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Text is from a previous post by someone on this forum and the chart is one I have been complying.

Classic 4'4" "BANTY" Bamboo Fly Rods

From the Classic Fly Rod Forum

"Glad you've discovered the fun of these little rods. Not to put too fine a point on it but, perhaps before your time (early 60's) Arnold Gingrich and cohorts promoted a small, 4'4" rod NAMED the "BANTY". Hardy built them (4'4") called the Phantom Hallokona and made some of the same exclusively for A&F labelled "Banty". Orvis joined in the game with their 4'4" rod named the "Banty" and sold it exclusively through agreement with A&F. Jim Payne made a 4'4" model named "Banty", also sold through A&F. AJ Thramer has tweaked the Payne Banty and developed his own 4'4" Banty for a#4 line, now sometimes called the "Thramer 444" as opposed to "Banty" but it's lineage is clear. And so, the time was when a gentleman fished a "Banty" fly rod, he was fishing a specific model that was 4'4" long and cast a # 4 or #5 line. As such these were serious, though specialized rods and came into their own on small, brush-choked streams. Pinpoint accuracy was one of their noted benefits but the short rod made the fish close to the angler's hand throughout the take, fighting and landing and made for an intense, extremely interactive experience with the fish. I am afraid an entire generation of fly fishers has grown up now unaware of these wonderful little "niche" rods and just how capable and fun they are to fish. Today, the term "banty" has become generic for those rods somewhat shorter than "midge" rods. But it's kind of fun knowing the originals were specific 4'4" rods for some pretty specific reasons and developed a serious, if small following. So when you advertise you are looking for "Banty" fly rods, there are still many of us old codgers out there who take it you mean the 4'4" rod once offered by the big name manufacturers of the day. Why 4'4"? There's a whole story in itself surrounding that. Pick up some of Arnold Gingrich's books, most particularly the, "TOYS of a Lifetime" title and enjoy reading about the history of these diminutive little rods.
And GOOD LUCK to you if you have the opportunity to obtain a real "Banty". I had the extreme good fortune to acquire Arnold Gingrich's personal Banty and cherish it above all others. They're coveted by their owners and seldom come to the secondary market. You will discover that they are a blast when fished for their intended purpose. You know the old saying, "The most fun you can have standing up"."