Lugan,
I'll jump in here only because as I was fishing my 7'2" 3 wt. last week (the only rod of Chris' that I have), I was thinking of comparisons. I notice similarities with a Scott F2 653 and a Fenwick FF79, two favorite dry fly rods. I hesitate to talk about tapers, but those rods seem to me to have a transitional zone somewhere around mid-blank to upper third (quarter?) that I'm able to engage fairly easily to put a finishing "flick" in the cast to lay the leader and last bit of line out with controlled slack; i.e., the aerial mend that lays the terminal end down on the line (make that slack line) that I want and keeps me ahead of the drag. Also helps when putting a (fairly light) nymph dropper on and giving a tuck cast effect to drop it straight below the dry, although that use has mostly been with the FF79. Whatever I'm experiencing could just be tied to my natural timing and fairly wristy style (I fish small streams a lot). Although the "zone" (if that's what it is) seems easy to find, it's also subtle enough to blow right by without any notice if I'm casting for distance, and the tip is certainly castable all by itself in close. I'd say the characteristic I'm describing is at "normal" fishing (not casting) distance for the rods, say 12 or 15 ft. from hand on the shorter ones to 35-40' on the FF79, and again, I need to put that flick/mend in there, but it's easy to dial in. And now that I think of it, I've noticed similar action on the older 8'6" Diamondglass 4 wt. (although less pronounced), the Steffen 8' 3/4 (mine is 5 piece) and maybe a vintage Scott yellow blank 8' 5 wt. that Mike McFarland ferruled and another member here finished out (newer rod to me).

As to fast/slow, I'd say faster than average for glass, but by no means anything I want to label "fast," although certainly faster than my Lami 7' 3wt. or 7'6" 4 wt. I hesitate to put any such label on any glass rod; I feel my general lack of experience and knowledge when it comes to tapers.

FWIW, I'd say that my casting skills are average for a guy who's been enjoying fly fishing as much as possible (usually too little) for 25 years. Hope that helps.

Cameron,

I think your Demo rod program is a very unique and extremely thankful idea.
I hope there will be an European version soon.

Good to hear, Arthur! I'm waiting for a 5wt from Chris, and I have a feeling my expectations will come true.

Can't imagine you not loving it, Joe. It's a sweetheart of a rod

This describes me quite well, however I still manage to get it done. I'm pleased with the Chris's 3wt for casting as well as with the feedback felt with a fish on the far end. Your mileage may vary, but I doubt anyone could find good reason to be disappointed in it (the 3wt that is, haven't gotten my hands on the others yet).

I fished mine with a Rio Windcutter 5 weight. The combination worked well for me. The rod is a delight to fish.

I spent a good 30 minutes doing my version of Yellowstone Analysis of five weight glass. Seriously I had the pleasure of receiving a 7'10" 5 wght from Chris and the purchase , arrival data, package quality were just preliminaries to an awesome rod. If I chosed one word to described the tubes , sock and built. it would be Clean. Chris's build is in my opinion somewhat similar to a Kenney . That is a style unique to the individual. My other custom glass rods are Leiderman and Mcfarland builds and both have an evolution of style. This adds to a fantastic quality in what one chooses to purchase .

So lawn casting the most over used analysis in fly fishing. Let me just say different reels, brands. of lines , and even different weights this rod is so easy to feel good with it.. I will not attempt to compare it to others my " collection " as totally unnecessary and does it really matter? Chris builds a great rod, flat out easy to do business with and I am happy to have ownership.

I fished my Barclay 5wt this past weekend on the local AR tailwater river and it works well with the RIO Gold WF5. I have found that the RIO Gold line is a great match for all of the CBarclay series rods.

I've fished my Barclay #3 twice now and have to say it's my favorite #3 of all time....smooth doesn't even begin to describe it...and it rollcasts better than any rod I've ever owned....I also have an F2 653 which is extremely similar to the Barclay...it's a tad quicker, being 8" shorter...but I'd have to say in general the two rods are alike...the Scott a step quicker and the Barclay a step smoother....if you could only afford one you'd be pleased with either, but if I had to pick only one it would be the Barclay as the length is a bit more versatile.

Yes it did....... and WOW it is great!

I got to cast the 3wt. Barkley and it is nice but can't see any connection with the 653 F2,the rod that was close to the 653 that I cast was a Chris Barkley 4pc. Green rod that Rich ended up buying.When fishing both rods I found the F2 to be slightly better in close.

Chris great music reminds me when I hung out in Soulard........thanks aurelio