Reviewed this week
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UMPQUA
Fly boxes
We sometimes take fly boxes for granted because they’re generally viewed as ‘simple accessories’ – but they’re not that – plenty of thought goes into their design and production. As simple as a gasket seems, it’s responsible for keeping your precious flies dry when you/your fly box take an unexpected dunk (that rubber/silicone part needs to be designed and manufactured to very tight specifications if it’s going to do its intended job).
What about the see-through lid? Will it stay see-through, or will scratch and crack easily? – or can it stand some abuse? Using the right (clear) polymer for a lid also enables you to select flies before popping the lid open – a nice option when you’re selecting flies in the rain, or wind. Will the clamp mechanism endure years of use or break down after half a season?
You get the picture.
Umpqua takes the above considerations, and many more, very seriously when crafting their fly boxes. We tested 5 models that ranged in size, silicone/foam option and magnet option. They all performed extremely well. Magnets held flies in place, both silicone and foam options held flies securely (the silicone option impressively so). Sizing is an important factor as well, fly boxes need to adapt to vest and pack parameters, and Umpqua hits that Goldilocks spot with all of their (small, medium and large) boxes. Boat boxes are also available.
The boxes are also precision made, example, the razor siping on the foam and silicone beds is consistent in depth and width. Those high quality foam and silicone beds also have a good, consistent density, so no worries about flies coming loose.
It’s clear that Umpqua designers and testers have thought through and exactingly combined all the variables before signing off to production. These boxes won’t let you down. Each item we tested offered consistent performance over an extended 150-day testing period.
Highly recommended.
ORVIS
PRO Hybrid wading boot
Hybrid wading boots are a rare find, leaving anglers to wonder: are they a smart innovation or an awkward compromise?
The Orvis PRO Hybrid wading boot presents an intriguing answer.
Design and Construction
This wading boot combines synthetic materials and durable rubber for a lightweight and rugged build. A padded collar and tongue enhance comfort around the ankle, reducing chafing during extended wear. A brilliantly designed lace-up system ensures a secure fit, minimizing the risk of blisters while providing stability for long days on the water. The boot's abrasion-resistant construction and water-resistant synthetic leather upper keep it light and enable it to perform well in wet conditions.
Traction and Stability
Optimal traction stems from the Michelin brand sole, which provides good grip on wet, rocky, and uneven terrain. The rubber compound excels in both dry and wet conditions. The hybrid sole features a felt component that offers enhanced grip on moss-covered rocks. This hybrid approach allows anglers to adapt to varying conditions, making the boot versatile for different types of wading.
Comfort and Fit
Designers had comfort in mind. The boot features cushioned midsoles that absorb shock, reducing fatigue during long wading sessions. Overall flexible construction allows natural foot movement while providing ample support. Its unisex fit and customizable lace-up system ensures a snug fit. High-quality Ortholite X25 foam insoles offer the perfect balance of density for durability, stability, and comfort.
After extensive testing, we determined that overall, the hybrid design strikes an excellent balance between performance and comfort, proving to be highly adaptable to various water conditions. Additionally, the boot’s lightweight construction and excellent fit make it ideal for long, arduous days spent in the water.
The Orvis PRO Hybrid Wading Boot proves to be a top contender in the market, offering an excellent choice for anglers seeking a versatile, durable, and well-constructed wading boot at a very reasonable price.
The boots fit true to size.
Other things we liked:
Extremely abrasion resistant
Top-tier lace up system
Innovative PU-cage construction eliminates seams in high-wear zones to improve durability
High quality 3D molded OrthoLite X25 insoles are just the right density, increasing stability and comfort
Felt sole securely accommodates optional studs
Large heel pull for easy on-and-off
High density laces for extended durability
Pricing makes these boots a very attractive purchase
Highly recommended.
SAGE
SONIC fly rod
In a few words, a very good “generalist” fly rod with one important, defining attribute – a brawny blank.
Sage calls the SONIC a “multi-application” rod, but we found that it’s better suited to larger water where athletic casting is a big part of your fishing day (this is also a rod to take along to new fishing spots, where there might be some unknowns. Wind? Higher than expected flow? Larger than expected fish?) The SONIC will supply you with more than ample power to cast to and land large fish - it’s a rod that, quite simply, is capable of taking on the most challenging fishing situations.
Note that the series is underrated: the 5 weight we tested fared far better when strung up with a WF6F line.
Other things we liked:
Robust line guides
Excellent mending capability
Handles even stiff winds with ease
Balances well with both modern and classic (slightly heavier) reels
Build quality supersedes price point
Premium rod tube
The SONIC may not be highly suited for targeting small fish (in small water), but note that this is one of Sage’s more innovative blanks in the last half-decade – it excels at all casting distances - even short casts, as the rod responds extremely well to compact casting strokes.
