As I mentioned in the "Who else fly fishes for panfish?" thread, I am looking to buy a 9' 5wt fly rod as there is too drastic a difference between my fast action 9' 8wt with WWF line and 7'6" slow action 3wt with double taper line. BTW, I will be replacing that line with a WFF line. I may eventually opt for a 10' 3wt. Have to see how things go.
If I decide to go the cheapest way...with a kit, I have 2 options I am currently looking at. The TFO NXT Black Label that fr8dog suggested and the Orvis Encounter. Haven't looked at others yet as I just started researching, but these 2 look like quality kits for the money from what I've read on them.
If I buy separate pieces, I am currently looking at the TFO Lefy Kreh Professional Series II, Moonshine 'The Drifter' and the Echo Carbon XL as my top choices. If the price hadn't gone up from $198 to $229, I would include the Orvis Clearwater as well. However, I don't want to spend over $200 on just the rod. I would add the Aetos, but am not looking for another Fast action rod. That is also why I'm not including the Redington VICE. Prefer a Medium or Medium Fast action at this time.
I really like the looks of The Drifter, but the other 2 (Carbon XL and Left Kreh) also get great reviews in this price range. It has been impossible for me to find articles comparing any of these rods.
So I am hoping some of you guys and gals can help me out with what your experiences have been with any of the above rods. And wouldn't it be great if you had experience with at least 2 of them!
It is kind of aggravating that TFO doesn't include a rod tube...only a rod sock.