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 Salish |
#61 | |||
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Posts: 147 03/05/2009 13:37 |
PMAG, maybe I should have done the steel wool thing too, Mine is a DT5. I am giving my second application today. I'm using a 7ft 4wt rod to lawn cast it
between dryings/dressings. Lets just say I'm very optimistic over this line.
Cliff |
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gofish60 |
#62 | |||
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Posts: 1949 03/06/2009 19:51 Registered User |
Salish
What do you think of the Zhu rod you got? Workmanship, castibility, etc. gofish |
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Salish |
Silk lines from China & Zhu Rod | #63 | ||
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Posts: 148 03/07/2009 11:37 |
gofish60 wrote:gofish60: I rather like this rod from Zhu. Even though I was a little skeptical of the idea I went ahead and bought it, thinking it might make a good backup rod or even a gift for someone. I have been lawn casting it only, while breaking in a Zhu silk line. The rod is advertised as being a Garrison taper, but that doesn't mean much to me since I don't think I've ever cast a Garrison taper. Like another guy said in another thread, I would call it a medium-fast taper. It would probably make a good rod for someone transitioning from graphite. I feel it casts very well. As far as workmanship, it is not on par with most hand-planed rods you'll see in the hands of other users on this forum. When you first examine it you can see where there are some power fibers visible and some nodes look like they were shaved off. It looks very much like rod number 5, 6, or 7 of any currently well accepted rodbuilder - before they got the thing absolutely perfect, mostly cosmetically. I will say this; a good friend of mine who is a very well respected rodbuilder examined this rod and was quite surprised at the level of workmanship, especially for $149.00. As an aside, I have to say I'm kind of drawn to it for what it is. It's just a production bamboo rod with no glamor or pedigree and it can't be fawned over like some fine wine, but that's what I find attractive about it. It's just a fishing rod. Of course, the proof is down the line as to whether or not ferrules will snap, other failures, etc. Cliff |
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splitcanerods |
Red Tin Mucilin OK on Terenzio lines | #64 | ||
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Posts: 27 03/21/2009 12:57 |
Bob and All,
I was not the one to say "never use Mucilin on a Terenzio silk line" It is OK to use Red Tin Mucilin on Terenzio lines. Hope this is of some help. Bruce Herndon
Take care,
Bruce Herndon www.herndonrods.com |
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splitcanerods |
#65 | |||
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Posts: 28 03/21/2009 22:43 |
Leo,
It's also OK to use Red Tin Mucilin on Thebault lines.
Take care,
Bruce Herndon www.herndonrods.com |
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splitcanerods |
#66 | |||
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Posts: 29 03/30/2009 18:00 |
Leo & All,
The following is a response that we received from Mike Brookes, owner of Phoenix Silk Lines regarding the Chinese silk line we sent to them to critique. Because we are firm believers in quality products we felt it was necessary to purchase one of these lines and have a professional opinion available to the public. Chinese silk fly line DT# 3, 27 metres sold on E-bay through Zhu's Flyfishing Store Of late we have seen the appearance of fly fishing tackle made in China at what appears to be bargain prices. The latest to come to our attention was the above fly line. At Phoenix we endeavour to produce the best silk fly lines in the world and when another line appears on the market we have to take note. At present there are three significant makers of silk fly lines who are selling lines at between € 140 to € 250 ( US $180 to $250), which reflects the amount of work and skill that goes into each line. The Chinese line sold for US $55 on Ebay. The line bought was labeled as a DT # 3 on the box. It was well presented with a large tin of grease labeled Muclin. 1. The total line weighted in at 17.9 grams, which makes it a #2 line. (# 3 weights 18.9 to 21.3 grams) 2. The braiding was good and even with an approximate 3 ft taper. 3. The finish was unpolished, stiff and very dry to the touch suggesting a very brittle varnish. 4. When bent the line deforms as if it were a tube, suggesting that the varnish is only 'skin deep' and not impregnated into the line. This means that this line will undoubtedly fail fairly early on in its life. 5. The tin of grease does not contain Mucilin, which is a registered trademark of Thames Fishing Tackle. It should never be used on Phoenix lines. The overall impression is one of opportunism to get into a market without basic understanding of that market. Whilst we do not normally comment on other peoples' work, but we feel that on this occasion it is merited. Mike Brookes Phoenix Lines Ltd.
