“At long last I have managed to give the 9ft Ti5 some decent river time. Wow! I thought it would be stiffer than the P5 and was surprised to find that this was not the case. I was even more surprised to experience the efficiency and ease at which it casts at all distances from the very short leader only, right out to 100ft. Nimble and powerful with tons of feedback.
Swing weight is not something that I have taken much notice of, or have even been aware of. The Ti 5 has a much lighter swing weight than the P5 even thought the weight difference between the rods is negligible.
As you know it can be difficult to put rod action into words. I don’t know how much you know about dogs? I have a dog analogy that goes some way to explaining the difference between the P5 and Ti5! The German Shepherd is probably the most versatile dogs in the world. It can do anything, search and rescue, security work, tracking, guiding the blind, companion dog and house pet. The P5 is like the German Shepherd. Then along comes the Belgium Malinois a smaller lighter dog that can do everything the German Shepherd does, but can do it quicker. A turbo charged German Shepherd. My analogy is not 100% accurate as to get the best out of the super charged Malinois the trainer need to be accomplished and has to put more effort. I’m not sure whether the fly caster needs to be particularly accomplished to get the best out of the TI5, a wonderful versatile fly rod.”
Ian Hedley, United Kingdom
"I have never sent feedback on any of your rods I own. Obviously, I love them all as I have come back to you for multiple rods in my quiver. Each one has a special place in my heart.
I've had a chance to fish the Ti5 a few times now and become more amazed each time i take it out. This rod is uncanny. It is unbelievably light in hand and the swing weight IS actually lighter than the P5. I've casted multiple lines on this rod already on the water as well as on the lawn. It's not picky and casts on grain weight line with ease but does not object to being overloaded with even 1.5+ weight heavy line. It is light and crisp. The recovery is unbelievably quick. The bend profile is on point as a slightly softer tip than the P5 transitions smoothly down into a capable mid section and sturdy butt section. Casting dries at close range is playful. It can cast at your toes with almost no line out of the tip. It truly can present a fly at almost unthinkable short distances without overcasting, but don't think this thing doesn't have backbone. It certainly has the capability to be a distance show off rod as well. This rod has incredible feedback. It speaks to you with each cast and can change casting styles on call. This rod excels in its versatility. When called upon, it can throw an open loop on the backcast and then punch a dry on a long leader 50+ feet into the wind without issues on the next cast. Dries, streamers, indicators, wind, this is truly an all around 5 weight workhorse.
I have settled on the SA Infinity smooth line for the Ti5 as it seems to be designed for what fishing we do in WY mostly. Foam dry dropper rigs thru the summer with an occasional small baetis hatch and indicators thru most of the year when they won't poke their noses out for dries. The Ti5 casts it with ease.
I have been a dedicated P5 advocate for several years now and frankly wasn't convinced it could be improved. The Ti5 has taken top spot in my 5 weight fly rod pecking order. When we discuss your rods around here we talk about their soul. The Ti5 might be said to have spirituality."
Brian Darnell, Wyoming, USA
"I am finally home from Maine and was able to take the Ti5 out to the pond where I practice my casting to really see what it can do. I want to inform you that after casting the rod finally in the perfect environment for over an hour in every way imaginable, it is the best modern fly rod I have ever laid hands on. In particular, it is the first rod where I can actually sense the fast recovery and the advantages of such. Until today I was a bit skeptical of that jargon. Still appreciating the flex of the rod too. So glad it is not fast flexing. One more week until Yellowstone National Park to see how she bends with a fish on!! Thanks again for designing and making such a great product for the thing I like to do more than anything. Have a good one!"
Steve Worsley, Maine, USA
“I’ve used my Ti5 9ft a few times now. I noticed the fine tip section when unpacking the rod and wondered how it would cast. I was surprised by how crisp the rod felt no matter how much line I carried in the air. But when I hook a fish the tip comes alive and there is no chance of pulling the hook out. I've used the SA Mastery Trout and it feels good, a Rio 3ft Midge Tip (at the top end of the WF5 grain weight) flies !! Lovely rod!“
Duncan Collins, United Kingdom
