Has anybody tried either of these. Was in the store recently and both caught my attention. Would like to know how the new Fenwick stacks up v loomis. I am considering purchasing a new 9'6" rod.
The Shimano Calais has a magnesium spool and I was curious if this makes a big difference.

Any information would be appreciated.

Thanks

I got a Fenwick AVC96MF2 a couple months ago. I can't tell you how different it is from my Lamiglass rods. It's the most sensitive rod I've ever fished, and super light. I keep my shorter, heavier rods on hand when I'm fishing but hate to use them. I'm convinced there's not a better rod available, I just wish they'd make one 10'. haven't tried the calais, don't want to...I might like it. by the way, I paid less than $100 for my rod

Erik, by chance could you compare the Techna AV to Fenwick's HMX line? One of my drift partners has an HMX T86ML and I really like the feel of it -- especially for the price tag. If the Techna AVs are superior in feel and similar in cost, I'd probably pick one up.

I haven't used the Calais, but in Japan Shimano sells a lookalike reel with the magnesium spool called the 'Metannium Scorpion' (no, I am not making up this name!). In Singapore a couple of the tackle shops have brought in the Scorpion, and I bought one two months ago after doing a comparison with the Calais and deciding they were more or less identical.

The Scorpion sells for roughly 75% more than a Chronarch does (but still 20% less than a Calais). The Scorpion looks identical to the Chronarch with the exception that it's a gunmetal grey color (and quite a bit heavier), all metal, loaded with ball bearings, and has that alluring free spinning magnesium hub that purrs when you flick it.

So how does it fish? Well, the magnesium spool is smoooth (indeed), and for casting light shot-weighted flies on light line, it's the only baitcaster I own that can do the trick w/o backlashing. (Of course, you could find a quality spinning reel for $50 that does the same thing, but that's a different issue.)

And truth be told, even a gear junkie like me can't really justify shelling out the extra cash for this reel. I certainly appreciate the difference between a Calcutta 200 and a Chronarch and willingly pay the $30 more. But I'd rather have one Calcutta and one Chronarch EACH than only one Scorpion (or not even one Calais).

If you're determined to drop some serious money, the new Daiwa Millionaires have an even smoother spool than the Calais (I've done side-by-side comparisons in the tackle shops, too), and more line capacity. The drags are also excellent (so I've read). I'd want to practice cast this one up against a Calais before I made up my mind. About the same price, too, I believe.

Eric,

Where did you get a Fenwick Techna AV for $100? I have seen them in the store for around $300.

Thanks

this is the first and only Fenwick I've ever fished. I would have a hard time paying $340 for a rod too. see if you can take them out in the lot and cast both of them. You'll be amazed at how "crisp" the TechnaAV feels. considering the materials used to make the AV you won't find a more sensitive rod until other manufs. catch on. depending on what you are used to, I'm sure that the HMX will be a step up. good luck!

The wife bought me a Calais for Christmas .I've yet to try it out, but will be fishing it on Sunday. Just remember, steelhead fishing is a premiere sport, you get what you pay for- You Loomis guys know what I'm talking about.