For many fly fishing enthusiasts, the rod that helped land their first fish holds a special place in their heart. The Redington Crosswater fly rod is positioning itself to fill that sentimental role for a new generation of anglers, combining affordability with practical functionality in a package designed specifically for newcomers to the sport.
Ben Kepka, the reviewer behind Fly Fisher Pro, recently put the budget-friendly rod through its paces to determine whether Redington could deliver quality performance at an accessible price point. "I took this budget-friendly fast action rod down to the river to see if Redington could produce a decent rod at such a low price," Kepka explained.
"I took this budget-friendly fast action rod down to the river to see if Redington could produce a decent rod at such a low price,"
The results were encouraging. In comprehensive testing, the Crosswater earned an overall performance score of 74%, with particularly strong marks in its price-to-value ratio, which scored an impressive 90%. The detailed breakdown revealed build quality and performance scores of 70% each, while weight and balance achieved 80%.
While marketed primarily as an excellent first rod for learning casting fundamentals, Kepka noted that newcomers should temper their expectations regarding precision. The rod "may not deliver the same level of accuracy and power as its more expensive counterparts," he observed. However, this limitation doesn't diminish its value proposition for its intended audience.
"may not deliver the same level of accuracy and power as its more expensive counterparts,"
What sets the Crosswater apart is its versatility beyond the beginner market. Seasoned anglers are finding practical applications for the rod in multiple scenarios. "It's useful as a backup rod, or to teach children or grandchildren the secrets of fly fishing," Kepka noted. This multipurpose functionality makes it an attractive option for families looking to explore fly fishing together without a significant financial investment.
"It's useful as a backup rod, or to teach children or grandchildren the secrets of fly fishing,"
The rod's specifications reflect careful consideration of different angling needs. Available in line weights ranging from 4 to 9 and lengths from 7 to 9 feet, the Crosswater offers options for various fishing scenarios. The fast-action design features a reversed half-wells handle and weighs in at 4.1 ounces. Each rod comes with a cotton rod sock and is backed by a one-year warranty.
Career Journey
Redington, founded in 1992, has built its reputation on the philosophy that quality fishing equipment shouldn't require a premium price tag. "Good quality fishing gear and rods don't have to be expensive and overpriced," a company spokesperson stated. This vision is clearly embodied in the Crosswater, which incorporates high-quality materials including an anodized aluminum reel seat despite its budget-friendly positioning.
"Good quality fishing gear and rods don't have to be expensive and overpriced,"
The range of available configurations demonstrates the rod's adaptability. "The 4-weight to 9-weight options allow you to target anything from small streams to larger rivers," Kepka explained. The 4-weight model is available in both 7'6" and 9' lengths, with different length options available as rod weights increase, ensuring anglers can match their equipment to specific fishing conditions.
"The 4-weight to 9-weight options allow you to target anything from small streams to larger rivers,"
Career Journey
Weight considerations were clearly prioritized in the design process. The entire range maintains a lightweight feel, spanning from 3.5 to 4.9 ounces depending on configuration, specifically engineered for comfort during extended casting sessions.
Construction quality receives particular praise in the review. "Graphite makes the rod lightweight but very strong," Kepka commented. This material choice provides the sensitivity crucial for detecting subtle bites while maintaining the durability needed for regular use. The medium-fast action design facilitates easy and accurate fly casting, a critical consideration for beginners still developing their technique.
"Graphite makes the rod lightweight but very strong,"
The rod's action characteristics contribute significantly to its user-friendly nature. "The Crosswater has a fast to medium-fast action that casts very nice and easy. The rod flexes in the first half of its length, making it ideal to cast almost any fly," Kepka observed. This design flexibility enables targeting diverse fish species in both freshwater and saltwater environments.
Performance during fish battles impressed reviewers. The rod's responsive nature provides effective hook-setting capability while offering crucial shock absorption during fights. "The rod responds fast and absorbs shock well to ensure great fighting ability without ripping the hook out of the fish's mouth," Kepka noted.
"The rod responds fast and absorbs shock well to ensure great fighting ability without ripping the hook out of the fish's mouth,"
Perhaps most importantly for its target market, the Crosswater demonstrates remarkable versatility in handling different fly types and fishing techniques. The rod can effectively cast heavy flies into distant pockets while maintaining the delicacy needed for dry fly presentations. The availability of heavier weight options opens possibilities for anglers to explore various fishing techniques as their skills develop.
The Redington Crosswater emerges from this evaluation as more than just another budget option. It represents a thoughtful approach to making fly fishing accessible without sacrificing essential performance characteristics. For newcomers seeking their first serious fly rod, the Crosswater offers a foundation for developing skills without the intimidation factor of premium pricing. For experienced anglers, it provides a reliable backup option or teaching tool that won't disappoint when called into service.
