New 8wt

[troutbum54]

So the wife is letting me get a new rod for the trip and I’m thinking either the TFO mangrove or the TiCr X. Does anyone have any ideas on any other good choices in that price range?

[hankinsfly]

Mangrove and BVK both sweet rods. Be hard to find that much rod for the money from other brands.

[troutbum54]

I heard the TiCr X is basically a 8.5 wt and an absolute monster for throwing intermediate and sink tip lines with big flies which would come in handy for the summer striper (if they run) and it can bomb out bone fish flies easily with heavy winds like in Hawaii. The only problem is they’re discontinuing them so I’m iffy on that aspect but they should be able to to still replace stuff if it breaks

[troutbum54]

Also if you’re feeling frisky they have 9, 10, and 11 wt TiCr X’s for $179 on Sierra trading post

[hankinsfly]

You're the buyer. Good luck!

[frreed]

I have a TiCr (7 wt) that is my go to saltwater rod. It is a bit heavy, compared to some of the higher end rods, but it is a beast. That rod has withstood at least 10 years of kayak fishing and has never missed a beat. It will punch flies into the wind and, with the wind behind me, it has the speed and power to get close to the backing. I've got several TFO rods and have returned two under warranty (both were stupidity on my part). Replacement was immediate (I went to their offices) and they gave me a TFO cap and thanked me for my business.

If I were to replace the TICr, it would be with the Mangrove. It has more backbone that the BVK and suits the way I fish. I've cast a BVK and they are sweet, but have a reputation of being a bit fragile. They should be fine for guided Bonefish, but not for banging around a kayak.

[Deleted]

I was looking at an 8 wt Drifter from Moonshine Rods. Have y'all heard anything pro/con about them?

www.moonshinerods.com

[glitchmo]

I have the mangrove, I tried it side by side with the BVK and found the mangrove worked better with my cast. That plus the durability thing persuaded me. 

Echo is the other main "value" brand that has great reviews in general. Maybe check out their offerings? The ion XL is in the sub 200 price range.

[troutbum54]

I ended up getting the TiCr X 7wt since I already have an 8wt so I’m pretty excited to get it

[slim]

Were is the pics ?
And its needs a reel doesn't it ?
Or use your #8's reel ?

[troutbum54]

It’s still on the way but after trying my buddies 7wt TiCr I felt like it was the best choice! Also I planned on putting my 7-8wt Taylor reel on it and switching the line since it has a lot more forgiving action

[slim]

Try it with the #8 line .......
Or do you have an extra spool ?

[troutbum54]

I have an extra spool but I’ll compare how it feels with both weights and decide on which one is best!

[slim]

Do you typically fish with a large weight rod/reel ?

[troutbum54]

I usually do for bass and saltwater whenever I get a chance

[slim]

I like the heavy rods because I can fish further out.
And cut the wind better.
But can present small flies when necessary.

[troutbum54]

I just realized I haven’t posted back in this but I got the 7wt TiCr X in and paired it with a sage 8080 (it’s a huge arbor reel and looks funny on the rod) that balances that bad boy out and negates any of the heavy swing weight that’s there! I also paired it with a 7wt intermediate which it throws really well but you have to bump up to an 8wt line for the bonefish tapers to throw well.