Who is your favorite underrated CLASSIC rod maker?

[NewUtahCaneAngler]

I am basing this purely upon looks and finish as I need to reset two ferrules before casting or fishing, but the late Ron Bennett, although considered an amateur, made at least one fine rod!





Cheers,
Joe

[DireWolf53]

I'll submit Jim Becker of Pawlet Vermont. He worked in the Orvis rod shop (for~15 years) before going out on his own in 1998. He makes beautifully
understated rods that fish as well as they cast. The actions are typically crisp, smooth and progressive. But don't take my word, Carmine Lisella thinks highly of Jim's design sense and craftsmanship.

[Capt. Frank]

Wes Jordan's contributions to rod building are rarely mentioned.

[Hellmtflies]

I have two that come to mind. Jon Parker & Larry Donahe. Sadly Jon no longer is making rods. Larry is still working on a part time basis.

[Cork & Cane]

These Michigan makers rarely see much ink........ They are deserving attention.

Mark Fitch...... No longer making rods. 500+ to his exacting credit. PHY, Dickerson, FET, Payne.
Mark McKillop..... Payne, Dickerson, PHY.
Duane McKenzie....PHY, Dickerson, Heddon.

And of course Ron Barch for his rods, knowledge, accomplishments and contributions to the rod making community.

[BigDog57]

Bill Phillipson, who's rods always seem to be overshadowed by Granger's even though he designed some of Granger's tapers and then perfected them with his own rod company.

AMEN!!
He not only designed some of Granger's best tapers, he ran the Granger shop for the time period when most of what we think of as Granger rods were built.
His 8 1/2 foot 5 weight (not the Dry Fly Special) is just a superb casting AND fishing taper.

[DireWolf53]

I have two that come to mind. Jon Parker & Larry Donahe. Sadly Jon no longer is making rods. Larry is still working on a part time basis.

I concur with your opinion of Jon Parker.I'm not sure It's fair to call him underrated but his name doesn't come up that often. When I was first sticking my toes intot he world of bamboo I recall reading where Joe Garman (whose standing in this community I did not yet know of) said something to the effect that Jon made as good a rod as anyone around. That and a personal recommendation from a friend led me to order a rod (8' 3/2 5wt) from Jon.
I now realize it was one of the last rods he made before moving back to NYS. Regardless of that, it is just a wonderful rod both delicate and powerful and pretty to look at.

[creakycane]

I have two that come to mind. Jon Parker & Larry Donahe. Sadly Jon no longer is making rods. Larry is still working on a part time basis.

I concur with your opinion of Jon Parker.I'm not sure It's fair to call him underrated but his name doesn't come up that often. When I was first sticking my toes intot he world of bamboo I recall reading where Joe Garman (whose standing in this community I did not yet know of) said something to the effect that Jon made as good a rod as anyone around. That and a personal recommendation from a friend led me to order a rod (8' 3/2 5wt) from Jon.
I now realize it was one of the last rods he made before moving back to NYS. Regardless of that, it is just a wonderful rod both delicate and powerful and pretty to look at.

Jon was pretty talked-up when he appeared at shows NY area, pre WY. I am a big fan; I fished the twin of the one for sale by Selb yesterday ( Sequential S/N’s), and those 795s can do most anything troutwise one can imagine. He is also a heck of a nice guy, went out of his way to send me a book/catalogs relevant to one of his rods I own.

[CTSparky]

Another vote for Dennis Menscer

[GerardH]

PJ Julius. This gentleman was a student of Paul H. Young tapers and everyone I've spoken to that knew of him spoke very highly of his rods...you can include me in that company since he built me his last two rods. This thread from several years ago summed it up:

viewtopic.php?f=65&t=64487

[PYochim]

Are these guys really underrated or do they just maintain a low profile?

[Brooks]

Are these guys really underrated or do they just maintain a low profile?

That’s a very valid question. There seems to be a surprising (to me) number of great makers that are low key in regards to marketing and lore, that are booked out for two to three years in orders. They are not actively promoting, just head down to the bench, making.
But I guess that’s what this thread is investigating....

[Flyman615]

Actually and FWIW, I started this thread to determine thoughts on underrated CLASSIC rod makers of the so-called "Golden Age" of bamboo rod building (c.1920s-1960s).

Since then, however, it has morphed into primarily such thoughts on contemporary or recent makers.
That's fine, but my original question still stands.

Scott

[Brooks]

Thanks for explaining. So, the Golden Age is 20’s to 60’s

What do we call the 60’s (Baby Boomers) to current era (millennials).
“The Boo-lenials “ ?

[cwfly]

I believe he has not yet been mentioned.

George Varney

prntscr

[Hellmtflies]

Here's a classic. Al Talbot.

[Tommasini]

Tim Abbott, the most innovative Rod Maker in America. An unbelievably talented craftsman!

[billems]

Mark Ruhe, who was on the scene for a short period, made nice rods, particularly the 71/2 ft Premiere, which was a 4/5 weight. It was a very special taper.

[bassman]

Since this thread is back there are two builders whose rods seldom hit the used market but are beautiful work. I have to mention Alan Kube for classic rod designs. Quality, finish and performance not matched by lesser builders.

Also a personal favorite Jeff Hatton though his rods arguably are not classic but rather avant garde in leaving the "classic" school of thinking. His rods do inspire many discussions of classic versus modern thinking on cane creations.

[rsagebrush]

Waltton Powell, his rods are great fishing sticks but not beauty queens.