I am looking for a high end graphite 5wt blank for a guy that has the slowest casting stroke I have ever seen. I've used the CTX Affinity MX a couple times on builds and its too fast for this guy. Anyone with hands on experience with the 4pc CTS Vintage series in the longer lengths, say 8'6", 8'9" or 9'0" in 5wt or 6wt? If so is there any CCS info on it to share or a good general description if how they fish and with what lines? Thanks, Marc

Mark, I have built several of the 8-6 Vintages in 5wt, plus I own one myself. It is a much softer blank than the Affinity MX. I don't have any CCS data for them, but in my opinion they loaded up very well with several different 5wt lines. If I want more distance I put the Cortland Finesse on it, for closer work the Cortland Precission Platinum. My firend who owns one loves the Rio Trout on his. These blanks do have power to reach out if they are in the hands on a good caster. Great Dry and Dry/Dropper stick.

If your guy has a pretty slow casting stroke and wants Graphite, this would be a good blank. He'll just have to play around with a couple of different lines on it. I find that they are somewhat similar to the older Scott G and Winston IM-6 stuff.

Another option might be Fiberglass, I also own and build on for customers the CTS Quartz. They really suit people that have very slow casting strokes. I have built a decent amount of 8-6 5wt's in 4 pc and 3pc. I also own one in 4pc. Sweet stuff for dries and swinging wets.

i was going to mention fiberglass too as an option. there are many sources these days of modern fiberglass fly blanks, some in the premium category including the CTS Quartz.

eric
fresno, ca.