More than a little bored this evening and looking for reasons not to get started on work-related material so I broke out my 275 and a couple of reels and did some lawn casting. I came to the conclusion that the 4-wt. TT and the 4-wt. RIO Gold DT do cast the best on my rod but I think the edge goes to the RIO. It seemed to load a bit quicker and throw a tighter loop. That being said, I could throw a good loop with the TT out to 60'.
When it comes down to it I think there will be some natural varience in the cane any rod maker uses and that can impact the way one rod casts over another. I would think bamboo, like any other growing plant, reacts differently to the amount of moisture and sunlight received and not every bamboo plant will be exposed to the same growing conditions. Regardless, I think it would take a lot of experience with a particular model of rod to appreciate any substantial difference. I also think every one who owns one of these rods, or any rod, has a preference for how a rod should cast. As I said in my earlier post, I want a rod to load with 12' of line and a 9' leader and that can be accomplished by using a heavier line, a different taper, or trimming a line. Lastly, and as has already been stated, technique makes a lot of difference.
Bottom line: these rods are beautiful works of art and are a joy to possess and use and every rod can be made to perform to one's own preferences with time and effort.
