Flagship 376 Rods - What Happened?
Seems the strategy from these companies is to dedicate a separate rod series from the flagship premium line as a way to offer the shorter 3wt rod models. I do understand the business strategy of minimizing duplicate rod models (short specialty rods) between each rod series. However, I have always enjoyed small creek rod models that were part of a company's flagship series to fish my favorite small streams. That is becoming only a memory in today's world. Yeah, change is hard.
Sage is only giving the consumer a 390 model in their new R8 Core series. Winston offers 386 and 390 models in their Air2 series. And get this, Scott doesn't offer any 3wt model in their Centric flagship series. Why is this? Well, the flagship rod series have become faster and stiffer through the past ten years which isn't exactly good for short casts and small stream fishing...so the companies had to offer a separate rod series that are more effective in those kind of fishing environments. I must say, Orvis is still offering three 3wt options in their flagship Helios3 rods, and the only company from the big four giving us a 376 model...good for them.
Considering the trends in today's companies, I suppose my two flagship 376 rods will be my last. Hey Siri, play some baroque music...
Redington still offers a 763 in their Classic Trout series. It is widely thought of as one of their best rods in that series.
ReplyDeleteYes, the Classic Trout is fantastic...especially considering the affordable price tag. I bought my grandson a Classic Trout 376 about three years ago. I guess the CRUX could be considered Redington's flagship rod series even though it's at the med-priced level. I know one thing, Redington should keep offering that Classic Trout series for a long time to come...it's great on small creeks.
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