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 FrankB |
Orvis Battenkill 7 1/2': How Does it Compare with Others? |
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Posts: 34 08/02/2009 21:35 |
I'm looking at a 1955 Orvis Battenkill 7.5' 4/5wt, and was wondering how it would compare to a Lew Parks Dickerson 7012 taper.
Any input about the Orvis' casting characteristics would be greatly appreciated. |
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Southbranch |
#1 | |||
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Posts: 450 08/02/2009 22:29 |
FrankB, none of the three 7 1/2' Battenkills listed in the 1955 Orvis catalog were rated for 4/5 wt line. There were two 2/2 rods and a 3/2 rod offered.
They were all listed as "HDH or HDG" (DT6 or WF6) rods. Do you have this rod's actual weight or the line weight that Orvis put on the tube lable?
How about the ferrule size? I'm thinking the current owner likes to fish it with a lighter line for faster action or may have described it incorrectly.
I have a 1962 vintage 2/2 Battenkill in this length with 12/64" ferrule rated for HDH or HDG line. The tube lable and catalog list it at 3 3/4 oz., but actual weight is 4 oz. It is a strong rod, medium action with DT6F line, and a lighter line would not work very well. Sadly, I have not had a chance to cast a Dickerson 7012 taper rod, so I can't help with that part of your question. |
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FrankB |
#2 | |||
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Posts: 35 08/02/2009 22:52 |
Thanks for the response. The rod is listed on this site's classifieds. The ad indicates a 4/5wt, and that's all the info I have at this
point. I'm looking for a rod that isn't a noodle, and will balance well without tipping the scales too much. The Dickerson 7012 wa fairly quick, but bent well into the butt section. If the 1955 Orvis performs that well, I'd like to buy it. |
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Southbranch |
#3 | |||
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Posts: 451 08/03/2009 00:03 |
Based on Greg Reynold's database, that rod has the same specs as mine, but it may cast quite differently since no 2 rods are identical. I recommend you
contact the seller. He knows a lot about bamboo rods and should be able to tell you what you need to know.
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FrankB |
#4 | |||
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Posts: 36 08/03/2009 00:25 |
I contacted the seller, and he told me to ask here
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Southbranch |
#5 | |||
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Posts: 452 08/03/2009 00:41 |
Well then, if it's like mine, it surely won't be a noodle, but I like slower, full-flexing rods in lengths shorter than 8'. And at
3 3/4 to 4 oz., it should balance with a reel like a new Orvis BBS V or an old Pflueger Medalist 1494 or 1495.
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czkid |
7'6" Orvis | #6 | ||
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Posts: 4091 08/03/2009 09:59 Moderator |
I've got one that's definitely a 4/5 wt despite the 6wt rating... and I like my rods med to slow. Mine came from Jim Bresko and he called it a 4 wt as
well... sweet little rod, and definitely NOT a noodle. Nice little rod for medium streams.
Ralph |
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oldboyscout |
#7 | |||
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Posts: 230 08/06/2009 16:30 |
I'm not much of a caster, but I use mine with a 5WF. It'll cast a 4 (of course faster) even though labeled HDH. I think we've all seen LOTS of
Orvis rods that people fish 2 weights lighter than they're labeled.
When I match wits with a trout, I usually lose...
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RonT1 |
#8 | |||
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Posts: 539 08/07/2009 09:35 |
I fish a DT4 Sylk, a Terenzio DT5, and a NOS Level 6 silk on my 12 ferule. Not really concerned if the Line Gestapo approve or not.
R |
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Flykuni2 |
#9 | |||
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Posts: 105 08/07/2009 15:10 |
Just returned from a week in CO and RMNP fishing, and I fished my 7 1/2' Batt. a lot of the time. In fact, about 90% of the time. It was just the right
length, weight, taper for the streams, and it rained on me. And it was hot too. The 3/2 configuration is about perfect for travel. I fished it with a DT4 line.
I like it a lot with the lighter line (I used to fish it with a five line) and think it's just about right for me. Am very glad I own this rod.
Here're some shots. I use old reels, btw.
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FrankB |
#10 | |||
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Posts: 37 08/07/2009 15:11 |
Hi Guys,
Thanks for all the replies! I was really just wondering if the rod was enjoyable to cast. I'm looking for rod that will lay a dry fly down as softly as my Lew Parks. I also need to buy into a big name brand...LOL! |
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Flykuni2 |
#11 | |||
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Posts: 106 08/07/2009 15:16 |
Thy shalt cast lightly to lay down lightly, my son, my son.
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FrankB |
#12 | |||
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Posts: 38 08/07/2009 16:35 |
Flykuni2 wrote: True...Very true. It's just so much easier with bamboo than a Sage Z-Axis, especially if I have to reach out past 30 feet. |
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