Take care,
Bruce Herndon www.herndonrods.com |
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gespliesste |
#67 | |||
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Posts: 343 03/30/2009 19:05 |
Oh boy,
what do you think Mike Brookes would say "what a lovely line they make in China". He feels the pressure and not only because of the China made lines. At the moment a lot of people save there money and don't spend it on 250$ silk lines. To be fare you should send Zhu a Phoenix line to critique. When you buy a #4 Phoenix it feels also more like a #3. If the braiding is good on the Zhu lines but the varnish not do it the F. Curry way. Olaf |
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 Marty |
#68 | |||
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Posts: 95 03/30/2009 19:53 |
Having cast both ( I have not and will not ever purchase one of the cheapo lines, I own and have fished phoenix and others more and more lately) would have to
say that Mike's assesment is spot on. You get what you pay for (and knock off muclin has hopefully been noticed by patent holders so they can defend their
property b/c that is nothing but out and out theft). If you want to be able to fish silk line on the cheap you certainly can. I'd say that finding a used
vintage line by a quality maker like kingfisher or others and refinishing it is a better low cost alternative (I got an unused vintage silk recently for less
that what zhu charges). But a Thebault, Phoenix, or Terenzio is still a better value in my opinion. These are lines likely to still be fished by heirs. I
also enjoy the chance to support makers of quality handmade or cottage industry products vs mass produced stuff whenever and wherever possible. In tough
econimic times it becomes even more important to support you local fly shop, rodmaker, reel maker etc. and any of the small makers of quality gear you love.
Our facet of fly fishing is not the happening go fast big $$$$ sport that the rest of it is becoming and guys that make good gear (especially bamboo rods, silk
lines, and quality handmade traditional reels) need support. We each get to decide where are dollars go and for silk lines its going to go to one of the
three I mentioned. For plastic lines it has been and always will be Cortland for me.
Life is too short for cheap scotch and plastic rods.
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splitcanerods |
#69 | |||
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Posts: 30 03/30/2009 20:17 |
Olaf,
We have had some of our clients give us negative feedback on the lines. Also, someone on the forum ask us to post the results of what an experienced silk line maker had to say regarding the Chinese lines. This is why we decided to post this information. (It will also be posted on our web site) Our sales of not only Phoenix, but Terenzio lines have not been affected by these lines in any way. I feel that Mike Brookes did a great job at pointing out the problems with not only the line, but also the dressing that is shipped with them. We have never had a problem with Phoenix lines not falling within the AFTMA weight standards. We have many clients who have purchased multiple Phoenix silk lines, and have always been happy with them. This would include many bamboo rod makers. Yes, the market is there for the person who does not want to spend a great deal of money for a quality line or for that matter, a bamboo fly rod. Thank you for your input.
Take care,
Bruce Herndon www.herndonrods.com |
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gespliesste |
#70 | |||
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Posts: 344 03/30/2009 20:55 |
If Mr Brookes sell this days the same amount of line than 3 Years ago
than I can only congratulate him. If you search this forum then you will find some people that had problems with Phoenix lines not matching AFTMA weight standards. And I know that Olaf Borge are some times asked to weight the Phoenix lines be for he send them out.
I wonder why some experienced fly fisher on this forum and Ebay gave this Zhu lines a good feed back if they are so bad. It is true you get what you pay for and the Zhu line are not in the same league than the Phoenix but looks like both do the same think for what they are made for. But of course the Phoenix line gives your ego a much better feeling on the stream and it sounds better when you say I have a Phoenix line on my reel than I have a Zhu line on the reel. I have my self two Phoenix lines. And if the Zhu holds only for 3 year is this Ok for the price you can do nothing wrong. It is a good starter to get in silk lines and if you like it you can buy later a Phoenix or Terenzio or what ever. "Our sales of not only Phoenix, but Terenzio lines have not been affected by these lines in any way" You don't know, may be you could sell much more if there where not this Zhu lines. Olaf |
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pmag |
#71 | |||
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Posts: 399 03/31/2009 07:48 |
Mr. Zhu no longer calls his dressing "Mucillin".
