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Switch rods have become immensely popular over the last 2-3 seasons and with good reason. However, with their popularity the market has also become rather saturated with lines that may suit them - as always, the best advice is to try before you buy. The grain system may be slightly alien to some and since I have just picked up a #7 outfit I thought I'd give some insight into lines that airflo have produced to compliment such an outfit along with which one may suit you best.
Now, as with the majority of switch rod owners, I do not use mine for overheads - I see them as being mini double handers. As such, this advice is for waterborn casts rather than overheads etc. where such lines would invariably be too heavy. Please note that I am no great caster or professional instructor, so please accept my terminology as an angler not casting geek
So, for a #7-8 outfit, I would choose one of the following (you could go up one grain category/class for a straight #8 outfit):
Airflo Spey Skagit Switch, 480 grains: probably the most compact version you will find at 20ft long. Great for tight casting situations and turning over heavy flies and heavy leaders. However, presentation can suffer, so best kept for high water. Very easy to load and takes very little effort - actually, the more effort you use, the less performance you usually get with these.
Airflo Rage Compact, 450 grain: This is a very middle of the road line and if you're only going to get one then get this one. At 29ft it is almost a third longer than the skagit. It tapers off nicely and does give a better presentation. However, it still has plenty of lifting power for heavier tips and larger flies.
Airflo Scandi compact, 480 grain: At 34ft it's the longest of the three and less favourable for turning over larger flies and heavy tips. It will do, but usually with a lot more effort than the above. Great for lower water and more spooky fish. Tapers off significantly towards the end, which reduces the lifting power on heavy tips etc. but very much a case of horses for courses.
With a running line loaded onto your favourite reel the benefit of the above is that you can chop and change as needed and as the conditions dictate. Very versatile and certainly the way forward in my eyes.
Anyway, hope you find this of use.
TT.
p.s. Yes, they're all airflo and that's virtually all I use nowadays. In addition, if you travel to e.g. British Columbia you will find that Airflo is the line of choice with the steelhead guys, for good reason. They have my vote of confidence every time.
Now, as with the majority of switch rod owners, I do not use mine for overheads - I see them as being mini double handers. As such, this advice is for waterborn casts rather than overheads etc. where such lines would invariably be too heavy. Please note that I am no great caster or professional instructor, so please accept my terminology as an angler not casting geek
So, for a #7-8 outfit, I would choose one of the following (you could go up one grain category/class for a straight #8 outfit):
Airflo Spey Skagit Switch, 480 grains: probably the most compact version you will find at 20ft long. Great for tight casting situations and turning over heavy flies and heavy leaders. However, presentation can suffer, so best kept for high water. Very easy to load and takes very little effort - actually, the more effort you use, the less performance you usually get with these.
Airflo Rage Compact, 450 grain: This is a very middle of the road line and if you're only going to get one then get this one. At 29ft it is almost a third longer than the skagit. It tapers off nicely and does give a better presentation. However, it still has plenty of lifting power for heavier tips and larger flies.
Airflo Scandi compact, 480 grain: At 34ft it's the longest of the three and less favourable for turning over larger flies and heavy tips. It will do, but usually with a lot more effort than the above. Great for lower water and more spooky fish. Tapers off significantly towards the end, which reduces the lifting power on heavy tips etc. but very much a case of horses for courses.
With a running line loaded onto your favourite reel the benefit of the above is that you can chop and change as needed and as the conditions dictate. Very versatile and certainly the way forward in my eyes.
Anyway, hope you find this of use.
TT.
p.s. Yes, they're all airflo and that's virtually all I use nowadays. In addition, if you travel to e.g. British Columbia you will find that Airflo is the line of choice with the steelhead guys, for good reason. They have my vote of confidence every time.
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