New Asquith

You've never heard of G Loomis? 😅

Not sure the Assqueef or whatever it is is gonna cast or fish any better than some fishpoles costing 5-6x less.
I had a funny conversation years ago with a rod company rep while casting one of [REDACTED]'s latest rod models. We both liked the rod at the price point asked, and compared it favorably to more expensive models. Rep then hazarded a guess that 95% of the world's flycasters would never be able to pull the full potential out of this particular (and rather inexpensive) fishpole...

After a certain amount of money, it's all shiny doodads and marketing weasel words.
Of course.. G Loomis!! I've cast more than a few.. don't have one yet! Don't really need anything atm.. you know how that goes I'm sure!

I do need more shiny doodads though.. reels.. MFing reels... not really but... I want a few classics!
 
Funny how most of the guys that can actually afford that rod probably won't outlive it. My IMX from 1988/89 is still my best 5wt!
And the good part? I've been able to fish with it for 37+ years! I probably can't say that about the next rod I buy. 😁
$1500 for a great rod is money better spent than the same amount for a couple of damn car payments.
Having said that...ain't no way! :ROFLMAO:
 
Funny how most of the guys that can actually afford that rod probably won't outlive it. My IMX from 1988/89 is still my best 5wt!
And the good part? I've been able to fish with it for 37+ years! I probably can't say that about the next rod I buy. 😁
$1500 for a great rod is money better spent than the same amount for a couple of damn car payments.
Having said that...ain't no way! :ROFLMAO:
Well, taken care of it will give you more pleasure for a much longer time than a similar worth of drugs. I would imagine it throws a good line well. On the fence? Go for it.
 
Newer is always better.

Just wish my body would get newer and be better....
 
Hmmmmm... for some reason that "Elitist" thread immediately popped into my head.:ROFLMAO:
When I saw the first post in this thread I (obviously incorrectly) assumed that a bot was spamming the site.

More than half of the times I hike into Basin lakes, I carry my Echo Base 590 (I paid $69.95 for it). I'm sure that I'm part of the 95% that Mr. @G_Smolt suggests that can't pull the full potential out of that inexpensive but fully functional (for me) fly rod so parting with $1,570.00 plus the governor's share ain't going to happen. Going to pass on the Asquith.
 
I test cast a 9' 6 wt Asquith a few years ago when that model first appeared. It's a really nice rod and was just north of a thousand bucks at the time I think. I just didn't like it a thousand bucks worth.

As a rod owner I'm not sure I make much sense. I shelled out $845 three years ago for a Scott G-series just cuz I was in the mood for a new 6-weight, and that rod feels right. I line it up in my pram for a day's fishing along with my Redington Classic Trout 5 wt ($129, but I got it on sale for $89) and an old well used and well liked Fenwick fiberglass 7 1/2' 6 wt. (probably around $40). Unless I decide to fish bamboo that day. Then the collection of rods in the boat are kinda' spendy.
 
understanding that distance with pinpoint accuracy is essential in a few fisheries such as bonefish, for the majority of us who cast between 30' and 50', comes down to personal preference..want to play the fish off the tip, or rather feel that pull deeper down the blank.
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Probably obvious to many, but I’d suggest instead, watching here and there for a used but well cared for standout rod from 3 years or so ago, let’s say for $350, and put $1,400 into solid stocks or a Vanguard fund. You still get a fantastic rod, and contribute to the nest egg.
Fact is I do like fairly high end rods, but don’t fish enough to spend big money.
 
All joking aside from my previous post, the nice thing about today is the number of choices we have in gear. There is nice, very functional equipment to fit pretty much everyone’s budget. In my opinion, we’ve never had it so good when it comes to equipment options.
Yes, the new Asquith is expensive, but you can also pay over $1k for a spinning reel if you are so inclined. As mentioned, if you aren’t in a rush to own the newest, latest greatest thing, just wait a few years and look at the used or closeout market for some substantial savings.
SF
 
I'm just hoping the blank matches my shirt and Abel nippers...otherwise I'll need new accessories.
;)
 
Is it expensive? Certainly.

Is it worth the money? It is to every body who buys one. I won't but I have no problem at all spending near that for a new Abel. Life is short and its my money. Not going to chastise somebody for buying an Asskissth. Now the name? Well its just stupid.....LOL
 
OP here. Definitely not of the view that people can't spend on what they want. I do think this is a quantum leap in pricing and that that doesn't bode well the general price of premium equipment, nearly 25% above the same weight/length Winston Air 2.

Obviously, the Asquith is an ultra-premium brand (was it the first to break $1k?) and they think folks will buy. But who, broadly speaking? Affordability isn't fake news and they're not even offering a 5wt. I'm genuinely curious what the market is for single hand 6 and 7 weights beyond speciality rods (streamer, Mo-style boat fishing). Is this a salt-only rod more or less? But then why sell it as "freshwater" per the image? And why would you take your ultra-premium series and make it niche rather than say renaming? It'd be odd if T&T made the Avantt III but only in 6-10wts, wouldn't it?

Also, Shimano has an enviable economy of scale and most fly fishers know this. They don't need it cost that much, even if the margin is slim at this price. So yeah, they're testing the market but it couldn't come at a worse time. Every single review will have to address the issue of cost. And yes, tariffs are real. Not saying Shimano is overcharging, but it feels like Shimano isn't--as the kids say--"reading the room."
 
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