Those are nice rods. I parted with mine. It is a better all around rod than my FF84, but the 2 digit is just more fun for me. That and I have too many nice modern rods that got more stream time. I'm sure you will love it.

I received my rod today and I am quite happy with the condition. With the exception of a minute scuff on the rubber and an even smaller mark on the rod near the stripper, the rod is as near flawless as when it came off the production line. I believe this rod may have been displayed on a standing rack but never actually fished. Maybe lawn cast a time or two.
But the cork reel seat does not have the slightest compression mark. And the ferrule was never waxed.

I am most impressed with the lightness and delicately of the rod.
Especially compared to my early 8.5’ 6wts that the old timers affectionately call my “war clubs.”

I am really excited to test cast this one but unfortunately will not be able to for at least a week.

Despite the snow and freezing rain that doesn’t bother me, I had a minor surgical procedure today and the nurse specifically told me not to do anything that resembles exertion or could possibly raise my blood pressure until the sutures come out next week.

She included snow-blowing, shoveling and fly fishing in her exclusions.
That will teach to to wear a hat with a fly logo to the doctor next time. Dead giveaway. Lol.

There were several snipers. I was one of them and I was too cheap. I have one of these and that one was in better condition. Congrats on that rod, the ff855 is the best of the Fenwicks.

Today was one of those strange fishing days. Beautiful weather, fish were cruising. Chasing everything but not taking. Might have been due to the large amount of rain we had last week. Ponds and rivers are at high water marks.
But I came equipped with 5 rods including my recently acquired FF855. And spent a good 10 hours on the pond. I had it set up with a SA DT 5 wt floating line. 9’ 4x leader. I cast unweighted Woolly buggers, assorted dry flies, emergers , and a tandem zebra midge rig. It handled all easily.
But one of the lessons I learned today when switching between various rods with over 50 years of manufacturing dates is that timing is crucial. I noticed after casting the fiberglass rod and switching to graphite my casting was so much more accurate. Not because the graphite was better, but because the fiberglass required precise attention to both timing and rhythm and that carried over. Every time you slip a little line out, you need to adjust the speed and power. You can’t compensate like you can with graphite and force the cast. Either it is flawless or it collapses in an ugly heap. But when switching back from the graphite to fiberglass, I once again had to pay attention carefully to what I was doing.
This I believe is the real beauty and benefit of fishing with fiberglass. It requires real presence of mind while simultaneously developing muscle memory and situation awareness that makes you a better fly fisherman. You quickly are taught that not paying attention can’t be compensated by slapping you fly line forward like you can do with a graphite rod.
Plus is it done at an amazing energy saving and almost mesmerizing slow pace that occasionally explodes into some of the most aggressive takes that just dumps adrenaline into your system.
But I can’t honestly say that this is the best Fenwick fiberglass taper ever made. That would be like saying my Craftsman 1/2” socket is better than a 3/8” one. Every tool has a function and purpose. And most work best when used as intended. But if this was designed as a dry fly presentation rod, then I would agree that it is performs extremely well in that capacity. And also good at other tasks.
But this not not an FF806. Much softer and slower. Overpower it a little and it sends shock waves down the line that do not resemble dry fly presentation in any manner.
I do not claim to be a great caster. Probably novice to intermediate. But this rod easily delivers 50-60 feet in a straight line without effort using controlled single and double hauling. No ripping to your ankles required. Probably not ideal in windy conditions but I did not test with an intermediate line.
My 6wt Fenwick Streamer handled the afternoon gusts flawlessly with a Cortland WF Camo. But that is a different story.