1streamcaster wrote:
Powerflex vs. Fulllflex -- is the Powerflex a stronger rod than the Fullflex?
No. The differences are more cosmetic. If you have a Powerflex 8' rod marked for a GBF(8) line and a Fullflex 8' for a GBF(8), they are probably built on the same blank. The Fullflex was given a walnut insert Orvis reelseat rather than a Phillipson solid aluminum seat. The Fullflex was probably silk wrapped instead of nylon and may have an additional guide. The Fullflex rod blank was likely straighter and had less of a spine than the Powerflex. But the basic rod action is the same. The nickel silver ferrules are the same.
As far as what the internet says about rod ratings - pay it no mind. The line rating marked on every fly rod is simply the opinion of the person that marked it. There are written standards for fly line weights (although those standards are only followed by a few companies anymore). There is a written standard for the dimensions of a fly reel foot. There is no standardized test to determine a rod's line rating. The rating marked on the side is probably a good guess, but please take it as a starting point, not gospel.
Try a couple of fly lines on your new rod and see what you like best. I suggest trying a DT7 and a WF8, if you have them. Try lighter and heavier lines (a friend with too many fly lines is an genuine asset). Find line(s) that fit you and your style of casting a fly rod. Every now and then, try a range of lines again. Don't be surprised if your opinion changes as you get used to a rod. In some situations you might go up a line weight, or down a line weight. For instance, if you want a slower action with hair bugs, use a heavier line. A good glass rod will handle the variances.
Tom
For information on the various Phillipson rod models, see
the Phillipson catalog thread. For information on the various Orvis glass rod models, see
the Orvis Wiki page.