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

Orvis Clearwater Fly Rods vs Redington Vice

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 Vice comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.5 vs 4.3). Redington Vice is best for: Anglers who want a fast-action rod under $300 for wind, heavy flies and bigger fish, including saltwater flats and warmwater use. 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 #4 in Best Fly Fishing Rods Under $300

Redington Vice

4.5

1 sourceall derived$279.99as of Oct 14

A fast-action, four-piece carbon fiber rod that Redington sells at $279.99. Hatch Magazine was hard-pressed to find fault with it after using the 9-weight on Louisiana redfish, reporting tight loops, accurate casts at 30 to 60 feet and performance that held up even with a poorly matched line. The reviewer's one quibble is its weight.

Strengths

— Threw tight loops when pushed and softer open loops at short range, per Hatch Magazine
— Accurate at 30 feet and in, with 50 feet reachable on one false cast in the reviewer's practice
— Shot spoon flies and heavy shrimp patterns into gusts with little problem

Watch-outs

— Not as light as more expensive fast-action rods; Hatch Magazine describes a beefy feel
— Hatch Magazine's review covers the 9-weight only, so its findings may not carry over to the trout weights

$279.99 · 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 Vice

The Vice is the fast-action choice on this page; the Redington Classic Trout is a medium-action rod and the Orvis Clearwater medium-fast. At $279.99 it costs more than the Classic Trout and Echo Carbon XL (both $199.99) and less than the Orvis Clearwater ($298).

Specs side-by-side

Spec	Orvis Clearwater Fly Rods	Redington Vice
Length	9 ft	9 ft (990-4, the size Hatch Magazine reviewed)
Action	Medium-fast	Fast
Material	Graphite	Multi-modulus carbon fiber
Grip	modified Full Wells grip	—
Guides	chrome snake guides	Black anodized snake guides
Sections	4-piece	4-piece
Line Weight	—	9

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