Anderson custom rods

**Jessebergen** · October 11th, 2011, 06:36 PM

Does anybody have experience with the ACR spey rods? I've been looking at the explorer 1266-4 for small/med river work.
they seem like a good deal, especially with the matched scandi head that comes with it. Guys in Oregon seem to like them, but i haven't met anyone in BC who has cast them. they aren't to much at $450 but thats still an expensive burn.

Thanks a lot.

**bthomas** · October 12th, 2011, 07:31 AM

I have an Anderson rod , but not the Explorer series . Mine is a 12 ft. 3 weight spey rod that converts to a 9 ft. 4 weight single hander . The workmanship is terrific - right up there with the elegance of the Burkies , and without the flamboyance of the Meisers .
My understanding is that the Explorer series of rods are stripped down versions of Gary`s more expensive rods . If I was in need of yet another rod , ACR would be the first place I`d look .

**Fishtown** · October 18th, 2011, 08:08 PM

I was just in Oregon and saw some pretty impressive looking ACRs. Check out Deschutes Angler for more info. John Hazel has some co-designed ACR rods in stock.

**DOC** · December 11th, 2011, 08:28 PM

I have 3 ACR rods as ell as a couple of Meisers and one Burkie-My absolute favorite rod/cannon is the ACR 13/6 7/8 weight-It easily handles weight grain up to 600 and maybe higher. most of Gary's rods at least in the past were SAGE blanks although he makes some of his own blanks as weel.The prices are at least 200 less than Meiser and 300 less than Burkie[retail]If you cann find one in good shape snap it up.Expect to pay 350-400 for one but still less than Meiser.If you are stuck on Meier i have an 8/9 MKS in excellant cond for 500 as i want to buy another ACR

**fredaevans** · December 16th, 2011, 08:30 PM

Have several of Gary's rods and they're all as sweet as a new born Baby. Way in the past, as noted above, Gary did build off of Sage rods but that (save for a specific request) hasn't been the case for several years. The rods you get are all his own design. The thing I personally like about the rods is there all a single number designation. You order up a 5wt rod, that's exactly what you get; want a 7 ... you get a 7. Match the rod with a Steve Godshall custom cut line (you usually get one with your new rod) and you have a set up worthy of the Gods.
fae

**Jessebergen** · December 19th, 2011, 10:17 PM

I ended up buying the ex1266-4 from gary and love it. Great guy to deal with, and this rod is unbeatable for the price range. The rods performs beautifully with the free scandi line included, but what i love is the pairing with a 450 grain airflo skagit compact, perfect on tight bank. Highly recommended.