First Impressions
One of the things, we like about Redington – the low-cost compadre of high-end Sage – is, well, their lower cost, higher value line of fly fishing products. Take for instance, the Sage Circa as a comparison. It’s a slow-action graphite rod priced at nearly $800. In contrast, the slow-action fiberglass Redington Butter Stick goes for just under $250. That extra $500 can go a long way in this fly-fishing world. And Redington is able to hit that price point by doing much of its manufacturing overseas. The Butter Stick is no exception being made entirely in China.
Our sample actually showed up twice. After a mis-shipment headed to Australia for some unknown reason, we received two seven foot, six inch four weight rods ready to hit the stream.
Features
The Redington Butter Stick is a three-piece fiberglass rod made from what’s know as T-glass, a more chemical and temperature resistant form of fiberglass. The rod comes in six variations including a six foot, two inch two weight. Our seven foot, six inch four weight came in the standard Butter Stick color combination of bright yellow blank, and orange and burgundy wraps. Quite a handsome look.
Another way Redington keeps their production costs low is by employing a set of mid-range componentry. The reel seat is a rather generic-looking walnut insert and brushed aluminum (lighter weight rods use a set of sliding rings over cork). Guides and keeper are fairly standard dual-foot designs too.
Specs
Fiberglass: T-Glass Fiberglass
Length: 7 ft, 6 in
Weight: 4 Wt
Redington does get many of the details right, however. The rod uses tip-over-butt construction for a very seamless look when assembled. They include alignment dots to take some of the guesswork out of piecing the rod together as well. It’s this attention to detail that I appreciate in Redington products because some are missing on even higher end products.
Another nice detail is the included Cordura-wrapped rod tube and rod sock (bright yellow to match the rod itself).
We matched the Butter Stick with a favorite reel and four weight line from Scientific Anglers for our tests on the Yuba.
Fit
We wade-fished the Yuba with the Butter Stick in early September and thoroughly enjoyed the slow action almost noodle-like feel of the Butter Stick. It didn’t feel as tip heavy as the other rod in our test – the Mountain Brook Spring Creek – but loaded easily and was able to cast small dries and larger terrestrials in the 15 to 40 foot range. Nice.
Final Verdict
Unlike the Mountain Brook Spring Creek, the Redington Butter Stick is not a custom build. Many of the finishes are close, however, and some of the detailing (like the alignment dots) are actually superior on the Butter Stick. One advantage that this Redington rod also has, is that you can pick one up instantly at an online retailer and fish it within days, not months, of placing your order.