I did not buy one of the "reference" series rods but last month from their website bought a closeout Epic 476-4 "standard" for $351US including shipping. The rod was only offered in green, no frills, but built on the same blank as the studio and reference rods. I am assuming the reference series replaced the standard series, I wasn't really looking for a rod but having three other Epics that I really like, I could not pass up the rod at that price. I also have a 476-3 built by Fred Paddock. I have fished the "standard" and to me they are the same rod. I think all the "standard" series are gone, there were only five available when I bought mine. The reference rods look like a good deal.
|