Comparison: Granger W&M 8642 - Phillipson 8 1/2' HDH

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ozarkwater
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Comparison: Granger W&M 8642 - Phillipson 8 1/2' HDH

#1

Post by ozarkwater »

Am sure many have had to own these rods. I have spent fun hours researching these rods from many aspects. However, the only brand I have owned in this configuration is the Phillipson. Loved that rod. Just had only one tip and wanted a backup tip. On the hunt now.

Thoughts and perspectives though on...Granger, Wright & McGill 8642 rods compared to the Phillipson 8 1/2' HDH rod. My assumption...is that they are very similar. Assumptions being what they are worth.

Thank you in advance.

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archer829
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Re: Comparison: Granger W&M 8642 - Phillipson 8 1/2' HDH

#2

Post by archer829 »

Both are great rods and very similar to each other. I currently own 4 different W&M Granger 8642's and 2 different 8.5' Phillipsons, and I feel they are so alike, that there might be as much difference between 2 individual 8642's as there is between the Granger and Phillipson.

But if I had to choose only one, I'd choose an 8642 because I prefer the Granger reel seat, the build quality seems to me to be slightly better, and there are more of them, so it would be easier to find one in good shape.

DPM182
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Re: Comparison: Granger W&M 8642 - Phillipson 8 1/2' HDH

#3

Post by DPM182 »

Do you consider these all 5 weights, the phillipson and grangers in this length? What is your favorite fly line when stringing up these rods? dpm

ozarkwater
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Re: Comparison: Granger W&M 8642 - Phillipson 8 1/2' HDH

#4

Post by ozarkwater »

Glad I posted this! Thank you. Another awesome aspect of this forum.

ozarkwater
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Re: Comparison: Granger W&M 8642 - Phillipson 8 1/2' HDH

#5

Post by ozarkwater »

What about grip preference?

Phillipson and Powell and Yerxa I am used to. My former T&T and Orvis, many years back before they were stolen...had a more cigar or reversed western grip style. Found I liked Phillipson and Powell grips much, much better.

Again, thank you.

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archer829
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Re: Comparison: Granger W&M 8642 - Phillipson 8 1/2' HDH

#6

Post by archer829 »

DPM182 wrote:
01/13/22 00:40
Do you consider these all 5 weights, the phillipson and grangers in this length? What is your favorite fly line when stringing up these rods? dpm
Some of the WM 8642's seem best with DT5 and some with WF6. Either works for all the 8642's, actually...just depends on the casting style you use. It also depends on the individual rod and also the specific conditions...ie calm vs. windy, lake vs. closer quarters, etc.

I prefer a WF6 for the 8.5' Phillipsons.

All of my lines for bamboo rods are 406 fly lines.
Last edited by archer829 on 01/13/22 09:20, edited 1 time in total.

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archer829
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Re: Comparison: Granger W&M 8642 - Phillipson 8 1/2' HDH

#7

Post by archer829 »

ozarkwater wrote:
01/13/22 08:24
What about grip preference?

Phillipson and Powell and Yerxa I am used to. My former T&T and Orvis, many years back before they were stolen...had a more cigar or reversed western grip style. Found I liked Phillipson and Powell grips much, much better.

Again, thank you.
One of my Phillipsons has the elliptical handle and one has the standard full wells handle.

All of my WM Grangers have half wells handles, although there is a bit of variability between the individual rods as far as the the diameter of the cork is concerned.

I really like the Phillipson full wells handle. WM Granger half wells is a close second. And the Phillipson elliptical is third. I think handle style preference varies a lot between different people, though, so take my ranking with a grain of salt.

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teter
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Re: Comparison: Granger W&M 8642 - Phillipson 8 1/2' HDH

#8

Post by teter »

I'm a great fan of both Granger and Phillipson rods in the 8 1/2--foot length and own more than a few of each. Archer829 is right about the range of lines that will work on these rods and the similarity of actions. The ferrules are interchangeable between these two designs, and depending on the fly, the wind, and casting style, either will fish nicely with DT5 to WF6 or even 7 lines.
archer829 wrote:
01/13/22 09:07
DPM182 wrote:
01/13/22 00:40
Do you consider these all 5 weights, the phillipson and grangers in this length? What is your favorite fly line when stringing up these rods? dpm
Some of the WM 8642's seem best with DT5 and some with WF6. Either works for all the 8642's, actually...just depends on the casting style you use. It also depends on the individual rod and also the specific conditions...ie calm vs. windy, lake vs. closer quarters, etc.

I prefer a WF6 for the 8.5' Phillipsons.

All of my lines for bamboo rods are 406 fly lines.

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