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Pryor Custom Fly Rods

Written by PryorRods on

Pryor Custom Fly Rods

Pryor Custom Fly Rods is a small custom rod builder and intends to stay that way. I only build fly rods because that is what I know. I began building my own rods for one reason: I wanted something better. The rods I built were for myself and a few others but I realized that I could offer a custom rod to the fisherman who was tired of using the rod they “had to” just because the big manufacturers offered very few choices in the rods they sold.

            Why should a fly fisherman have to use a rod that is mass produced for a general type of fishing? Fly rod companies have basically started a competition of “who can build a rod with the highest possible modulus and fastest action. The truth is that it doesn’t much matter how high the modulus is but, rather how the rod feels and fishes. It’s true that super high modulus rods do have their place (if you’re a competitive distance caster or simply enjoy fly casting in hurricanes) but they are generally somewhat inhibitive to the average fisherman. Another drawback to super high modulus rods is in their inherent ability in finding ways of being broken. If you’ve ever hit a blank with a bead-head nymph on a back cast or tickled a ceiling fan in a fly shop you’ll know what I mean.
            It is my belief that a fly rod should be built from the ground up, component by component, for the individual fisherman and the type of fishing they will do. I decided to use the absolute best components in the world on each and every rod I build because I was tired of having to settle on those offered by everyone else. This time there is a choice. Pryor Rods was conceived with the belief that a rod could be a work of art, but it had better fish like one, too!            Pryor Custom Fly Rods are completely custom made, by hand, to the smallest detail using the very best components. We believe them to be the most unique and highest quality graphite rods money can buy. There is no other rod that will feel or fish like our rods because each one is hand crafted specifically for you.
           There are hundreds of custom fly rod makers, but there are none that combine all of the quality and performance features into one rod, as we do, especially for the money. All rods utilize top quality graphite composites and jewelry quality components from the top manufacturers in the world. Every piece has been thoughtfully chosen and combined to produce a rod of unique character, just as those who fish them.
          All Pryor rods are built with the very best components from the custom Nickel Silver or Titanium reel seats and hand turned Reserve Grade cork grips, to the custom thread wraps and feather inlays and Titanium and Silicon Carbide guides. We don’t rely on a measurement chart to tell us where to locate the guides as other manufacturers do. All guides are positioned using static guide placement for the best performance possible. Each rod undergoes a series of tests to determine its exact characteristics under load with different weight fly lines. Rod ferrules even include feather inlay and alignment points, as well as a custom thread wrap fish measuring point.
          We encourage you to work with us to select the components that will make your rod a true custom, as well as a work of art. Every fly rod we build is heirloom quality and made to last many generations. If you are looking for a “factory style” rod, you’re in the wrong place but, if you want a true one of a kind, take a look at our rods. The quality is in the details. Just see for yourself!
          Oh, and one more thing about Pryor Rods. We refuse to place our customers on a one to two year waiting list as most custom rod builders do. As soon as you verify your rod order and submit a deposit, we go to work, usually delivering your custom fly rod in as little as one to two months!

Good Fishing!
Zachary Pryor / President
Pryor Custom Fly Rods

Why Should I Buy A Custom Fly Rod?

A custom fly rod is made to be an extension of the angler. It is more precise, forgiving, and of a much higher quality than any factory rod could ever be. There will never be another rod like it, as it is built by a master craftsman specifically designed for the fisherman who commissioned it. A custom rod is a work of art and only built from the very best materials available with details unmatched by any rod manufacturer.

