I"m looking for a starter 5wt outfit. I've got about $200 give or take to spend.
I've seen a lot of combos out there: Cabela's, Reddington, Orvis Encounter, and others.
I'd like to hear your personal experience with any 5wt combo or other suggestions.

Thanks!

Most guys here will recommend TFO. I don't have experience with any TFO rods, but the NXT outfit can be had for about $200.
I bought my buddy an Echo Solo Outfit for $140 for his first fly rod, and he has been quite happy with it. I've cast it a few times while teaching how to fly cast, and for the price, it's a nice little combo.

2nd the TFO. Lifetime no fault warranty. Reel isn't as important as the rod. Bass Pro has one in your price range.

http://www.basspro.com/TFO-Professional-...12092605220112/

http://www.cabelas.com/product/TFO-Pro-Special-Fly-Rods/1589207.uts

I used it maybe 5 times before upgrading to to a tfo mini mag. Sell it for $60

I recommend getting Lamson Liquid Three-Pack Reel it comes with reel and three spools so you can swap out the lines. I have one spool for bass and another for trout.

OK great recommendations!

Redington products have never let me down, but you can't beat TFO on price and warranty.

I have many 5 weights as they are the perfect, "if you have only one rod". I have an 8'6" sage in almost mint condition that I would part with for a crisp $100 dollar bill. Some fishers love the sage rods-p-

Sage you say...? Just out of curiosity, what model? Strangely, I have just about every other wt Sage makes, but never felt the need for a 5 wt....

I just bought the Cabelas RLS+Fly Combo , Not used it yet but will soon . It can be had for $199.99 . If I upgrade in the future I plan to get the Orvis Clearwater combo . Both combos are good , depends what brand you want and budget . Orvis has 25 yr warranty .

I have a 5wt Clearwater Combo and I love it. Great setup and great warranty on all of Orvis's products!

TFO. They will replace it no matter what happens to it. Just remember to register it.

I second the Cabela's RLS+. Great rod for the price and they're almost always having a sale. It'll last you well into your intermediate stages as well, it's not just a beginners rod. Unlike the other guy I have actually used mine extensively though lol.

Good to know on the rod combo , how long you had it and what's the biggest fish you caught with it ? I work 5 days a week ,I'm at least 2 hrs away from any half way decent fishing hole plus the fact I've only had it 2 weeks now . That's the reason I have not used mine yet . If I lived close to water I would be using it everyday

I've had mine for about 2 years now. I'm from Colorado and I brought in a 26 inch rainbow on the Gunnison with it no problem, but the largest bass I've caught is only about ten pounds because I just got the rod to Texas for the first time since I bought it at the beginning of January. I've never had any problems fighting any of the fish I've had on because of the rod, most of the my problems are with bad knots.

Just got a Reddington crosswater combo from Three rivers fly shop (they're closing the store) and it was unde $100 with shipping. Hopefully trying it out tomorrow time permitting. Previously had an Orvis clearwater combo that I loved but slipped on a rock in the smokeys and it went the way of the ecconomy. While TFO has the best warrenty (I treid to order 1), Reddington still has a decent warrenty and the price was right, considering that I've broken all but my good rods in the last few years. My antique bamboo rods only come out of the case to show someone what they look like now. Not kidding, just can't afford to replace them these days.