Orvis Penn’s Creek action/value/evaluation
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Orvis Penn’s Creek action/value/evaluation
#1Hi All,
Re: Orvis Penn's Creek. 7', 2/2, 3 3/8oz. 4 wt. from late 90’s era in very good condition
I would greatly appreciate your thoughts/impressions/feelings on the above rod including would it be a good entry level bamboo rod—if not I would greatly appreciate your recommendations.
My current favorite is an early 2000’s Orvis 711 graphite with Cortland 444 DT4F line. Also, I enjoy an Orvis Tippet 7.5’ 3wt and
6.5’ 2wt. I do not like fast rods…with that said I have never fished what I would consider a slow rod but don’t think they would be my cup of tea.
Regarding the Penn’s Creek I have concerns about resale value/desirability if I don’t like it.
Thank you to all of those willing to share their insight with me..
Kind Regards,
PAGH
Re: Orvis Penn's Creek. 7', 2/2, 3 3/8oz. 4 wt. from late 90’s era in very good condition
I would greatly appreciate your thoughts/impressions/feelings on the above rod including would it be a good entry level bamboo rod—if not I would greatly appreciate your recommendations.
My current favorite is an early 2000’s Orvis 711 graphite with Cortland 444 DT4F line. Also, I enjoy an Orvis Tippet 7.5’ 3wt and
6.5’ 2wt. I do not like fast rods…with that said I have never fished what I would consider a slow rod but don’t think they would be my cup of tea.
Regarding the Penn’s Creek I have concerns about resale value/desirability if I don’t like it.
Thank you to all of those willing to share their insight with me..
Kind Regards,
PAGH
Orvis Penn’s Creek action/value/evaluation
#2One of the modern (later than 2000 if I’m correct) made bamboo rods. Mostly considered not as collectible as the pre 1980’s rods. These are also a bit heavier (due to used hardware) than the earlier rods.
Although sold for $2500+ by Orvis, due to not being considered collectible resale value doesn’t hold well. Probably around $600-700. Maybe even less if it’s one one tipper.
Although sold for $2500+ by Orvis, due to not being considered collectible resale value doesn’t hold well. Probably around $600-700. Maybe even less if it’s one one tipper.
Re: Orvis Penn’s Creek action/value/evaluation
#3ibookje,
Thank you very much. I’m just going to pass and look for an older Orvis 4wt or lighter 5wt.
Kind Regards,
PAGH
Thank you very much. I’m just going to pass and look for an older Orvis 4wt or lighter 5wt.
Kind Regards,
PAGH
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Re: Orvis Penn’s Creek action/value/evaluation
#4Jay, I’ve never seen a Penn’s Creek sell at $600-700 ( though it certainly doesn’t mean it hasn’t happened ). They’re $3000 new and Carmine, who tends to have very reasonable prices on average, has his currently listed at $1350 and Marc and Jonas at Spinoza quickly sold the Adirondack which is essentially the same rod in 7 1/2 feet 5 wt for about $1600 a month or two ago.
I do agree with you that this still represents a significant depreciation from new, but that applies to a Winston or T and T as well, with new retail prices at $3000 - $4000 plus.
I believe with their swelled butt that the action might be a bit more tip oriented than some of the previous generations of rods, but have never seen or cast one. Quite handsome rods though.
I do agree with you that this still represents a significant depreciation from new, but that applies to a Winston or T and T as well, with new retail prices at $3000 - $4000 plus.
I believe with their swelled butt that the action might be a bit more tip oriented than some of the previous generations of rods, but have never seen or cast one. Quite handsome rods though.
Re: Orvis Penn’s Creek action/value/evaluation
#5I have to agree about $600-700 being too low. If I saw one that looked nice for $1K or less I'd almost certainly grab it knowing I could flip it for more if I wasn't thrilled with how it feels. The problem is if you want an Orvis bamboo 4wt that's older, it's going to be a Seven Four, and those are highly sought after now. The only true 5wt that comes to mind is the 7'6" Far & Fine and those are similarly sought after.
Once you start talking about roughly $1,500 you can get a custom rod from a number of guys who do really nice work. You can get them to build you something that would fit what you're looking for, which sounds like maybe a touch on the fast side for bamboo.
Once you start talking about roughly $1,500 you can get a custom rod from a number of guys who do really nice work. You can get them to build you something that would fit what you're looking for, which sounds like maybe a touch on the fast side for bamboo.
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Re: Orvis Penn’s Creek action/value/evaluation
#6The 7 1/2' 2-piece Midge was sold as a 5wt, but most would likely use a 4wt on it.
I agree with Adrien: they are nice looking rods.
Cheers,
Joe
Re: Orvis Penn’s Creek action/value/evaluation
#7Good catch....I totally forgot about the Midge and I even own one!NewUtahCaneAngler wrote: ↑04/28/22 11:57The 7 1/2' 2-piece Midge was sold as a 5wt, but most would likely use a 4wt on it.
I agree with Adrien: they are nice looking rods.
