The past couple of years I have been interested in an ultra light #3 (or even a #2) bamboo rod in the 8 - 8.5 ft range. Not an easy task to make a bamboo rod longer than 7.5 ft in very light line weights and still keep a certain level of snappiness. Longer rods for 'Western fishing conditions' (8 - 8.5 ft) in the #5-6 weight have been popular since the 1950's, but last 10-15 years longer lightweight rods in the #4 have been appearing from makers like Per Brandin, James Reams, Bjarne Fries and Mario Wojnicki.
After some research I recently got in touch with Cris Carpenter, rod maker from Missouri, near Kansas City. Cris was heavily influenced by Californian bamboo rod makers like Mario Wojnicki and probably Per Brandin as these two rod makers shared a rod shop together for a period. Later he learned a lot from rod maker Curt Elder on hollowing techniques. Cris' orders are mostly light (3-4 weight) rods in the 8 to 8.5 ft lengths.
The initial feeling of the rod after I put the two sections together was a very light (due to hollow building) and lively rod weighing a mere 3.4 oz (96 grams). The ultra thin guides is probably one of the many choices Cris made to keep rod as light as possible. The blank has a stealthy matte finish thanks to the hand rubbed oil of some sort rather than the usual dipped varnish. I also like the short ferrules.
Making bamboo work for long and light line weight rods is not as simple as one might think. To make a rod cast such light line weights means less material is needed. A (for bamboo measures) long rod also means keeping the rod structurally strong enough, so there is a slight paradox going on here.The rod has a very nice medium progressive action. Tried some different line weights, ranging from a 2 weight to a 4 weight. I liked it best with a 3 weight. The rod casts an amazing line, especially in the 25 - 40 ft, typical fishing distances. But the rod will cast tight loops to 50ft without much of a problem (despite it was too windy for my taste), although this is a distance a 3 weight rod has 'no business being there'! We're talking about a 3 weight rod and yet it's quite amazing with this rod feels like I'm casting a heavier line weight. The authority of the smooth medium action really is remarkable.
Since this is a demo rod, there are certain aspects I'd like different if I'd order one right away. On rods longer than 7.5ft I prefer a 3 piece rod. I am curious how Cris would keep the same taper in a 3 piece version. I'd also prefer a slightly stronger butt. A slightly stronger butt would allow to cast off the nice soft tip with a short casting stroke even better at shorter distances. This will increase accuracy. And yes, it would give the rod a bit more oomph for casting 30+ ft. I'd also prefer a cork seat rather than wood to keep the weight even lower. At last, I'd like a slightly shorter and thinner grip. And maybe a different shape, although I was surprised how nice this cigar shape feels in hand.Cris Carpenter is definitely a rod maker that should be noticed. Long and light rods is certainly not for everyone but if that's what you're looking for, do get in touch with Cris. He really knows what it is needed to make a lively yet authoritative ultra light rod. Cris' next step in his rod offerings are quadrate rods. He just started experimenting with spliced joint rods. Although I've never tried a spiced joint rod, eliminating a metal ferrule would probably make the rod feel like a one piece rod.
Thank you Cris for letting me try this rod!
