Gear Review Rod and line combo = a good match

Buzzy

Buzzy

wannabe legend
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I recently bought an Echo Carbon XL 590 and had been fishing an older SA MPX WF5F on the rod which worked well. I swapped reels on this rod to try out Rio's Lake Series Stillwater Floater in WF5F. Wowzer! I don't know if the newness of the Rio line with "slickcast" contributes to increased casting or if it's the design of the line but the line and rod belong together. A perfect fit (at least for me) as this line easily added a lot more distance in my hackcasts.

##!hack#casts#$
 
Does it make you wonder if there is even a better line out there for your Echo? How many 100 dollar bills do you have to explore a bit? 😆

I’m a self certified hack caster. Easiest credential and only one I have ever honestly earned 😉
 
I just did a quick bit of internet research on these lines and the Rio Lake line looks to be significantly heavier than the MPX. Which was surprising since the MPX is already billed as a "half weight heave" line. The Rio Lake head is longer which I guess is where the extra weight comes in if you can get the whole head out.

Total head weight on the Rio line is 280 gr for the 5 weight. First 30' is 185 gr.

Total head weight on the MPX is 175 gr with 150gr for the first 30' (not sure how they consider this half weight heavy).

Quick PowerPoint attached.
Rio Lake versus SA MPX.jpg
 
Gold star certified in chuck and duck, I find the least expensive WF line at STS usually meets my exacting requirements.
 
Merle said:
I just did a quick bit of internet research on these lines and the Rio Lake line looks to be significantly heavier than the MPX. Which was surprising since the MPX is already billed as a "half weight heave" line. The Rio Lake head is longer which I guess is where the extra weight comes in if you can get the whole head out.

Total head weight on the Rio line is 280 gr for the 5 weight. First 30' is 185 gr.

Total head weight on the MPX is 175 gr with 150gr for the first 30' (not sure how they consider this half weight heavy).

Quick PowerPoint attached.
View attachment 196333
Click to expand...
Isn't 185 gr. > first 30' more on par with a 7 weight?
 
If my rods don't groan when loading up, l go up another weight
 
Porter2 said:
Isn't 185 gr. > first 30' more on par with a 7 weight?
Click to expand...
I think using the original grain / foot convention 185 gr would be just a bit over a 6weight. (6x30 = 180). But the rod doesn't know how long the head is, so assuming the caster can carry the entire head, total head weight seems like a more useful rating.
 
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