Cheers,
Joe
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Re: Orvis Penn’s Creek action/value/evaluation
#8Unlike most rod companies , Orvis marked their rods for weight forward lines (i.e., the Orvis Midge was marked for a WF5). I fish mine with a either DT4 or a WF5.
Re: Orvis Penn’s Creek action/value/evaluation
#9The Flea is a 4 as well and a damn good one at that.
Re: Orvis Penn’s Creek action/value/evaluation
#10Joe,
How would you compare The Midge to the grapite 711?
Thank you to all who offered input.
PAGH
How would you compare The Midge to the grapite 711?
Thank you to all who offered input.
PAGH
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Re: Orvis Penn’s Creek action/value/evaluation
#11I don't have the graphite 711 and have not yet fished the midge, so can't really be of any use in comparing them
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Re: Orvis Penn’s Creek action/value/evaluation
#13Pagh, even among vintage cane rods the midge is considered a slow model. It would not be an ideal choice perhaps for a first serious foray into bamboo. Though if you ever have a chance to cast one I would still recommend it as it may possibly suit you.
The 7 foot 3 3/8 model, though rated for a 6, often will handle a 4 very nicely and with a bit of authority. The one I had was a wonderful 4 wt and I regret selling it somewhat. I just didn’t find a 7 footer practical for much of the fishing I do. I would also recommend casting this model if you see one available, as it’s likely going to be best suited to a 5 or a 4 wt line. They can be found in the $600 - $750 range as two tippers and quite a lot less as a Madison grade one tipper.
The 7 foot 3 3/8 model, though rated for a 6, often will handle a 4 very nicely and with a bit of authority. The one I had was a wonderful 4 wt and I regret selling it somewhat. I just didn’t find a 7 footer practical for much of the fishing I do. I would also recommend casting this model if you see one available, as it’s likely going to be best suited to a 5 or a 4 wt line. They can be found in the $600 - $750 range as two tippers and quite a lot less as a Madison grade one tipper.
Re: Orvis Penn’s Creek action/value/evaluation
#14Adrien,
Thank you kindly for taking the time to share your insight and experience.
PAGH
Thank you kindly for taking the time to share your insight and experience.
PAGH
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Re: Orvis Penn’s Creek action/value/evaluation
#15I got a Midge in a swap in1968, as I recall.headwaters wrote: ↑04/28/22 19:49Unlike most rod companies , Orvis marked their rods for weight forward lines (i.e., the Orvis Midge was marked for a WF5). I fish mine with a either DT4 or a WF5.
It was marked for DT4. No reference to a WF5.
I have seen Midges for sale, stating one weight or the other. Bob Selb has had two 4 wt rods recently, and there is 5 wt listed on eBay, so I was curious about any difference.
I later swapped it for Leonard Duracane.
Re: Orvis Penn’s Creek action/value/evaluation
#16Yo PAG - my first cane was/is a Flea, 6'6" 4 wt though it's almost a 3wt. I've had the 7'11" for decades and enjoy its similar full flex and easy going character. Last year my Valley Forge TU had the Midge/Nymph come up and I nabbed it from the raffle winner, who preferred the lighter, faster current generation graphites. I had long chased after the original Orvis Nymph, which is a full 8 feet and 4wt, but it always felt soupy even compared to my old Leonard 40L and a Wagner 8'3wt, both of which are willows in most people's hands. The Nymph is 7'9" and may be a (8') Nymph tip on top of the Midge butt, and frankly, I prefer the action of the Frankenstein vs. the original.
The recent series of Orvii cane I think took a lesson from the success of the 7'6" 5wt Far'nFine and all are speedier and more of the current dry fly actions.
The recent series of Orvii cane I think took a lesson from the success of the 7'6" 5wt Far'nFine and all are speedier and more of the current dry fly actions.
Re: Orvis Penn’s Creek action/value/evaluation
#17PAGH,
I just bought single tip version as my first. It’s a quicker rod than I was expecting, but it’s also the first bamboo rod I’ve touched outside of an old cane pole. I read about bamboo and had this idea that it was a noodly material, but the butts of this rod has more backbone than my superfine glass rods, both 3&4 weights. I think this will make a great, versatile rod. It roll casts and can lay out a tight loop.
Not to ramble on too much, but I also bought an Adirondack, and that too is a powerful rod. If one was coming from modern graphite, these are great transition rods. I wouldn’t hesitate in getting one.
I just bought single tip version as my first. It’s a quicker rod than I was expecting, but it’s also the first bamboo rod I’ve touched outside of an old cane pole. I read about bamboo and had this idea that it was a noodly material, but the butts of this rod has more backbone than my superfine glass rods, both 3&4 weights. I think this will make a great, versatile rod. It roll casts and can lay out a tight loop.
Not to ramble on too much, but I also bought an Adirondack, and that too is a powerful rod. If one was coming from modern graphite, these are great transition rods. I wouldn’t hesitate in getting one.
Re: Orvis Penn’s Creek action/value/evaluation
#18I bought a used Penn's Creek. It is nice, and has a very strong turn over at the end. No complaints, though the recorcinal stripes would bother some. A nice, useful and enjoyable rod, in my limited opinion.