{"product_id":"cts-affinity-x-9ft-5wt-fly-rod","title":"CTS Affinity-X 9ft 5wt fly rod","description":"\u003cdiv\u003eCustom build features: premium aluminum reel seat with walnut burl insert. Wood accents on cork grip. Snake Brand guides. Comes with rod sock and dark blue carbon fiber rod tube.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eThis rod is built on a CTS Affinity X blank made in New Zealand. CTS makes some of the best rod blanks in the world. I think they are as good or better than any rod blanks out there. The paint on the rods are automotive quality. They call this color \"dragon\". I recently reviewed premium 5wt fly rod blanks available to rod builders. Here is my review of this blank.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003eWow, this is a powerful rod! The “X” is for extra fast, but this rod is not a one trick pony. This is a sophisticated blank that does everything well but is particularly good at distance and punching tight loops into the wind. I am not a great distance caster, but I was able to cast farther with this rod than any other rod I have tried. That is why I am giving it an 11 out of 10 for distance. Overall, I prefer a more moderate action for an all around trout rod, but this rod will have its fans for lovers of tight loops and precision. I will build this blank as a 6wt for streamers and bonefish. I will build another as a 9wt for tarpon and permit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003eDistance\/wind (11)- It makes distance seem easy for someone who often struggles. It is exceptional for punching tight loops into the wind.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e30ft Performance (7)- Not bad for an extra fast rod. It is precise if you cast crisply.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003eFeel (8)- The rod translates exactly what the load is and what the line is doing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003eSwing weight (9)- The blank is thin and light.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003eBobber (10)- It “sends” a bobber and is fast on the hookset.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003eBest fly lines: Excels with both the SA MPX and Amplitude lines. It casts the Trout GP OK, but I would stick to the heavier lines for best performance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Reimagined Tackle Company","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48217801392369,"sku":null,"price":695.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0715\/0685\/4129\/files\/20260510_162724_7aac060e-f210-4239-8826-6fcfd2004b77.jpg?v=1781386604","url":"https:\/\/reimaginedtackle.com\/products\/cts-affinity-x-9ft-5wt-fly-rod","provider":"Reimagined Tackle Company","version":"1.0","type":"link"}