Recently, the local fly fishing club found itself in dire need of new rods for casting clinics and public events. The club had once possessed six 2-piece rods but was down to just three functional ones. Additionally, the remaining rods were challenging to store and transport, with a high swing weight that made casting cumbersome.
Enter Maxxon Outfitters, which was offering a sale on their beginner-friendly 'Gorge' series rods. Having had favorable interactions with the Maxxon team at ICAST, including testing their Aerlius and Double-X rod series, I suspected the Gorge would be a worthy choice. The attractively priced sale led to our purchase of six 5-weight, 8-foot, 6-inch rods, all designed with a four-piece construction.
Upon receipt of the rods a week later, I immediately began testing them. Unfortunately, one rod broke near its tip. I promptly submitted a warranty claim and was pleasantly surprised to receive a response within half an hour, assuring me that a replacement tip was on its way.
To evaluate the performance of the Gorge rods, I conducted a comprehensive test that included checking accuracy at 20, 40, and 60 feet, casting distance, and executing a 90-degree change-of-direction cast. I utilized three different 5-weight fly lines during these tests: Cortland 444 WF5F, Mastery GPX WF5F, and Maxxon's own Premium Freshwater WF5F. Each line provided unique insights into the rod's capabilities.
Price is a crucial factor for anglers operating within a budget. In our current pricing framework for fly rods, 'Budget' rods cap out at $200. The Maxxon Gorge, priced at $149, slots neatly into this category, competing against other budget options like the Allen Heritage and Redington Classic Trout. It also boasts a lifetime warranty for replacement parts, with a nominal fee of $35 for a broken section.
Aesthetically, the Gorge rod impresses with its PVC tube case covered in cordura. Lightweight and easy to manage, it stands alongside competitors such as the Orvis Encounter and Redington Classic Trout. The rod features a comfortable cork grip, and its all-aluminum reel seat comes equipped with a reliable locking ring. Its unique bluish-green blank offers a refreshing change from the usual gray or black used in most budget rods.
Race Results
Race Results
Race Results
In terms of casting performance, the Gorge held its ground with all three lines. With a moderate-fast action, it demonstrated exceptional handling, especially with the heavier GPX line. Notably, the Premium line achieved distances over 80 feet consistently, while the Cortland 444 line produced almost comparable results but felt superior for shorter distances. Both lines proved to be excellent choices for pairing with the rod.
Race Results
Race Results
Accuracy testing revealed results that exceed expectations for a budget rod, performing comparably to any other in its category. Nonetheless, the 90-degree test revealed areas where the rod struggled, a trait not uncommon among budget options when compared to higher-end models.
In conclusion, the Maxxon Gorge fly rod is a stellar choice for budget-conscious anglers. Our club selected well, and we are optimistic that our students and members will greatly appreciate the rod's performance and affordability.