From Jeff Putnam:
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Bill, here is a report I completed for Orvis based on their new switch lines. I really liked the line as it will overhead and spey cast. A good "first line" line to sell with any switch rod. Take care, Jeff
Load:
I matched the WF-6-F switch line with the 11’- #6 Orvis Helios Switch Rod. The WF-6-F belly weighed 330 grains at 35’ in length. The 6 weight switch rod loaded well for both spey and overhead casting applications. For spey casting I would prefer another 30-40 grains heavier although this would negatively affect its overhead casting performance and capabilities. The weight of the line is matched well for overhead casting. My casting students both preferred the 7 weight switch rod/line combination for spey casting as it was easier to feel the rod load. Both enjoyed the 6 weight outfit for overhead casting. The beginning student struggled a bit when casting the 6 weight with any spey cast. Switching to the 7 weight outfit quickly remedied the issue.
Turnover:
During overhead and spey casting the turnover of the loop was powerful without being too aggressive. Casting a medium sized yarn indicator or a ¾” or 1” size “ThingamaBobber” with split shot (2 Sized BB) and #10 Bead Head Prince Nymph was easy even for my casting students. I also cast a 9’3x mono leader with a 3’- 25lb butt section which performed really well. Poly leaders 40-60 grains also cast well. I hit a limit of poly leader grain weight at 90 grains on the 6 weight switch line. The line and leader turnover was a bit unbalanced and started to “hinge” at 95 grains or heavier. The 7 weight switch line and rod combination turned over a 90-105 grain poly leader with no problem. Tight loops were easy to form when casting both lines.
Taper:
I like the overall taper of the switch lines. The rear taper/belly/front taper were proportionate with one another, resulting in a powerful turnover that wasn’t splashy when landing on the water. The overall taper design made loop formation easy. The presentation cast also benefitted from the taper as well. After the looped turned over there was plenty of time for mending before the line landed on the water.
Welded Loops:
I would like to see the welded loop not create such a huge difference in diameter. On the 6 weight, the line diameter goes from .038 to .050 where the loop is welded. This can be fixed by tapering the line down to .023-.025 in the last 1-2 inches and then weld it to form the loop. Mainly this is a cosmetic problem although loops usually break down at this junction. I would also like to see a welded loop at the backing end. Other manufactures like Rio are adding loops to attach the backing to the fly line.
Mending and Casting:
The length of the belly (35’ on the 6 weight) made it easy to control the presentation by mending to 45’ from where I was standing. The line floats high adding to its ability for easy mending. The color of the line made it visible in low light conditions. The slick coating made shooting distance easy. These features make it a great line for indicator nymphing as well as swinging presentations.
Overall: The lines were easy to cast for beginners and advanced casters while providing adequate load for both overhead and spey casting techniques. Attaching a tapered leader whether mono-filament or poly leaders was easy with the loop to loop connection. I am very pleased that Orvis is offering the most versatile line available today for switch rods. With a taper design that can fish indicators and split shot or swing a streamer on a sinking leader, this line should be the first choice for anyone who uses a switch rod!
http://speyshop.kiene.com/orvisswitchline.aspx
Jeff Putnam
Jeff Putnam's Fly Fishing Schools
Website:
www.jpflyfishing.com
Email:
jeff@jpflyfishing.com