make a recommendation.


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Post 09 Nov 2020, 21:54 • #6 
Guide
Joined: 02/22/16
Posts: 307
Location: Livingston MT
I have yet to hear anyone say they don't like Steffens. They are considered a fishing rod, not high on aesthetics but a pure fishing tool. And sometimes that is just what you want.

As to other rods Shane Gray, Chris Barclay or Dusty from ********* rod Co. all make excellent rods, well worth the little more you pay for them. You can pick your reel seat, grip, and wraps with any of those guys.

Tom


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Post 09 Nov 2020, 22:06 • #7 
Master Guide
Joined: 06/07/12
Posts: 865
Location: US-CA
Maybe rare as hens’ teeth, but the Hardy Perfection Glass 7’6” 4wt from around 2000 probably fits. I’m sure someone will mention the Scott F2 and F Series as well.


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Post 09 Nov 2020, 22:20 • #8 
Guide
Joined: 07/07/19
Posts: 221
Location: US-WI
IMHO the Lamiglas 7’-6” honey is a 4wt rod/blank that fits your description. It is smooth, loads with little line out but has good reserve power for a 4wt.


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Post 10 Nov 2020, 06:10 • #9 
Glass Fanatic
Joined: 12/05/06
Posts: 2089
Location: US-PA
All will be tough to find or not cheap, but based on what you like now:

7'0" 3pc 4wt McFarland Spruce Creek (smooth sanded light brown blank)

7'6" 3pc 4wt Winston Retro

8'0" 3pc 4wt Winston Retro

8'0" 2pc 4wt Winston Tom Morgan Favorite (graphite) my favorite 4wt


Last edited by Bamboozle on 10 Nov 2020, 09:00, edited 1 time in total.

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Post 10 Nov 2020, 07:28 • #10 
Glass Fanatic
Joined: 06/10/09
Posts: 1651
Location: US-OH
A big part of the feel you're looking for is the line you choose to use. For example, your SFG 7'6" 4wt is known to be a fast 4wt but if you use a heavy 4wt line or a 5wt line on it you'll feel it load a lot better. Same deal with Steffens. His 8' rods are rated 3/4, 4/5, 5/6, etc.. If you go with the higher weight line, you'll feel the rod load more. The trade-off is that the action slows a bit and your loops won't be quite as tight as with the lower wt. line choice. So, most rods can be made to load properly if you choose a heavy enough line. Following this reasoning, you want to find a rod that loads well with a 4wt line. Of the Steffens, the 8' 3/4wt would be the one. All three of the Steffens I mentioned are great rods, but if you value deeper loading with a 4wt line, the 3/4 is it. There are other rods with more moderate action that aren't too slow and floppy and are rated fairly accurately. The L. Kenney 7'9" 4wt is one. The Hardy 7'6" "The Test" is another. The new orange Scott F 7'2" 4wt. Early McFarland Spruce Creek 4wts. Good luck!


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Post 10 Nov 2020, 09:02 • #11 
Glass Fanatic
Joined: 03/16/08
Posts: 3540
Location: Upstate-NY
you didnt mention length, and that matters to the conversation.

long (8’ and greater)
Steffen 8’3/4, diamondglass 8’6”

mid (7’1”-7’9”)
Kenney 7’9”, McFarland (assorted lengths and series) Lamiglas 7’6”, Steffen 7’9” 3/4, T&T Heirloom 7’6”

Short (7’ and lesser)
Barclay (assorted lengths and series), Ijuin Yomogi


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Post 10 Nov 2020, 09:29 • #12 
New Member
Joined: 12/16/12
Posts: 17
Location: US-VA
Yes I didn’t mention length, good point.

Somewhere between 7-7.5 would be ideal for this one. I had thought about the Steffen 7’3” 3/4 but have no ability to cast it first.

This rod would be used primarily for A) mountain brookies such as in Shenandoah NP and B) smaller spring creeks like the narrower portions of the yellow breeches. I always have a 7.5 to 8 foot, 5 or 6 weight in the car as well, like my Batttenkill or SFG 5, so this will be a lighter, shorter option to replace my SFG 764, which I would sell. As a side note, I tried the 764 with a 5WF line last night and it made it feel much nicer to me...but I really want a true 4-weight.

I’ve been doing a lot of searching in follow-up to the responses here. The Lami honey is interesting - the blanks are only $150? Is there a list of builders anywhere?


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Post 10 Nov 2020, 11:19 • #13 
Glass Fanatic
Joined: 06/16/05
Posts: 2537
Location: Georgia
I have a Lami 7’6” wt. and it was what first came to mind when I read your post. FWIW, it only sees the biggest brookie water that I fish in GA or NC, but you certainly know your own waters. And my shorter 4 wts are only available used anyway.


