TFO Solution Fly Rod Review - New Rods for 2024!
Model-by-Model Review and Comparison
These new TFO Solution fly rods are fantastic and a whole new level of design and performance for TFO. This is the TFO series designed to finally convince people who wouldn't normally buy a TFO because they own better rods. Solution rods are more refined and have the finesse that was lacking from some other TFO models in the past. We already enjoyed the Blitz saltwater series and this new Solution is for all the trout / freshwater guys who have been waiting for a great rod that wasn’t over $1,000 - this is the "Solution" that TFO came up with for the price-to-performance equation.
Overview of Each Size with Testing Notes:
3wt: 8'0"
Haven't tested this nearly as much as the 4/5/6wt rods but it's definitely fun.
4wt: 8'6" and 9'0"
Excellent - These will be very popular especially since people may want to add to their 5wt or 6wt rods but without spending too much $$$ on a 4wt. Only the Scott Centric is noticeably better for under $1,000 but it's still nearly double the price of this rod.
5wt: 8'6" and 9'0" (plus a longer 9'6" model which we didn't test yet)
I tested this with Rio Gold and Technical Trout, SA Infinity and MPX. All performed relatively well. Tech Trout or SA Trout would be the minimum in terms of grain weight, in my opinion, but worked well. Infinity or Gold, up to MPX weight are really ideal on these rods (6wt also).
6wt: Two 9'0" rods, one with standard freshwater handle and another with a fighting butt. I think SA Infinity or MPX are the way to go with these rods just depending what size flies you like to throw. I mainly used MPX and had zero issues, it works great.
7wt: 9'0" (plus a longer 10'0" model which we didn't test yet)
This is nice, I think a good crossover fresh/salt rod with, again, more finesse than other TFO rods for people who want that. Otherwise the Blitz is still an excellent choice.
8wt: 9'0" - A size category we know extremely well here at Salt Fly Pro as we sell 8wt rods the most.
This is pretty much the best 8wt saltwater rod under $900 except maybe the Blitz (depending on what fly lines you like). Definitely this is the best for Bonefish applications and finesse saltwater fly fishing.
The shortest way to review these new rods would be to say that you should just get one if this is the price range you are in the market for... Why? Because nothing else exists at this price point that is close to this level of performance. Next up from $499 is the $675 mark with the Sage Sonic and the new Scott Session (both very nice rods also, but $175 is money that could go toward a nice reel or fly line too).
Popular question everyone will ask: "How do these new rods compare to ______." We will do a full "shootout" style of review rounding up all the freshwater rods at the mid-price level (let's say arbitrarily $300-$675 or so) and then the $1,000+ level as well. This secret review isn't quite ready and we are also going to be testing rods that haven't been announced yet to the public.
We will have a more in-depth review soon as we are still testing these new rods, so stay tuned or feel free to call / email us with any questions in the mean time.
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