Head-to-head · Best Fly Fishing Rods Under $300

Orvis Clearwater Fly Rods vs Redington Classic Trout

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

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The short answer

Redington Classic Trout comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.5 vs 4.3). Redington Classic Trout is best for: Trout anglers who fish dry flies, nymphs and light streamers inside 50 feet and want a rod that bends and gives feedback rather than a stiff distance rod; also a step up from an entry-level kit. Read the strengths below before deciding.

Ranked #3 in Best Fly Fishing Rods Under $300

Orvis Clearwater Fly Rods

4.3

1 source$298as of Oct 10

The Orvis Clearwater fly rod offers reliable performance at an affordable price point, making it ideal for beginners or as a backup rod for experienced anglers. Reviewers praised its well-balanced design and medium-fast action, which allows for versatile use from small streams to big rivers. The rod's durability and sleek appearance were also highlighted, along with its standout 25-year warranty. While some find it slightly heavy and stiff, the Clearwater remains a solid choice for those seeking a dependable all-around fly rod.

Strengths

— Well-balanced design that fits the hand like a glove
— Medium-fast action suitable for both small stream and big river fishing
— Durable construction that withstands accidental damage like setting hooks into rocks

Watch-outs

— Stiffer action may not suit all anglers' tastes

$298 · Buy at orvis.com Full review →

Higher ratedRanked #2 in Best Fly Fishing Rods Under $300

Redington Classic Trout

4.5

1 sourceall derived$199.99as of Oct 14

A medium-action, four-piece trout rod that Redington sells at $199.99 in the 9-foot 5-weight. Hatch Magazine calls it a rare deal and praises how smoothly it loads at fishing distances of 50 feet and under, while calling its reel seat and cork basic. Outdoor Life named it the best budget rod in its trout fly rod test.

Strengths

— Loads smoothly, bending nearly to the cork, per Hatch Magazine
— Suited to dry flies, nymphs and light streamers at 50 feet and under
— Soft tip is forgiving when setting the hook on light tippet

Watch-outs

— The tip is easy to shock past 50 feet, causing tailing loops, Hatch Magazine reports
— Reel seat hardware is bare-bones; Outdoor Life's tester had one come unglued from the blank
— Bulky handle of middle-of-the-road cork

$199.99 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Derived means the reviewer published no score, so one was inferred from their written verdict. Everything else is a number the publisher printed. How we rank.

How they stack up

Orvis Clearwater Fly Rods

The Orvis Clearwater Fly Rods has a medium-fast action, between the medium-action Redington Classic Trout and the fast-action Redington Vice. It costs more than the Classic Trout and the Echo Carbon XL Fly Rods & Outfits. It carries a 25-year warranty, where the Classic Trout's is a limited lifetime warranty to the original owner, and it can feel slightly heavy and stiff.

Redington Classic Trout

At $199.99 it is priced level with the Echo Carbon XL ($199.99) and below the Orvis Clearwater ($298) and Redington Vice ($279.99) on this page. Its medium action is slower than the fast-action Vice and the medium-fast Clearwater.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	Orvis Clearwater Fly Rods	Redington Classic Trout
Length	9 ft	9 ft (590-4)
Action	Medium-fast	Medium (Outdoor Life); Redington describes the 590 as medium-fast
Material	Graphite	—
Grip	modified Full Wells grip	Reversed half wells
Guides	chrome snake guides	Titanium-oxide stripping guides
Sections	4-piece	4-piece
Line Weight	—	5
Weight	—	2.9 oz (5-weight, per Hatch Magazine)
Warranty	—	Limited lifetime to original owner

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