Ross Essence FC 8’6″ 4wt – Retail Price $179
paired with a sleek Ross Vexsis #1.5 reel in green – Retail Price $325
and finished off with a super smooth
Scientific Anglers Mastery Series XPS fly line – Retail Price $69.95
The rod was a demo rod on loan….that I finally had to return this week.
Fantastic rod for the price – I was super impressed.
I loooved it so much, I just ordered my own.
Yes. True Story! When I went to Texas…
I used THIS demo set-up.
Ross Essence FW 9′ 8wt – Retail Price ? (I don’t see this ‘FW’ series on their site)paired with a Ross CLA #4 in black – Retail Price $240
finished off with the ever appropriate for my trip
RIO redfish fly line – WF8F/aqua blue – Retail Price $79.95 I haven’t been fishing for too terribly long… so I can’t tell you the ins and outs of fly lines, rods, reels etc.
I’ve been able to cast quite a few set-ups in the last year
and I can tell you what I’ve liked and what I haven’t liked.
I’m sure most of it’s personal preference -
Some rods are too stiff, some reels are too loud yada yada…
so I can confidently tell you
I’ve personally been impressed with the Ross equipment I’ve used.
Genuinely. These Essence rods are supurb.
My casting was on-the-money accurate -
I love the control I feel with these rods, and the reels never let me down.
When I ask people what reels they use,
Ross always comes up as a favorite. As for the fly lines, I’ll be frank.
I can’t tell the difference between lines!
I CAN tell you that there wasn’t anything I didn’t like about them.
I liked the colors. Hehee
The SA XPS line is a green that blends in well with my trout streams &
the RIO redfish line is one of my favorite tones of blue.
They seemed to do the job just fine! Most people think of Ross for their reels only,
but next time you’re in the market for a new fly rod
consider Ross – I think you’ll be happy you did! Check out this little video on the Essence! p.s. – I was not given any of this equipment or paid in any way to do this ‘review’ – these are my honest, unbiased opinions. Just. For. You!
flyfishilicious
flyfishilicious
flyfishilicious
flyfishilicious
Hi, Jen! Thanks for sharing your interests in rods, reels, and lines. I, also, appreciate your up front honesty when you say you are “not” an expert on gear etc. Just reporting on what your preferences are. A couple of items, congratulations on your upcoming wedding! Did you get my message about sending me the fly box now that I have moved and have a Colorado address? Take care.
Hey Jen,
Hope your break away from the blog is going good – hopefully you are not too close to those fires, been a little concerned about you…
Nice combination you’ve got there – I could appreciate giving that a “flick”
I’ve been messing round with some Mystic rods lately – not as pricey as some of the “bigger name” brands – but well up to standard against anything else I compared them against.
Especially enjoyed the combination of a Mystic Rod with a Solititude Reel and a Wulff Triangle Taper line – “paint” a fly on the water well worth trying should you get a chance.
Tight lines!
NICE!
Nice read. I’ve always used Ross reels, but haven’t really done much regarding the rods. I have looked at them a few times at the local shops, but haven’t made the stab at purchasing one or even had a chance to cast one. So far in the time they’ve been around I have honestly heard nothing bad. Might need to get out and cast one very soon.
Those are some nice set ups you got there. I am a fan of Ross.
I love Ross Reels, haven’t thrown one of their rods yet, maybe I should