Not all that long ago, I thought breaking the mythical $1000 barrier for graphite fly rods would send shockwaves through the fly-fishing trade. I was wrong…
I think it would be a good idea to change rod user designations employed by Loomis from beginner, intermediate, expert to low end/middle-class, high-end middle-class and ultra wealthy. Each rod level should be color coded so the owner will be immediately recognizable to other nimrods. Rods could also be delivered with specialized color coordinated clothing.
You would think that someone who opines about fly fishing products constantly for a living would have some kind of appreciation for the costs that manufacturers have with labor, materials, marketing, warranty repairs, and employer taxes. But then again, that might put Mr. Deeter in the camp of a business person instead of a professional sermonizer....Always complaining about something instead of promoting the sport that supports him.
It's just a reflection on how uncompetitive America's economy is. Mixed in to $1600 is the absurd cost of privatized healthcare and other social utilities that have been privatized.
A $1700 graphite rod? Sure. Why not. Pair it with those $900 waders that promise ‘next‑gen durability’ and then blow a crotch seam the moment you look at a willow branch wrong. Meanwhile, Alaska trout are over there eating half‑drowned voles like they’re at a Michelin‑star tasting menu. They don’t care if your rod was hand‑blessed by a monk or if your waders were sewn by Scandinavian elves. They care if you can put a fly somewhere near water and not immediately face‑plant. Everything else is just a very expensive costume for adults who want to cosplay as rugged.
I think it would be a good idea to change rod user designations employed by Loomis from beginner, intermediate, expert to low end/middle-class, high-end middle-class and ultra wealthy. Each rod level should be color coded so the owner will be immediately recognizable to other nimrods. Rods could also be delivered with specialized color coordinated clothing.
Says the owner of a Boulder Boat and EVJeep as examples.
Kirk,
If you have any feedback on the piece, I'm sure the other Kirk would love to hear. ~Andrew
You would think that someone who opines about fly fishing products constantly for a living would have some kind of appreciation for the costs that manufacturers have with labor, materials, marketing, warranty repairs, and employer taxes. But then again, that might put Mr. Deeter in the camp of a business person instead of a professional sermonizer....Always complaining about something instead of promoting the sport that supports him.
It's just a reflection on how uncompetitive America's economy is. Mixed in to $1600 is the absurd cost of privatized healthcare and other social utilities that have been privatized.
There is no logic to your statement. Not surprising, considering you are from St. Paul Minnesota...
A $1700 graphite rod? Sure. Why not. Pair it with those $900 waders that promise ‘next‑gen durability’ and then blow a crotch seam the moment you look at a willow branch wrong. Meanwhile, Alaska trout are over there eating half‑drowned voles like they’re at a Michelin‑star tasting menu. They don’t care if your rod was hand‑blessed by a monk or if your waders were sewn by Scandinavian elves. They care if you can put a fly somewhere near water and not immediately face‑plant. Everything else is just a very expensive costume for adults who want to cosplay as rugged.
Damn rod better double as a lightsaber at that price level…