The quality of fly rods manufactured by Redington has tremendously improved over the years. One of its best-selling graphite rods to date is the Redington Crosswater Fly Rod that has been a recommended entry-level option by many guides.
Those who can cough more can go for the Redington Path II Fly Rod that is rapidly gaining popularity among anglers of all levels. I have combed waters far and wide with the two sticks and I can recommend them again and again.
It is interesting how anytime I step out, I am always having these two combo rods and a few from Orvis. Nothing beats a high-performing fly rod with just the right amount of power and flex you need for any situation on the water.
I can toss a nymph and immediately tie on a mayfly without changing my rod. That is the flexibility and convenience that you too will enjoy if you get a medium-fast action rod like the Path or Crosswater. Let’s see below how the two are structured and their performance
Redington Path Fly Rod vs. Redington Crosswater Fly Rod – A Tabulated Comparison
I thought it wise to tabulate the differences between these two rods. Though from the same brand, they differ in construction, durability, features, and use.
Redington Path Fly Rod
Here’s the one I purchased two years into my journey and I wish I had it earlier. Redington designed it for the serious fly angler but I think I was serious from day one! What excited me the most was the manufacturer crafting pieces for freshwater use only and a few for saltwater. I was looking for a lightweight fly rod ideal for chasing any type of game fish and this has been the best so far.
It comes at a slightly higher price than the Crosswater but it is worth everything I spent on it. From its construction to the performance and aesthetics, I would advise that you get this if you want one rod that can do anything on the water. The rod has a classic feel and you can’t ignore it. Browse below to see if it can be your all-time companion.
Features of the Redington Path Fly Rod
Weight
Despite being flexible, it is a lightweight rod. By now you know how much weight is a determining factor in the time you will spend on the water. I carry and swing this buddy most often and it has been an excellent choice as I have no complaints regarding its weight.
Redington designs this from a 3-weight to a 9-weight. This is a wide variety to choose from and you can get specific rod sizes for your needs. The physical weight ranges from 3.1oz to 5.7oz. Here are the models and their respective weights:
376-4 – 3.1oz
490-4 –3.5oz
586-4 –3.8oz
590-4 – 3.7oz
690-4 – 4.0oz
7100-4 – 5.5oz
790-4 – 5.0oz
890-4 – 5.6oz
896-4 – 5.7oz
990-4 – 5.7oz
Length
Redington got it right on the length. There is a wide variety to choose from compared to the options I had for the Crosswater rods. Sometimes, I love a stick slightly longer than the recommended 9-foot option for when fishing the sea. The coverage is unbeatable and the sensitivity is just what I need for such days. Below are the options available for the adventurous angler:
3-weight 7 foot 6 inch
4-weight 9 foot
5-weight 8 foot 6 inch
5-weight 9 foot
6-weight 9 foot
7-weight 10 foot
7-weight 9 foot
8-weight 9 foot
8-weight 9 foot 6 inch
9-weight 9 foot
Reel Seat
It is slightly different from what I was used to. II have an 8-weight Path II Rod with an anodized aluminum reel seat and a 4-weight with a laser-etched wooden option. I like to use the former on both fresh and saltwater and the latter strictly for freshwater. Frequent exposure of the laser-etched reel seat to salt will warp the wood and affect the functionality of the rod. All 6-weight Path rods and below have wooden reel seats and the rest are anodized.
Handle
Redington didn’t make any changes to the handle on the Path. It remains as defined and comfortable to use as possible. The longest I have had the rod on a session is 3 hours and I can confirm that you will not experience any blisters from prolonged use. 6-weight rods and below have reversed Half-Wells handles and the rest come with Full-Wells handles with fighting butts.
Storage
I got my Path well-packed in a Cordura rod tube and I’ve been storing it there since then. It is well-carved and durable. It accumulates dust on the surface if you store it in open places but it is easy to clean. The interior is divided into sections to fit the four-rod pieces and a few tippets. I love it more because it is impact-resistant compared to a cloth sock.
Warranty
If you never appreciate tackle gear with lifetime warranties then you must have a problem. Considering it is a rod I will use until I retire from the sport, the lifetime warranty was thoughtful. It caters to any repairs and replacements to the original buyer.
- Brand: Redington
- Material: Cordura
- Color: Path
- Fishing Technique: Fly
- Action: Medium Fast
- Rod Type: Portable
- Suggested Users: unisex-adult
- Skill Level: All
- Warranty: Lifetime Warranty
Pros – The Upsides!
- More than enough rod models to choose from
- Comes with an impact-resistant Cordura tube
- Highly portable
- Available in freshwater and versatile models
- Lifetime warranty
What sets it apart from the Rest?
- Available Models – With close to 10 models to choose from, the versatility is everything an angler looking for precision will appreciate. Whether you are looking for smallmouth bass, tarpon, Atlantic salmon, haddock, or trout reel, you won’t miss the perfect size.
- Lifetime Warranty – This goes a very long way in ensuring you can enjoy using the fly rod. The company will repair or replace the rod depending on the extent of damage incurred.
