So I am looking at some of the combo starter packages and am torn between TFO NXT combo or the Orvis Encounter combo...any opinions on these and or experience?
Thanks!!

And if you have a 9ft 6wt combo ready to fish I'm interested as well!!

I don't have a TFO so I can't comment on it, but I have an 8 wt Encounter and I don't like it at all.

It's really heavy, has bad fly line, and casts poorly (at least for me).

I've seen good comments on here about the NXT.

Can't comment on either of those two specific outfits, but I have an Orvis Clearwater outfit that I really like. It is not too much more expensive than then Encounter.

My neighbor got the Encounter Combo in a 8 weight. and it quickly deteriorated after just a few outings. The eyes rusted off the rod and the ferrules had major cracking. He rinsed the rod in fresh water after every outing. The Encounter carries a different guarantee than the other Orvis rods.

I don't know about the NXT, but I've had a few TFO rods and they have held up well after lots of use.

Go TFO period!!

Thanks guys....wow the orvis reviews are quite surprising!! Well I ordered the TFO from sierra trading as it was half off what Bass Pro charges!!! Lol! I am super excited to say the least!!

I am going to try redington for my next rod..do like the TFOs though

I am about to do the same thing jasoniam...let me know what you think!

X2 on the clearwater!!

I have the TFO NXT I ordered off Sierra Trading post and I love it. It is the best bang for my buck rod/reel I own.

FWIW on the combo packages... I've never seen any of them come with a fly line that was worth a flip. For that matter, I've never been a fan of the Orvis lines either.

Well funny thing....I thought I was gonna help the small guy out and looked at flyshack.com and found the TFO combo on there for $124.99 so I ordered it and all they send is a rod...they say they don't do the combos and I'd have to pay an extra $80 for the reel and line and all....So that is goin back for a refund!! Well so I am searching now looking at actually doing the combo through Sierra Trading Post and wow look on craigslist seeing if anyone is selling their old combo looking to upgrade or whatnot....a pawn shop in Irving has a Lamson Lightspeed 2 with a St. Croix Legend Ultra 9ft 4pc in a 5wt with case and line $200...went last night to hold that till I get the refund in...cant wait to see how this combo works out!!

I agree that combos for beginners almost always have the cheapest fly line and often times a trashy reel as well.
I started with a beginner combo from Fishing Tackle Unlimited. Great rod. Terrible line.

FYI - since 2013 Orvis has owned Scientific Anglers and the current Orvis lines are made by Scientific Anglers.
I just bought my first Orvis line and it is excellent

You just found an incredible deal.
Both reel and rod are made in USA should serve you well for a lifetime.

I got my first rod, reel and line as a combo off Sierra Trading Post. A really nice Targus Gary Borger Pro 7wt. Reel was a junk pressed metal Ross and terrible mystery line. Still, rod was worth it. It took a while to realize the line was a real impediment to making a decent cast.

Somehow, I survived all those early odd ball purchases. I think it takes time to find a set up that makes the most sense.

That pawn shop is literally down the road from me. I went and looked at that combo about a month ago. If I didn't already have a 6wt I would have gotten it. You're getting a great combo from what I saw.