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weightforward |
Zhu Silk lines | #72 | ||
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Posts: 13 03/31/2009 11:52 |
I got a Zhu DT-7 silk line. It was the weight of a DT-5 line, but the diameter of a DT-7 line. I tried to strip it using baking soda so I could refinish it,
but it didn't strip the finish. Has anyone used paint thinner to strip a line, or have any other suggestions.
Thanks, Dave PS: Zhu did replace the line, but it was under weight too. |
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weightforward |
#73 | |||
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Posts: 14 04/01/2009 12:38 |
Thanks Leo,
I'll give turpentine a try. Dave |
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oldboyscout |
#74 | |||
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Posts: 221 04/04/2009 11:29 |
Is this correct?: Zhu's lines tend to be underweight but not underdiameter? if so are they simply not impregnated with enough (linseed) oil?
When I match wits with a trout, I usually lose...
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FlymanDan |
#75 | |||
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Posts: 258 04/07/2009 09:52 |
My 4 & 5 wts arrived the other day in under 2 weeks time. I am now in possession of 3,4, and 5 wts from Mr. Zhu. Have followed LEO's break-in
suggestion to the point of two coats of dressing on all lines.
Soooo what happened ...When the lines first starting arriving here a few months back everyone sung their praises such as spot on weights, descent construction, acceptable break-in, the Chinese know their silk etc. Now the tone of this thread or the China silk threads has changed dramatically...their weights are off, shatty construction, and they were the second gunman on the grassy knoll. Whats the deal? Out of three lines I did have one small thread bump and a little color variation, but without casting them seemingly fine. I can understand the China bias fully. However, to what point does this detract from how the line is going to be on stream? There are some vintage silks in my collection and it will eventually grow to include a few Phoenix and Zandri's , but being out of college they are not in the budget for now. 3 silk lines for under $100 didn't seem like a bad idea a few months ago... |
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ttrotter |
#76 | |||
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Posts: 1010 04/07/2009 10:13 Moderator |
I've got 2 of Zhu's lines, a 4 and 5 wt. I've also got a Phoenix 5 wt. My Zhu lines are right on the money on my grain scale. After break-in , they
cast great and float high and long. As I stated early on, they are not Phoenix lines and a comparison is fruitless- its apples to oranges. But, for someone who
wants to "ease into" silk, I highly recommend them. I will fish my Zhus as much as my Phoenix this year. Maybe after 5-10 years, this topic will
deserve a revisit, and, with proper care, I suspect the Zhu lines will still be just fine. Time will tell.
FlymanDan, it was a good idea a few months ago, and it's still a good idea, IMHO. If you want the best, and can afford it, then go the Phoenix route. I'll buy another Zhu and another Phoenix this year! Regards, Tom |
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Flyman615 |
#77 | |||
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Posts: 3180 04/07/2009 10:18 |
What Tom said.
Regards, Scott 
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ttrotter |
#78 | |||
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Posts: 1011 04/07/2009 14:41 Moderator |
Great info, LEO. I'll be watching my lines for the same kind of thing as time goes on. I believe one thing we can count on is inconsistency in the QC area
of the manufacturing process?
Regards, Tom |
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weightforward |
#79 | |||
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Posts: 15 04/07/2009 22:59 |
Leo, I soaked my DT-7 in turpentine for an hour. Did nothing. I soaked it for 4 more hours. Did nothing. Added 50% mineral spirits and soaked for 16
hours. Did nothing. OK, the line was limp while it was wet with the mixture and the finish got much smoother when I tried to wipe it off. Cleaned the line
with mild soapy water and dried. Soaked in alcohol for 1 hour. Much of the finish came off (scraped with my thumb nail). Repeated. A little more came off,
but not clean yet. I hope the alcohol doesn't ruin the line. I'll let you know if I ever get it clean. Dave
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tdsmoonchild |
#80 | |||
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Posts: 1 04/23/2009 17:19 |
So what happened Leo? Were you able to get the finish off? If so, what ended up working the best?
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