Cons – Drawbacks but not Deal-breakers!
- While you can use the models with wooden reel seats in saltwater, overexposure can damage them by warping the wood.
Notes
Always dry your fly rods completely and store them in cool and dry areas. This prevents the rod components from corroding or rusting.
Make use of the alignment dots to assemble your rod and ensure all pieces are in the correct positions before starting to cast. This protects them from dis-attaching and falling in the water.
Give all your saltwater rods a thorough rinse using freshwater to remove all the salt and increase their durability and longevity.
Redington Crosswater Fly Rod – An Entry-level Option
Don’t be afraid of running bankrupt if you have a deeper interest in fly fishing. While there is money to be spent, you don’t have to go high-end when starting your journey. Redington designed the Crosswater as the most affordable fly rod and avail it to all anglers.
It offers a bunch of advantages to novices. It did while I was a freshman testing the waters if angling is something I wanted to take on. As I honed my skills and started experimenting with other brands, it became a good backup rod and a piece I use to teach youngsters interested in the sport.
Let’s dive into the construction and performance. The Crosswater rod fits well into the mold of a modern fly rod and is made from high-grade graphite. Graphite rods have been a thing since the early 90s and so far, so good. It boasts a medium-fast action and this is one of the best aspects that makes me still keep it to date. I can swiftly change from one technique to another while maintaining the same rod. Isn’t that what convenience is all about? I will be throwing streamers this minute and dry fly fishing in the next.
The performance of the blank is one of the best especially for the much I got the rod for. It is consistent enough and thanks to its anodized reel seat, I can use it in the salt flats for salmon and not have to worry about corrosion. I was amazed at the attention to detail that the designers had when crafting the seat and wraps. The finish though not as expensive because of the cost, still looks elegant.
Features of the Redington Crosswater Fly Rod
Weight
The various line weights available for this rod range from 4 to 9. You can choose one depending on the species you are targeting and the waters you intend to comb. Physical weights vary from 3.4oz to 5oz. Overall, the fly rod fits properly into my hand and is generally lightweight. I haven’t experienced arm fatigue as the longest I have fished with this rod is 4 hours combing one of New Zealand’s biggest rivers. Here are the weight and model specifications:
476-4 – 3.4oz
490-4 – 4oz
586-4 – 3.6oz
590-4 – 3.9oz
690-4 – 4.1oz
890-4 – 4.9oz
990-4 – 5oz
Length
I prefer a versatile fly rod that can attend to any waters regardless of the area you are fly fishing in. So, I opted for a 9 foot that can still roll cast with ease even on smaller streams. The Crosswater is available in various lengths depending on the model to suit the needs of all anglers. See below what your desired option could be:
4-weight 7 foot 6 inch
4-weight 9 foot
5-weight 8 foot 6 inch
5-weight 9 foot
6-weight 9 foot
8-weight 9 foot
9-weight 9 foot
Reel Seat
The Crosswater is built with an anodized aluminum real seat for versatility and durability. I have used it for marine fishing and the stick is unshaken. I own a few that aren’t anodized and I have to give a thorough rinse with fresh water after I get home. Such a task, right? Here are some benefits of the Crosswater reel seat:
- Adds to an overall reduced weight of the rod
- Easy to maintain
- A durable option compared to nickel and wooden designs
- Complements the rod guides
Handle
A well-made rod handle will dictate how long you’ll spend on the water. This one has it made from durable cork for functionality, comfort, and longevity. For 6-weight rods and below, they come with a reversed Half-Wells handle. The rest have Full-Wells handles with fighting butts to increase the stopping power when a trophy tries to bolt off.
Storage
There’s nothing fancy that comes with the rod. Only a cotton rod sock to lightly protect it from dust and dirt. You might have to invest in a rod tube like I did if you want to own it longer.
Warranty
I wish Redington would have been more generous to extend the warranty period of the Crosswater rod. This comes backed by the manufacturer’s one-year limited warranty policy against any defects in material and construction.
- Brand: Redington
- Material: Aluminum
- Color: Blue
- Fishing Technique: Fly
- Action: Medium Fast
- Rod Type: Portable
- Suggested Users: Men
- Skill Level: Beginners
- Warranty: 1 Year
Pros: The Good!
- Available in many models
- Usable in fresh and saltwater
- A medium-fast action
- A good blend in balance and flex
- Very affordable
What sets it apart from the others?
Price: This is a crucial determinant when buying a fly rod. The Crosswater is a well-built yet cheaper rod that works as good as most middle and high-end options.
Cons – The Concerns!
- The one-year warranty is shorter especially if you intend to keep and use the rod longer than this.
Wrap Up
Redington is a reputable company known for its affordable and high-quality tackle. Manufacturing the two rods was a way to show that it isn’t always that you have to break the bank to go fly fishing. There are cheaper yet competitive rods like the Crosswater and middle-priced designs like the Path. From the performance and versatility, the Redington Path Fly Rod takes the crown. If you are shopping on a budget, don’t miss the Redington Crosswater Fly Rod.
