A fun thing about bamboo is that everyone can have an opinion. Just finished reading Harmon Henkin's 1976 Fly Tackle. He isn't shy about expressing his opinions on bamboo rods. Here's what he says about Constables:
Constable - Like Farlows these rods make me uneasy, although other knowledgeable people are satisfied with them.
I think Tim Cottage paid Henkin to write that so that Cottage could corner the market in Constable staggered ferrule fly rods. Listen to Henkin on Phillipsons:
Bill Phillipson, who seems to have been influenced by Granger, made rods for a long time, and many of the older ones are very nice. The recent ones are impregnated, but only so-so. Watch out for ferrules, loose seams, etc.
Henkin must not have cast the Dry Fly Special. Phillipsons have wacky reel seats but I've never had a problem with a ferrule or seam. And I really disagree with Henkin's lukewarm opinion on Grangers...
Possible bargains but full of dangers at a variety of prices. Some of the original light Goodwin Grangers were charming rods, but sometimes a little bottom-heavy. However, Wright and McGill later took over the Denver Company and produced some not- very-valuable sticks that have toasted fingers too quick to the wallet...
I've got several Granger and Wright and McGill Grangers and not a bad one in the bunch.
Last edited:
