retiredfisher1 wrote:
Here we go again with this mindset that because of the rod's provenance, it must be unworthy of the price and our consideration. We even leap to the conclusion that a rod in this price point must have "high quality components and better than average cork" then dismiss it because we have no idea what it really has. Apart from personal preference as to handle configuration, I can see the functionality of a 6pc 4wt rod for backpacking as I do quite a bit myself. From all the comments in this forum, no one has yet used the finished product nor are we truly informed as to the actual cost. Yet the absence of such information doesn't seem to deter the naysayers. I find this kind of absolutism difficult to understand. I have rods made by Kab, James Green, Lamiglass, Winston, Scott and yes, China! They all meet my need and serve their function.
I agree with Christian we need to know more about this product before any informed judgement can be made.
True, it is speculation until all the facts are known. But this I know. I paid xyz amount of dollars from a modern rod maker/designer/builder (Steffens) that I and others really enjoy; I think it is fair to say a modern benchmark has been established. Based on known facts, I can certainly compare other rods against that benchmark. If it is speculated that a new rod coming out into the market will be $100 more than a benchmark then I could reasonably guess/hope that there is something to justify the extra cost. Now the tricky part is that something. For me, it is the performance or taper. For others, it could be the brand or the bling. I like Steffen rods because the bling factor is notably absent so you are simply left with taper or performance and that makes a good control or reference rod for price and performance, imho.
Given the lack of specific rod/blank origins and action of the Leland rod, the auxiliary features like ferrule plugs, grip and pack rod pieces do not warrant the extra $100 speculated asking price compared to my reference rod, for me.