I'm planning a trip to MT this spring and my research has revealed I need a new fly rod

I'm looking for a 6wt, 9' rod that can sling streamers and leeches on the big MT rivers in the wind. Once home it will become my main estuary rod, typically HC SRC's. I'd like to keep the price below $300.

So far I plan on fondling the following three rods:

Sage FLI 690-2
Orvis TLS 906-2 &
Powell TiMax 906-4

Anybody have any experiance with these rods?
Is there another rod I should be looking at?
What are others favorite estuary fly rods?

Thanks and tightlines!

The Fli is a workhorse... a nice rod for sure... I would get a 4piece so that if you ever had to travel with it, it is much easier.
I dont like the orvis rods but have had a great time fishing a powell. A nice rod.

The only one i have cast is the Fli, but have had good experiences with Powell as a company, not so good with orvis.

Plus sage is local should anything happen to it.

Yeah Sage is great to work with

I have called them (when I sat on a rod) and drove over there drop off the rod and had the rod back in 5 days (not working days; but 5 days)

the fli. its quick but not too quick, graphite III, generates a whole lotta speed etc.

there are few Orvis rods Ive been impressed (heavy, low mod. graphite) with and whether Powell will be around a few years now to warranty a broken rod is questionable.

the fli is also available as a 691-4 which is the same beast as the 9' #6 but comes with a fighting butt and saltwater reel seat rather then the nickel silver/ wood laminate. purchasing the rod w/ the special realseat (no extra charge) will keep the rod looking nice and clean and healthy after even after years of estuary use.

H2H- usually you can wait and they can go back in the factory and bring you the replacement piece in like 5 min max... its great to live this close to them.

sparkey- good call on the 691... a fighting butt can be great when you are fishing the beach... keep your reel elevated off the rocks or sand if you need to lean it up against something.

Any idea if the fli is similiar to the 5wt vps I already own? I believe it too is graphite III. Is this the same rod just a different name?

I really like the idea of a fighting butt.

And beside that you can talk with Kati

hahahaha.... yes you can

Broodbuster,

You'll be doing yourself a favor to try as many rods of that length and line weight as you can with the same line and types of flies you intend to fish. Some will suit your style better than the others. From those whose performance suits you best, select one based on the criteria important to you, such as price, warranty, brand prestige, zoot factor, etc. I don't know how you cast or what you like, and most others probably don't either. Getting a rod that's a good match for you is important. Knowing what rods we like isn't.

Sincerely,

Salmo g.