Thread: New fly rod advice - weight and brands/models?

I haven't used a TCX myself but I have used the old TCR which was a very fast action, powerful punch into the wind type rod on the plus but very tiring to use and no good for gentle presentations. I've found rods like the Sage One and method are 'an things to all people' type rod that can do all because the action is even right through the blank - a slower but still very powerful action spread through the blank as opposed to a fast tip action which is what the cheaper rods are like. Good to have a go with these as a reference. A slower action is much easier to cast with because the timing doesn't need be as precise. As Kiwijames writes above second hand 'Ones' sell in your range

Epic 590C or 690C is a top class fly rod and an NZ company. $580 is near your budget if you're prepared to "roll your own" from their kit, though that doesn't leave much for reel etc.