Redington Link 590-4 Review

October 12, 2012
Redington Link 590-4
Redington Link_1
Redington Link 590-4 Redington Link_1
GEAR INSTITUTE RATINGS
83
Weight
6
Fit in Hand / Grip
8
Casting Distance
6
Casting Accuracy
7
Versatility
7
Value
9

The Good

  • Best value of its class
  • Fast-action design with good tip flex for delicate feel
  • Minimal lateral vibration for good accuracy
  • Attractive styles with optional matching reel
  • Forgiving; well-suited to intermediate casters

The Bad

  • Slightly less ‘power’ than others in this class
  • Heavier than others in class
  • Not made in the USA
  • Shortest casting range of rods in our 2012 test
THE VERDICT

Though its performance is just a half-step behind some of the other rods in this class, the Redington Link is a fine fast-action rod at an incredible price. The slight reduction in cast distance and power actually helps improve the rod’s versatility, it earns top marks as the best nymphing stick in this class, while still being a great dry fly presenter.

FULL REVIEW

While Redington’s sibling brand Sage makes their rods in Washington state, Redington just designs them there and produces them in Asia. The result is a rod that’s substantially less expensive with little loss in performance.

Casting Distance and Accuracy
Featuring a taper similar to the Sage One, the Link rod design dampens the lateral vibrations that create the typical oval ‘tip-swing’ motion that reduces casting accuracy. By minimizing that secondary motion, Redington improves the casting accuracy of everyone who tried it.

The rod sports a strong, fast-action taper but there’s enough mid-flex to allow even novice anglers to comfortably cast it. The slight extra flex ‘forgives’ casting errors where stiffer rods may exacerbate mistakes. That more forgiving spine also reduces the overall reach of the rod, making it one of the shortest-casting rods in the class – though our least experienced caster found she could get her best distances from this rod.

General fit, finish and feel
The deep black rod boasts vibrant glacier blue accents, creating a distinctive modern look to this rod. Woven carbon fiber reel seat and ferrule sections enhance that ‘21st Century” look.
The reverse half-wells grip fit snugly in hand, and tiny alignment dots on the ferrules make rigging up the rod a breeze.

Versatility
The slightly tip flex of the Link greatly improves its performance as a delicate nymphing rod, allowing anglers to feel those subtle ‘bumps’ as fish nibble on the submersed fly patterns. It also allows novice-to-intermediate anglers to more easily lay down small dry flies without slapping them in – resulting in fewer spooked fish, and more caught fish.

 


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