I have been considering making a set of rods all of the same length, line weight, and cosmetic characteristics, but of varied tapers, to facilitate comparison of rod design.  I am considering a set of eight foot, two-piece, six weights including a Paul Young Para-15, Dickerson 8014, and Garrison 212.  What two other tapers would you include for comparison?  (Bill Lamberson)

Consider a Granger 8040 and a Powell B9 to give you two superb medium-fast tapers.  (Kyle Druey)

I agree with Kyle on the Powell B9. My current favorite rod is similar - a linear taper of .290/100" starting with .068" at the tip. A Powell B9 would be .300/100".  Works well for me with WF6F, WF5F, and WF5 sinking lines.  (Tom Bowden)

I like several Dickerson tapers, but the 8014 is a bit stiff for me.  Take it for what it's worth.  I don't have a great alternative for you, though.  (Jerry Madigan)

There is an 8' 5 weight Waara that I think makes a better 6 weight. There is the Leonard 50 in the archives and an 8' 6 weight Gillum also.  (Timothy Troester)

I did just that when I started building a few years ago. I was, and still am, interested in 7’ 4 weight rods.  I build the Wayne Cattanach Sir "D", The Paul Young Driggs River 7' 2" and the Garrison 201.  I was interested in what the differences in casting characteristics were.  It was a great fun and very educational.  I still fish the Sir "D" and the Driggs. I was not very excited by the Garrison, too slow, but, that is my wife's favorite.  These were among the first rods that I built and have not seem the light of day at any gathering.  Perhaps a first rod contest would get them out.  (Mark Cole)

Can someone compare and contrast the characteristics of the Payne 101e (or 100H, the tapers are almost identical), Martha Marie and Sir D?

I need to make a friend a pair of rods. I've been trying to put him off until I learned a little more about rods but he dumped $200 bucks in my lap today (for components) and said "make 'em". He want's a 7'6 3 piece. My initial reaction since I haven't made that many rods was to convert a Sir D. Looking at Rod DNA though, it looked like the Payne and Young rods would make good all-round trout rods.  (Jim Lowe)

I'm not familiar with the Payne 101e designation.  I could describe the actions of each of the rods you mention,  but since each is a two piece rod -- and your buddy wants a 3 piece rod -- I wonder if these are the best choices.

I'll vouch for converting Wayne's 7' 2 piece #4 to longer lengths, and lighter lines, and 3 piece instead of 2 piece.  It works well in almost every iteration.  (Harry Boyd)

Harry's right, the Sir D is a nice rod, but I think the Payne 100H would make a good three piece rod also. Just use the taper in rodmakers and change the ferrules to 11/64 @ 30" and 16/64 @ 60", then make the 35" station 0.172 and 40" station 0.185.

It should make a nice 5/6 wt rod.  (Bob Norwood)

The Sir D characteristic already lives in a 7' 6" model. The tapers listed on page 184 and continued on 185 are a stretched Sir D. However - investigating the math to transform the taper would be an insight I would recommend to all.   (Wayne Cattanach)

Has any one made one of these?

Leonard Catskill 7 ft 2 wt

Leonard 7' 2pc 2/3 wt 7 ft 2 wt

Digger Discent 70/2/32 7 ft 2 wt

Bogart Yellow Rose 7022 7 Ft 2 Wt  (Gary Nicholson)

I made the Digger Ice Cream Parlor Special, which is 6'8" (not 7') and a 2 weight, in 2 pieces. It has a medium action. I can recommend it.  (Paul Franklyn)

I haven't made any of them, but I have cast the Bogart rod. It's a great small stream taper, IMO.  (Kevin Little)