HCE Spec 10' 6wt Affinity X 4pc

Whilst we still have a few new designs in various stages of development, we recently completed testing, tuning & building our 10' 6wt model, the HCE Spec - CTS Affinity X 6100 4pc. 
The CTS Affinity X blank is fast actioned with a fast taper, great for longer casts through the tip when waist deep and really is very good for line control when used Loch Style.
We're pretty chuffed with the casting trials and nearly fought over turns to cast it. Picking up 60' off the water is pretty easy and then sending the line away another 40' with a single back cast is a breeze. There was no need to cycle the cast quickly, a relaxed rythym is all we needed.
This is a "100' all day long" rod (if thats your thing) as we've designed it to be light in hand with the HCE Spec build. 60 to 80' is ridiculously easy. Seriously.
Line wise, we trialled both a Teeny LaFontaine Pro and an SA Textured GPX. Both are great - this rod will like most WF lines and the longer the head, the better this rod likes it. Tony tried a SA MED 7wt line and was roll casting 70'. We gave it the distance blast and were reaching 115-120', using the substantial low down butt power.


We see this rod as a big water option, where deep wading and long casts help reach productive areas such as weed beds and drop offs. 


In a boat, drifting teams of flies, Loch Style.


Or lobbing a couple of heavy nymphs across fast water, Tongarirro style.



Feel wise, it is not a broom stick. The tip section is firm yet sensitive. You can feel the butt wanting to come into play when you begin to really push, yet in close, it is very well behaved.


We like it. A lot. (TJ - I think this became my all time favorite 6wt by about the 3rd cast!)


On the 2nd of August, we took our range of rods to the Northern Suburbs Fly Fishing Club. This rod proved to be very popular - Everyone who had a cast loved the rod! A few of the clubs gunn casters where reaching distances of up to 145'... not that you'd ever cast that far on the water but simply highlights the sensation performance of this rig. The line used on the day was an ordinary SA GPX taper. We even took an order for a 9' version in a 6pc for a serious New Zealand back country pack rod!


If anyone in the local Melbourne area would like a cast of any of our rods, get in touch with us through our website or the Fly Life forum and we can organise some time on a local lake or park somewhere - And you get to speak with the rod makers themselves in person. Not bad eh!