The Thomas & Thomas Contact series has been developed by Joe Goodspeed for modern nymphing technics. After presenting the famous 10'8 #3 (see the review here), here is a focus on the shorter model, even more specific, the 10'2 #2.
Static test
The Contact series feature a gray blank. The olive wraps and trims are sober and differ from the usual black color. The rod number is present at the different joints to help alignment of the pieces. Beyond aesthetics, we note that all components are very qualitative and tend to minimize the total weight. They include: a maximum quality cork handle (extra flor), a black anodized aliminium reel seat with a burled black ash spacer, a titanium-frame ceramic stripping guide followed by 11 single foot RECoil guides. Finally, the handle ends with a thin fighting butt, bringing comfort and balance.
Measurements
The Common Cents System protocol was used to characterize the action, the power and the frequency of this rod :
Regarding the power, 25 cents were required to load the rod over a third of its total length, which gives after conversion an ERN of 2.67 and a real #2 line power, exactly the expected power. With an AA of 63°, the action is in the Moderate Fast category (AA between 63 and 66°). The frequency at 77cpm attests to versatility and real opportunities in dry fly fishing. The fishing comfort is good, without being exceptional (BTW at 9.63oz). Note that we have tested this product with an up-locking reel seat, no doubt that the balance is even better with a down-locking reel seat (available as an option).
Thomas & Thomas Contact 10'2 #2
The opinion of Joe Goodspeed, Thomas & Thomas rod designer :
"The 1022 was developed after the initial released models (1083, 1084, 1133), based on demand for a deeper flexing Contact rod model in a lighter line class. To create a Contact in 2wt, I needed to use a different blend of graphite materials, with a greater degree of flex and elongation. A 2wt line class rod needs to deliver the lightest nymphs and smallest dries at close range with precision accuracy, which means it needs to flex and deliver flies that don’t have enough weight to “load” the blank. This is a major difference between the 2wt Contact and the larger models, which have more tip rigidity to minimize oscillation time, but require more load weight to flex and cast. The 2wt Contact will load easily, yet still recovers quickly like the other Contact models, due to the steeper expansion rate of the blank. The steep blank allows the rod to flex easily at the tip while playing a small fish, while still having significant backbone in the lower end for quick hooksets and landing larger fish."
The opinion of the editor
As usual with Thomas & Thomas rods, manufacturer datas (including power) are carefully respected : this rod is a real #2 (with an ERN to 2.62, difficult to be more accurate). we've found the action very soft, typical of the Contact's serie, developed for modern nymphing technics. The action of this 10'2 is even more moderate than that of its sister 10'8 (AA at 63° for the model tested against 66° for the 10'8). With its #2 power and moderate action, this rod is very typical for "low water fishing" and probably not suitable for all types of anglers, but those looking for a very specific model for ultra-fine technics and/or ultra-light fishing will be delighted.
We tested it in summer and especially using spanish nymphing leaders. It casts effortless a tungsten bead of 2.4 mm to ten meters. The conjunction of a low power + soft action is ideal to cast light weights without effort. Nevertheless, the recovery is there : the oscillation frequency is surprisingly high (77 cpm) given the soft action and the length, and it will be quite possible to dryfly fishing with a very light line. Needless to say, the curve of the blank is harmonious, with no hard point, which greatly limits the hooks-off. Obviously, the price reflects the top-range materials used and the handcrafted manufacturing of this gem from the USA. This numbered rod comes with a lifetime warranty.
Useful links
Our fly rod protocol review : here
The Thomas&Thomas rods online :
Others T&T reviews :
