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4 weight blanks
Post 08 Oct 2022, 12:16 • #1 
New Member
Joined: 11/02/20
Posts: 10
I’m looking to build a 4 weight spring creek/smaller nymph/ dry fly rod. I recently built a Blue Halo 8’/6 weight rod which I find perfect for my casting style: it’s smooth, accurate, progressive in action, handles fish well, and priced right. I’m now looking at the Blue Halo 7.5’ 4weight. Has anyone fished this rod? Does Blue Halo maintain its action/taper profile throughout their lineup?…
All feedback appreciated. Thanks
Mel


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Re: 4 weight blanks
Post 08 Oct 2022, 16:42 • #2 
Guide
Joined: 07/22/20
Posts: 175
Location: Ancient City, Florida
Can’t speak to the Blue Halo, but I really enjoy the NFC Iconoglass 4wt.


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Re: 4 weight blanks
Post 09 Oct 2022, 06:18 • #3 
Guide
Joined: 06/15/20
Posts: 260
Location: Toledo, Ohio, USA.
Haven't fished blue halo, but for your description and a little more money, you can do better than the 7'3" 3/4 Steffens or 7'9" 4wt McFarland.


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Re: 4 weight blanks
Post 09 Oct 2022, 06:58 • #4 
Glass Fanatic
Joined: 07/05/10
Posts: 5229
Location: Mid Hudson Valley of New York
Steffen 7'9" is a great 4wt.


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Re: 4 weight blanks
Post 09 Oct 2022, 07:23 • #5 
Master Guide
Joined: 07/26/21
Posts: 383
Location: North West Georgia
I also like my NFC Iconoglass 4wt. I think it would be well suited for what you want. While I havent ever cast the 4 wt Steffens or McFarlands,those blanks carry an excellent reputation around here.


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Re: 4 weight blanks
Post 09 Oct 2022, 10:12 • #6 
Guide
Joined: 08/11/20
Posts: 229
Location: Ontario, Canada
The Steffen tapers are magnificent. Either the 8’ 3/4 glass or the 8’ 4wt graphite would suit your needs. I believe Shane Gray has both in stock, give him a shout. I asked about a 7’9” rod but he’s not making them anymore.


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Re: 4 weight blanks
Post 09 Oct 2022, 21:52 • #7 
Glass Fanatic
Joined: 07/05/10
Posts: 5229
Location: Mid Hudson Valley of New York
Steffen 7'9" 3/4 wt blank is no longer in production? It is my favorite Steffen.


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Re: 4 weight blanks
Post 10 Oct 2022, 10:35 • #8 
Master Guide
Joined: 11/11/13
Posts: 774
Location: US-CA
Hello, Blue Halo rods in 6 wt. and under are moderate actions. The 7”6” 4 is a moderate action leaning to the slow side. So if you like the 6 wt. you probably like the 4 wt.


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Re: 4 weight blanks
Post 10 Oct 2022, 12:53 • #9 
Glass Fanatic
Joined: 11/30/10
Posts: 1847
Location: Michigan
Yes check out the Steffen blanks. Really hard to beat the 3/4wts in glass or the 804 in the graphite. As far as the 7'9" taper, we can still make them upon request. Shane


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Re: 4 weight blanks
Post 10 Oct 2022, 21:27 • #10 
Guide
Joined: 06/08/18
Posts: 293
Location: Boston , MA
Go with a Steffen , or talk to Dusty on a ********* …. Just sayin….


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Re: 4 weight blanks
Post 11 Oct 2022, 14:46 • #11 
New Member
Joined: 11/02/20
Posts: 10
Thanks for all the input…
Dusty who?
Mel


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Re: 4 weight blanks
Post 11 Oct 2022, 22:59 • #12 
Master Guide
Joined: 11/11/13
Posts: 774
Location: US-CA
Dusty Smith from ********* rods


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Re: 4 weight blanks
Post 11 Oct 2022, 23:53 • #13 
Glass Fanatic
Joined: 06/16/05
Posts: 2537
Location: Georgia
Not sure why the name Livings ton (the town in Montana - and a rod company) shows up as asterisks here, but if you do a web search for L********* Rod Company, I think you’ll find it.


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Re: 4 weight blanks
Post 12 Oct 2022, 00:00 • #14 
Glass Fanatic
Joined: 09/18/09
Posts: 5561
Location: Relocated to the Drought Stricken West.
If you can get a McFarland spruce creek blank, they are marvelous. I personally like the GTX a bit more, but it's a faster glass blank.

I have cast a few Blue Halo blanks but can't tell you how they change over their line weights. My guess is it has more to do with rod length than line weight.


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Re: 4 weight blanks
Post 22 Oct 2022, 12:46 • #15 
Master Guide
Joined: 03/20/07
Posts: 849
Location: US-TX
I purchased a Steffen 7’6” 3/4 wt from a forum member a number of years ago that is hands-down my favorite 4wt and it really shines with a DT4.

I’ve never handled an 8’ 3/4, but IIRC, the consensus in the past (and from talking with Mark Steffen on the phone several years ago) is that he didn’t see much difference on the water between a 7’6” 3/4 and an 8ft 3/4, aside from personal preference.

I’ve handled and even built other 4wts since then and this one is still my favorite ever.

My 2 cents for someone looking for a 4wt would be to track down a Stefffen 3/4 rod or blank in your preferred length. You won’t regret it.

Also, since it’s relevant to this discussion, Dusty at Livingst0n Rod Co rolled a 7’9” 4/5wt blank for me which I built-out during COVID.
I was planning on using it as a 5wt, but I like it better as a 4wt. A respectable runner-up to the Steffen 3/4.

In my experience, the Steffens generally shine with the higher of the two listed line weights and the Livingst0ns in the lower of the two listed line weights.

Comparing side-by-side, I would describe the Steffen as having “a little more zip” at the end of the forward stroke compared to the LRC.

* Your casting style and preferences may vary.


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Re: 4 weight blanks
Post 23 Oct 2022, 11:37 • #16 
Guide
Joined: 12/28/19
Posts: 129
FWIW, I like my Blue Halo 7'6" 4 wt better than my Steffen for the money.


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