Bamboo Fly Rod Action Map

Every ZHUSROD finished rod, placed by two things you can feel in your hand: where the rod bends and how quickly it recovers. Pick the box that sounds like the casting you enjoy, then compare the rods inside it by line weight and length.

 
Quick tempo
Moderate tempo
Slow tempo
Tip bend
22
Crisp and precise.
10
A responsive tip with a steadier rhythm.
0
A light tip with an unhurried recovery.
Mid bend
6
Bends through the middle but recovers fast.
40
The classic all-round trout feel.
12
Smooth and unhurried.
Full bend
7
Loads deep, then recovers with a kick.
12
Loads deep into the butt at a steady pace.
4
The most relaxed rhythm.

Tip bend · Quick tempo

Most of the bend is in the upper rod. Crisp and precise. Tight loops at short and middle range: the classic dry-fly feel.

Tip bend · Moderate tempo

Most of the bend is in the upper rod. A responsive tip with a steadier rhythm. Accurate, and a little more forgiving of timing.

Mid bend · Quick tempo

The bend runs through the middle of the rod. Bends through the middle but recovers fast. A lively all-rounder.

  • Hardy Marvel4wt · 7'6" · 3pc · Light power · from $339
  • Leonard 39DH4wt · 7'6" · 2pc · Light power · from $299
  • Orvis Flea5wt · 6'6" · 2pc · Medium power · from $259
  • Payne 1015wt · 7'6" · 2pc · Medium power · from $299
  • Cross Dry Fly5wt · 8' · 3pc · Medium power · from $339
  • Leonard 50DF5wt · 8' · 3pc · Medium power · from $339

Mid bend · Moderate tempo

The bend runs through the middle of the rod. The classic all-round trout feel. You can feel it load, so it is easy to time.

Mid bend · Slow tempo

The bend runs through the middle of the rod. Smooth and unhurried. Lays light flies down softly at close range.

Full bend · Quick tempo

The rod bends deep, down toward the grip. Loads deep, then recovers with a kick. Rewards a caster who lets the rod work.

Full bend · Moderate tempo

The rod bends deep, down toward the grip. Loads deep into the butt at a steady pace. Forgiving, and good for roll casts.

Full bend · Slow tempo

The rod bends deep, down toward the grip. The most relaxed rhythm. Slow down and wait for the rod to load.

Bend, tempo and power are relative catalog descriptions taken from each taper profile, not laboratory measurements. Line choice and the individual build change how any bamboo rod feels. New to these terms? Read the Rod Action Guide, or let the Rod Finder suggest a starting point from the water you fish.