Anyone built or cast the FTL 906 yet? Looking for some views as i'm about to order either this blank or the 905 FT.

Cheers

Daniel

They are both great blanks but difficult to compare as the FT's have a faster action with a lot of reserve power while I find the FTL blanks more typical in action and power. I use a FT905-4 combined with a Rio 6 WF Nymph line as my main rod fishing the Missouri River in MT. I finished a FTL904-6 for myself recently and have been informed by an acquaintance that lawn casted it that he wants it. My instructions were to, "just send a bill".

Stan Grace
Helena, MT
"Our best is none too good"



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 10/24/2006 06:15PM by Stan Grace.

I recently built a FT 907 for steelhead and light salmon fishing. I have been casting an 8 wt line with it from shore and drifter with no problems. Stan was kind enough to let me use his FT 905 for a week earlier this fall. Both rods are a joy to cast. I really don't see how you could go wrong with the FT. It's great to see a rod function as advertised.


Joe Luebeck
Butte, Montana

Daniel,

If this is to be your alround rod for NZ as per your previous post I would go for the FT. I think it will serve you better than then FTL here. You will encounter all sorts of conditions here. Sure you may lose something in finese in some situations, just maybe, but it would not be many. Your previous post asked about 6 wts. I see the FT 6 wt is listed as out of stock on Dan's site and maybe why you are considering the FT 5 wt vs FTL 6wt. Based on my experience with an FT 9wt you should not have any problems puching a 5 or 6 wt line out with the FT 5 wt.

Cheers
John

while both blanks are very good,the FT will definately have more power.I haven,t tryed a 9ft 5wt,but have 10ft 5wt and it is an excellent rod ,drys ,weighted, wets and streamers. having said that,I also have an FTL 4wt that is also very sweet,flexes further down blank,very lite and just enjoy it more ,the more I use it.I prefer the action of 10ft FT over 9ft ,but thats maybe just me .they are fastest rod I,ve ever used and better caster might think different.I like 5wt dt onFT and underline 4wt FTL to3wt .Again just my preference. Daryl

John, my thoughts exactly. I don't mind losing a little bit of finesse as I also have an 8'6 Scott S3 in a #5 to take. Was thinking the FT would give me a greater range of options with regards to wind, distance, very heavy nymphs etc. I'll do some searches on the 905 FT, but I think i've already made up my mind!!

Thanks all for your help.

Daniel

If versatility is a factor the FT provides it. The FTL is a pleasant medium fast action rod that I enjoy casting but the FT's are remarkably versatile.

Stan Grace
Helena, MT
"Our best is none too good"

Daniel,
I've just build the FTL905-6 for myself. Fished it a few times I'm more than impressed from this rod.
Although it's a 6-piece it is the lightest 5wt I ever hold in my hand, lighter than the 4 piece SIGV and much lighter than the FT905-4. The action of the FTL is more on the medium fast side but pretty fast in recovery. For me it is a perfect overall trout rod with a crisp casting feel, perfect for dry and nymph fishing.
I also have the FT905-4. Although it is not a problem to do it with the FTL … when it comes to streamer fishing or (heavy) weighted nymphs I would prefer the FT.
I would say if I must choose one of both I would go with the FTL. But if I would have a chance to buy a second one that would be the FT.
Cant tell about the FTL906-6 but I thinks it should a similar overall casting feel to the FTL905-6.
Hope it helps.
Stefan




Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 10/26/2006 06:34AM by Stefan Scherf.