How would you guys compare Rainshadow RX7+ and Dan Craft SigV in all ellements of fly fishing for trout. In a 9 foot, 4 weight

Not quite the same thing.....but I have a green Rainshadow RX7 8 ft 4 wt. A nice blank that I quite like! My next project will be to rewrap it......used Spar Varnish on it...will try Flex Coat high build this time. Anyway...makes a very nice rod. (I've not built a rod on a Rainshadow or Forecast blank that I did not like.....The old 4 pc 7'6 4 wt Forecast...which they practically gave away was really a nice blank. I built two. Gave one as a gift...)

But in my humble opinion.....the 8'4 4 wt Sig V that I have is head and shoulders better than the RX7....Well...better than anything! Lighter, more responsive...Thinks for me. Very VERY special!

There is a 8'9 4 wt, too. I've not cast that one. Some people absolutely love it..... Some people think it might be better with a 5 wt line....and then they love it!

If you're not married to the 9 ft length.....I highly (well...higher than that!) recommend the 8'4 4 wt! Terrific...

Keith

Thanks for the great input Keith!!!

Haven't cast a RX7+ yet,but I have a 8ft9 4wt SIG V and it is phenominal.It's extremely crisp and recovers about as fast as anything out there,at ANY price.I prefer a 4wt line for most situations,but it can certainly handle a 5wt well.It's incredibly light and crisp though,so if you do fish it as a 5wt it will certainly be one of the lightest 5wts you have ever fished.

This is one blank that I can't recommend enough.It's definitely a high performance blank and offers INCREDIBLE bang for the buck.

I don't have the 8ft4 3/4 yet,but plan on getting it soon,LOL.Generally I prefer much slower action,low power blanks that bend deeply with even a small fish on,for small stream work,so I'm not sure how the SIG V will feel to me compared to my current favs(I'm sure it will be outstanding though) for this kind of fishing.I love rods like the Scott G,Winston IM6/WT,and Diamondback Classic Trout for small stream work as even a small fish puts a great bend in them,yet they don't feel like a noodle.They seem to cast so smoothly,with so little effort,and at such a relaxed rythym...The 8ft 4wt Scott G I have is hands down the sweetest rod I have ever had in my hands.It is "velvety smooth",and feather light.

When I built my first Dan Craft rod, I asked him personally what blank he recommended for Western trout fishing, both drys and nymphs. He recommended the 8'9" 4-wt. I and others around here, especially guides, rave over the rod. You cannot go wrong choosing this blank! I don't think that Dan would hesitate to answer any of your questions. He is a very nice guy.

I've fished lots of RX7s and lots of SigVs. They are not similar. RX7 is heavier, more durable, and not as sensitive as SigV. RX7 is a good rod or I would not have built so many but the SigV is a very responsive, performance rod. It is thin-walled and won't take abuse or mishandling but for the angler that takes care of his gear, it is a step up in crispness and performance. That's my opinion of course. Some people think bamboo is the best performance, but those aren't folks who value lightness and crispness. Depends what you like.