Fly rods are made from a number of materials including graphite, boron, fiberglass, titanium, bamboo and even quartz (Redington's NTiQ). In addition, companies such as Winston use a combination of materials (graphite and boron, etc.) to create a rod that possesses the best characteristics of each. As you can see, the choices are many. However, for most anglers, the answer is simple, i.e., graphite!

For overall utility graphite still stands well above the others. While other materials have come and gone or failed to meet their expectations, graphite has stood the test of time and still offers the average angler the best blend of affordability, warranty, lightness, ease of casting, and overall performance. With models from $75 to $700+, there is a quality graphite rod out there for everyone!

As for boron, titanium, quartz, etc., while the basis for a number of popular highly technical rods, they represent niche products that are typically on the expensive side ($600+). In addition, while rods made of these materials will cast extremely well in the proper hands (i.e., skilled anglers), they are sometimes difficult for the average angler to master due to what we would call a very fast action.

Although fiberglass has made a recent resurgence in the high-end rod market, rods made from it range from marginal to useful. While fiberglass rods from department stores may be virtually useless due to their inability to stand up to modern lines, winds and large flies, those offered by companies like Winston are in fact quite fishable. However, they are expensive and in our opinion, a niche product.

As for bamboo, while they are beautiful, they are expensive, lack the "unconditional" warranties offered in most other rods, are heavy, and in most cases possess a slow action that is tough for most anglers to master. However, there are those who will fish with nothing else and see graphite and other modern materials as nothing short of blasphemy! While everyone is entitled to their opinion, we do not recommend bamboo for everyday use.

1. Material (Tradition or Technology?)
   
2. Line Weight (One Size Doesn't Fit All!)
   
3. Action (There Is A Place For All Of Them...)
   
4. Length (Size Does Matter!)
   
5. Pieces (Are You Sure You Want That 12-Piece Rod?)
   
6. Overlay vs. Internal Ferrules (The Real Difference!)
   
7. Standard Snake vs. Single Foot Guides (The Real Deal!)
   
8. Factory vs. Custom (Things You Should Know!)
   
9. Warranties (Why They Are Important...)
   
10. New vs. Used (Is It really such a Great Deal?)
    
11. Discontinued Rods (What Are They Really Worth?)
    

FLY RODS OUR STRATEGYFLY REELS