Scott; that's the best statement i've ever read on this subject. Give yourself a cookie because you have found the right ANSWER(in my humble opinion)-p-

TFO BVK 9 wt. [Bulletin Board] Posted by Dave Sellers on 2010-12-16 14:05:32

I just cast the new BVK 9wt. and really like it. The basic description of the rod is that it is deep emerald in color, has light flexible wire stripping guides, an attractive, easy to use reel seat (you have to tighten the reel with one lug first, wiggle the reel to fully seat, tighten again then secure it with the second lug as is standard on many rods but people often use both lugs at once which can result in a loose reel). The ferrules are more conventional than most TFO rods. There isn't a second color used on the male ferrule as is the case with most rods in the TFO line up. The fighting butt is small and light which brings me to the most noticeable element of the rod, which is that it is very light in the hand. As for casting, I would describe it as very easy to get used to. It is not my fastest rod but certainly not slow either. However, if fast or slow is the best way to describe a rod then I would describe it as medium fast. However, that, to me, does not tell the story. I would say that it instantly "asks" you to cast with minimal effort. I think this is because it IS a bit slower compared to so many ultra fast rods which can feel dead until you force a load upon them. If there ever was an argument to be made for a less than ultra fast rod in the hands of an experienced caster yielding all day easy casting dividends, then the BVK seems to do it. So far I have just cast sinking lines on the rod but look forward to casting a full floater later today. I'll report back! Bottom line, I love the rod for all day casting! It can toss big flies easily and yet feels like a much lighter weight rod. Excellent new offering for sure!Dave


http://www.danblanton.com/viewmessage.php?id=148250

Ok, I'll jump into this. I'll agree that it's the rod you are comfortable with.

I have a Sage Z 8wt (and 5wt) and like them. Had a TFO Clouser and had trouble with it (my casting style, not the rod). I've heard the new BVKs are light and cast well...we'll have to see when they hit the store in February...about the time the Winston Boron rods will arrive. I plan on trying several...Winston Boron, the GVX (all graphite Winston) and the BVK. My current, all time favorite, is the Sage FLite 6wt. It just works for me, but might not work for you...

Also, remember that like several on the Board, I get professional pricing, but several also know that I will not recommend something in the store that I have not fished and like. I consider it Fly Shop ethics.

Off topic: Today, on the Brazos, I was fishing my TFO Finesse 3wt, which is a great, light weight, finesse rod and I really really like it.

this rod in particular just might be the best TFO rod made.