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Post 10 Nov 2020, 11:51 • #14 
Glass Fanatic
Joined: 06/10/09
Posts: 1651
Location: US-OH
And BTW, even with a rod that is a "true" 4wt you won't feel the loading like a 5 or 6wt. Those lines are just heavier (duh) and you can feel their loading easier than with a lower weight rod.


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Post 10 Nov 2020, 11:56 • #15 
New Member
Joined: 12/16/12
Posts: 17
Location: US-VA
Tiptop,
That makes perfect sense. I'm just wondering which rods might get me closer than my SFG 4, for example, if possible.
Burns


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Post 10 Nov 2020, 12:44 • #16 
Glass Fanatic
Joined: 01/02/12
Posts: 1859
Location: Gig Harbor, WA
I would have a chat with Chris Barclay. His 7’2” 4wt Driftless Special seems to be on the mark for your needs. I have his 68 3wt and 8’2” 4/5 wt and they are both such great rods. I would think the Driftless Special would prove to fill the 4wt gap admirably.


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Post 10 Nov 2020, 13:00 • #17 
Glass Fanatic
Joined: 12/05/06
Posts: 2089
Location: US-PA
Burns:

IF you are not too far away, take a ride up to Edinburg to Harry Murray's. Harry is a Scott dealer and Scott fiberglass rods may please you. He is also an Orvis dealer so you MAY be able to do a side by side comparison between your SFG 674 and a Scott glass offering.

As a fan of Orvis bamboo rods and their "full flex" action, I would advise you to at least try something that is readily available to gain another reference point or two.

I'll also add that if you want a 4wt rod, you don't want to buy a rod that you have to use a 4.5 weight or 5 weight line on to get the feel you are after because SOMETIMES, even the heavier weight line doesn't do the trick.



Good luck!


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Post 10 Nov 2020, 13:01 • #18 
Administrator
Joined: 01/10/06
Posts: 7811
Location: Holly Springs, NC
If you are looking for a lighter, shorter option suitable for small water, maybe a 6'6"-7' three weight rod would be a bigger change. The jump from a 5 weight to a 4 weight isn't huge. A 3 weight would be a more significant difference. Save the Orvis SFG for times when you want to fish a 4 weight line at a longer distance.

There are quite a few rod builders participating in the forum. Many post photos in the Rod Photos section. Also, on the Fiberglass Manifesto there is a list of rod makers.


Tom


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Post 10 Nov 2020, 13:11 • #19 
Glass Fanatic
Joined: 06/10/09
Posts: 1651
Location: US-OH
burns - check you message inbox


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Post 11 Nov 2020, 00:54 • #20 
Guide
Joined: 12/14/11
Posts: 212
Location: Oregon
I'm with the 3wt suggestion


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Post 11 Nov 2020, 10:11 • #21 
Guide
Joined: 07/19/19
Posts: 176
The rod you have now, the SFG 4wt is a pretty smooth rod. probably the standout in their line. You may be splitting hairs here.
If you want something that casts with little line out, and is really smooth, then check out Chris Barclay's rods; as far as new goes. Being you're only one state away, see if you can arrange a test cast of his selection. I don't think you'll be disappointed. Can't guarantee it's something you're looking for, but at least you'll know. He's a super nice guy and I think it's fair to say an expert on designing rods.


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Post 11 Nov 2020, 13:02 • #22 
Glass Fanatic
Joined: 05/19/14
Posts: 3925
Location: USA - Illinois
:like

lone wolf has it absolutely zeroed in


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Post 17 Nov 2020, 18:23 • #23 
Guide
Joined: 07/14/20
Posts: 111
Fwiw, I have the Orvis SFG 764 and much prefer it with a 4.5 wt line to a 5wt line. I'm currently using SA Infinity Smooth wf4f and I think it's a really nice fit. I also find that in close the rod smooths out when I slow down my casting stroke. At that point I'm really just casting off the tip. A good casting drill is to see how slow you can go while still forming a usable loop. The Orvis is actually pretty nice doing the drill in close. Very smooth. But, I'm new to glass, so I don't have many points of comparison.


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Post 18 Nov 2020, 20:08 • #24 
Glass Fanatic
Joined: 02/12/16
Posts: 4094
Location: USA-CO
Yes, slow it down until you can feel it. My SFG 764 does just fine with a 406 DT4, though yes, it's also very happy with a 5 in close. Further to CarlZ's note above, a 4wt to consider is the McFarland Ameriglass Classic. I have the 794 and like it a lot. They're expensive, but they're from McFarland and therefore well-designed and made. Moreover, it's moderate as to action, neither floppy nor tippy. Anglers' Workshop sells the blanks: anglersworkshop.com


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