After testing the Nymphmaniac 10’ #3, we decided to keep exploring the Nymphmaniac series developed for modern nymphing techniques with the longest model : the Vision Nymphmaniac 11’ #3.
STATIC TEST :
This rod has a raw, unvarnished blank. The reel seat mixes black anodized aluminum and cork insert. Keys of green, signatures of the Nymphmaniac series, singularize the product, especially at the level of inscriptions on the first piece and wraps of the joints. On the cigar cork handle, a green thin ring marks the first 7.9" from the butt and graduation goes on from 3.9" to 3.9" with green wraps up to 19.7". This model has a relatively large number of guides according to its size (15 guides with olive wraps), the penultimate of which is snake guide, so as to limit the tangle of leader around the tip when euro-nymphing (with a long tippet leader).
MEASUREMENTS
The Common Cents System protocol was used to characterize the action, the power and the recovery of this rod :
Regarding the power, 29 cents were required to load the rod over a third of its total length, which gives after conversion an ERN of 3.27 and a #3 line power, exactly the expected power. With an AA of 72°, the action is fast (AA > 66°).The frequency at 69 is standard with regard to their length / power. With a BTW at 10oz, this rod offers very comfortable 11' fishing, one of the best on the market. The stripper guide is located at a distance of 17.7 inches from the handle, witch avoids the creation of a slack line, especially when euronymphing.
Vision Nymphmaniac 11' #3
Lionel Fournier’s opinion (Pro Team Vision, 2018 French National Champion and member or the French Europe fly-fishing team)
“I first used the 11’ Nymphmaniac to fish with modern nymphing techniques for 3 weeks in 2019 in Finland. I caught trout and grayling of all size and found the rod exceptional. It is, in my opinion, the best price/quality ration of the market. The 11’ Nymphmaniac is ideal to catch fish from 20 to 45 cm (8 to 20”) and is fast enough for a rod that long, which gives a lot of precision and keeps a certain reserve of power. It has a little more authority than the Thomas & Thomas Contact 10'8 #3 that I was used before. The 11’ Nymphmaniac is a real delight while in fishing action because it’s almost as handy as a classic 10’. With this extra length, this rod makes all the 10’6 almost useless such the comfort of thus 11’ is impressive.”
The opinion of the editor
Producing a 9’ fly rod at a fair price is relatively easy, but it’s not the same story for an 11’ rod. In fact, the longer the rod is, the harder it is to make it balanced and reactive. The technicality to implement during the manufacture process of such a product is expensive. However, for less than 400 €, this 11’ #3 has characteristics worth most of the high-end rods on the market. The advertised power is absolutely correct, the fishing comfort is excellent (gross weight at 285 g) and the assembly is consistent with the intended use (lockable reel seat and first ring at 45 cm). Such as all Vision rods, the 11’#3 Nymphmaniac comes with a 5-year first buyer warranty. At a contained price of 359 usd, this rod benefits from an unequalled value for money ratio.