        Will a custom fly rod help me catch more fish? Probably so! Everyone knows that fly fishing is mostly presentation. With a fly rod built specifically for you and your specific fishing environment, your casting and line control will be much better. This should result in higher catch rates.
          How much does a custom fly rod cost? In many cases, a custom rod will cost around the same price as a factory rod. Sometimes more, sometimes less. Of course, the price will go up with upgrades and added intricacies, but they are unnecessary to catch fish. Most people usually commission a custom rod for the extra details that cannot be found on a factory rod. Just remember, a custom fly rod is an heirloom quality piece of equipment made to be used, but with a quality that will last for generations.
          I have implemented the use of a number of testing systems which allow me to fine tune a given fly rod blank to far surpass the abilities of any factory rod. All blanks are positioned for spine and guide placement is determined through a test called static guide placement. The test ensures that each guide has the same angle of line entering and exiting so that they all share the exact same amount of stress allowing the entire set to work as one. Neither of these measures is used by any rod manufacturer due to the increased labor. Unfortunately, the rod manufacturers would rather sacrifice performance in exchange for more fly rods.
           I also employ the use of the CCS System to test the actual characteristics of each rod. This system is used to determine the actual and exact specifications for the rod including its power rating (intrinsic power), Effective Rod Number (ERN) and Action Angle (AA). These ratings are combined to define a rods’ Defined Bending Index (DBI). These ratings are the actual tested ratings for a particular fly rod. The ratings listed by all manufacturers are only subjective and are usually very far off of the actual ratings. For instance, the largest current rod manufacturer specifies that their particular rod is rated for a 4 weight line and has a fast taper. When the same rod is tested, it is actually a 7 weight rod with a moderate action. Rod companies do this in an attempt to increase their rods’ distance ratings, but the fisherman is the one who suffers in the end because he is not getting the highest level of performance the rod is capable of.
            The CCS System actually places everything on a level playing field by using specific values such as AFTMA Arbitrary Line Weight Standards. AFTMA ensures that each fly line manufacturer must produce a given line with a given weight. All ratings are produced using the same parameters such as all tests are taken using an aerialized fly line with a length of 30’ from the tip of the rod. Since the exact weight of the line is a constant (AFTMA Standards), it is easier to define a rods character.           I now use this system on every rod I build to ensure that each one leaves my shop with the ultimate in performance. My client can now know and be confident that their rod will perform to their expectations. One could actually pre-order a custom rod to fit a desired performance rating. In a nut shell, no factory rod can even come close to the performance of a custom rod when built under these guidelines. It means the difference from owning a good rod and owning one that never fails to amaze.
         I hope to have a new web site up and running in the next month or two, so you’ll be able to acquire much more information about my rod making. I will say that I have formed relationships with several small blank makers and tend to use their blanks for most of my rods. I shy away from building rods on blanks made by the big commercial rod makers for the simple reason of performance alone. The blanks I use will out perform their rods every time. I even have one particular blank that will out cast a Sage TCR distance casting rod and be able to do it on four separate line weights on the same rod! This is one advantage of custom.
         The following shows an example of the information you will find with each of my fly rods. It shows a listing of the tested ratings for that particular rod.   The information listed defines this rod as a 4 weight with a fast action. It tells you the ideal fly line weight in grains the rod is capable of casting and at what distance it will ideally load that weight line. It even gives information as to the total power of the rod.

CCS RATINGS FOR THIS FLY ROD (Example)

Effective Rod Number (ERN) 4.46

Action Angle (AA) 68 degrees

Intrinsic Power (IP) 1432 grains

Weight of Aerialized Line (WL) 120 grains

Defined Bending Index (DBI) 4.46 / 68

This rod will fully load a 4wt. line at 30’, a 3wt. line at 45’ to 60’ and a 5wt. line at 20’. This is not to say it will not out perform these ratings, as it definitely will. The ratings are merely an explanation of optimal rod loads for a given weight line.

Rod Customizations

         The rods on display are just a small representation of those made by Pryor Custom Fly Rods. These fly rods are displayed as base model rods and are therefore a starting point at which customizations can be made.
          Keep in mind that a custom rod is exactly that, custom. You choose the blank, wraps, guides, hook keepers, winding checks, grips, and seats. Most of the blanks I use are built by small companies under strict performance and quality standards. I have also implemented the use of a number of testing systems which allow me to fine tune a fly rod blank to far surpass the abilities of any factory rod. Most of the woods used for my seats and grips is sourced and turned by me. Generally, it is then stabilized to ensure its resistance to wear for the lifetime of your rod. Component engraving, bluing, grip inlaying, hand lettering and feather inlaying are other options as well. I will be more than happy to assist you in any choices you make, from the choice in blank and action to any customization you require. Just let me know your particular fishing situation and we’ll go from there.

Warranty Information

           In addition to superior workmanship, all components: guides, reel seat, and grip assemblies are fully warranted for the life of the original owner for any rod built by Pryor Custom Fly Rods if found to be defective. I will also extend this warranty if the rod is to be gifted. All damages incurred by abuse, modification, or accidental damage may be subject to a nominal charge for repair. Pryor Custom Fly Rods reserves the right to void this warranty in cases of intentional abuse and misuse. This warranty does not cover normal wear and tear occurring in the course of normal use.

          All of the blanks utilized to build Pryor Custom Fly Rods are covered by full replacement as defined by our blank manufacturers’ specific factory warranty. In the event of blank breakage, the rod is to be returned to Pryor Custom Fly Rods for replacement or repair. Postage to and from my shop will be the responsibility of the owner.

  *New web site coming soon. Please feel free to contact me for more info.

On a side note. Several members of the Cumberland Valley chapter of Trout Unlimited were able to test cast and fish these fly rods this past weekend and the results and comments were nothing short of phenominal! The general concensus was that each rod had a unique quality of superior craftsmanship and unique abilities in areas such as line control, casting preciscion and accuracy at all distances and drastically improved sensitivity from any rod they had previously used. Keep in mind that these comments were from real and seasoned fly fishermen under actual fishing conditions. Every angler hooked and landed trout and were purely amazed about each and every facet and ability of the rods the tested. As I've said before - the quality is in the details!

For more information on custom fly rods, feel free to send me an email at PryorRods@yahoo.com. I will be more than happy to assist you in your choices in rod customization.

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