2020 is shaping up to be a big year for Walton Rods. Already they have announced their CS series, a mid range fly rod option built one at a time per order. Before that, they announced the launch of tournament grade spinning and casting series, the RCT. Now, the Walton CSE is up next on the docket and it’s set to push the market when it comes to budget friendly fly rods.
The term budget friendly is often thrown around in fly fishing like it’s nothing. When most companies charge $400+ for a fly rod and have the nerve to call it entry level, a true budget friendly fly rod that isn’t foreign-made junk is hard to come by. This is where the CSE enters the market. Coming in at only $169, it is a true budget conscious fly fisherman’s dream.
CSE Stats
All CSE fly rods are comprised of a proprietary blank designed by Mike Malchow and Brad Smith, the two co-founders of Walton Rods. This blank is a mid-modulus, medium fast, mid-flex option. With this, you’ll be able to feel the casting action in the cork on both the forward and back cast. The cork, reel seat, and guides are all performance grade and will stand up to wear and years of fishing with the best of them. Most popular sizes will also be made available.
All in all, Walton Rods took the best parts of the CS series, sourced more budget friendly options through their network of American small business partners, decided to build this rod in house, sell direct, and put together something not found in the sub $200 market of fly rods. What’s more, this rod even comes with a 1-year limited warranty to cover all parts and pieces. If a CSE rod happens to break due to an at-fault accident, a replacement price of $99 will be offered to return customers to get a new CSE at a pro-rated discount.