Fly Fishing - Fly Fishing Gear: L.L. Bean vs. Orvis Products?

sxm

I do occasional salt water fly fishing, two weeks in the Caribbean. I have used a L.L. Bean travel 9wt rod and reel. Seems quite good for what I do. When my original reel, six years old, stopped functioning, I exchanged it for a new one (latest version of the reel), no questions asked, fully loaded.

I have moved to an area where fresh water fly fishing is more available to me. I'm thinking of getting a fresh water outfit, general purpose 6 wt. - bass to lake trout. Once again, probably more occasional than a real commitment (or obsession).

I probably would go for a Bean Double L outfit, or an equivalent mid-level outfit. But, I note that Orvis seems to be a more frequently heard name in fly fishing. Both companies have stores near me, and there is always mail order.

Bean : http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/56172?page=double-l-four-piece-fly-rod-outfits&parentCategory=504966&cat4=2136&shop_method=pp&feat=2136-sub2&np=Y

I see that Orvis has an All Around Trout Outfit - Mid priced, but very much more expensive than Bean's:
1A9P-Hydros 865-4 Mid-Flex $495.00
44K061-Battenkill Bar Stock Reels $129.00
7259-Silver Label Hy-Flote Extra Fly Line Please select options.

I'm open to opinions and recommendation.

stoneyfly · Location: Rocky Mountains

Orvis may cost more because it is the next step up. One that interest the experienced ff.
You are talking one of the lightest rods out there (next to the Helios) and the reel. Light weight and fishing just go together.

Do you need the more expensive to catch fish, NO, but it sure makes for a wonderful day.

shemkens · Location: Manchester, Vermont

Just a heads up bcz you might not be aware, the Hydros blanks are made in Manchester, VT from the same technology as the high end Helios.

If you are looking for an Orvis product that is comparable in price and performance to the Double L's, I would look at either the TLS (also made in the USA) or the Clearwater, which is a Chinese made rod.

Comparing Hydros and Double L is not really an apples to apples comp.

Riprock · Location: Rocky Mount, NC

While I'm a Sage fan, Temple Fork Outfitters has some high performance rods at low to medium prices. The Lefty Kreh model, TiCrX and Axiom are in the $225-$275 range. The Axiom is fast and strong, but I've not fished it for trout, only in the salt where distance usually trumps delicacy. TFO has reels to match.