I know there's been a couple of threads already on the new TFO BVK but, I wrote this product review for my site, warmfly.com, and I thought I would share it with you here.


I made the trek to Denver, CO this year for the International Fly Tackle Dealer Show. It was my first trip to Denver and my first ever fly fishing event for dealers. The product highlight of the show for me was the new TFO BVK (Bernard Victor Kreh) fly rods.

The new BVK rods are incredible. They are super light, fast action rods that cast like a dream. I would compare the action of the BVKs to that of the TFO Axiom series rods but, they are much, much lighter, as well as more responsive and more sensitive. I took the opportunity to cast the 3 thru 8 weight rods at the show and was impressed with all!

I think this is also the best looking rod in the TFO line-up. The blanks are a translucent olive with a beautiful double up locking, braded, carbon fiber reel seat. They also have REC recoil stripping guides, ultra lightweight chromium-impregnated stainless snake guides and flor grade grips that are comfortably contoured and uniquely contrasted.

The prices of the rods are:

3 wt. thru 6 wt. - $224.95
7 wt. thru 10 wt. - $249.94

The availability of the rod is:
Available the end of September
TF 05 90-4B
TF 06 90-4B
TF 07 90-4B
TF 08 90-4B

Available Fall/Winter 2010
TF 03 80-4B *
TF 04 86-4B *
TF 05 86-4B *
TF 09 90-4B *
TF 10 90-4B *


I�ve already placed my BVK order for Green Trout Fly Shop. I will issue a notification when they arrive. Feel free to drop by the shop for a test cast! Be sure and compare this rod to other light rods that cost $600 or more!

Denver rocks, did you go by Mile High? I want to cast the 5wt so I can sell myself a little bit more on it. . . .

Is this rod a Loomis NRX knock-off?

With Lefty's initials on it, I seriously doubt it is a knock-off.

No, TFO has their own design team and they have been working on this rod for a while. I saw several different prototype versions of this rod over the last year. The BVK is significantly lighter than the other TFO rods and it really is a nice rod to cast.

Have fun,
Rex

<hands over ears> I have enough fly rods. I have enough fly rods. I have enough fly rods. I have enough fly rods. I have enough fly rods. </hands>

Well, I guess I could use a 7 wt. Or maybe a 4.

You wanna die fish with a man's gun rod. Not a little sissy gun rod like that.

Let's ride fish!!

it would color coordinate well with the green wienie

You've got me there. I'm sure I'll cast one eventually and fall under its thrall...just give me time.

I'm glad TFO rods are finally losing some weight. It's always been the thing I didn't like about them. Redington and others have been making really light (and great-casting) rods for years in the same price brackets.

They still need to work on the logo though, and snazz up the size decal.

I believe that TFO has always favored strength over weight.
It is my understanding that many of the lightweight fly rods had failures and TFO entered that market.
Lefty Kreh and Flip Pallot contributed to design and function and TFO's engineering group produced a strong lightweight fly rod.
The BVK is a winner!

Yeah, I have heard that said but I don't ever remember seeing any numbers to substantiate it. I know of quite a few folks that fish their Redingtons and Sage Fli, Launchs hard with no problems--same price range. Also hear about a lot of broken TFOs. Maybe folks new to the sport that misuse/abuse them? Who knows. I still think it's about time TFO trimmed some fat off their rods. It makes me interested in trying them again.

I have probably broken more TFO's than most folks. Only one broke while I was fighting a fish. It was a prototype rod that I was testing. It was later redesigned in that area before release. All the others (7+) were broken by stupidity or freak accidents. I have pushed TFO rods way over the limit many times without failure. My rods are tools, not works of art. In my business sh$t happens.

I think the reason you hear about TFO's breaking is their great warranty program. It's so easy to get a rod repaired that people are not affraid to admit they did something stupid.

Scott I agree. If I were a guide, no doubt I'd go with TFO for my boat rods since they are more of a workhorse rod and with the great warranty service. I doubt most folks buy them for heirlooms as much as some others. But they have some really great tapers so this is a good way for them to go. I think there's a decent segment that will have another look-see now.

first off i sell the bvk and tfo lineup of rods. im also a high end builder and am not trying to brag but i know my gear and materials better than most. first off the bvk actually made me think tfo was heading in a good direction....till i started to get complaints of breakage. broke one today pulling 6 lbs of pressure in 4 different locations on a 9 wt.! and theyre not rec recoils. theyre a knock off company...much like tfo