In an extensive effort to fully assess the Douglas DXF Gen2 Fly Rod, Spencer Durrant took his time before crafting his review. Unlike most gear reviews that come with a short return window, the team at Douglas offered an open-ended return, allowing Durrant to immerse himself in the rod's capabilities over multiple fishing trips. "I’ve milked my time with this rod because once the review is published, it’ll get sent back to upstate New York," said Durrant, highlighting his connection with the equipment.
The DXF Gen2 represents the second iteration of Douglas’s popular DXF series, designed specifically for mid-range budgets. However, this product is far from a simple upgrade with minor tweaks. "Douglas redesigned the blank from the ground up, taking advantage of new materials, to legitimately upgrade this stick," noted Durrant. With an overall weight of 2.98 ounces and new components—including an appealing paint job—the rod manages to stand out in a crowded market.
Durrant has been using a 9' 5-weight DXF Gen2 since its recent introduction in fly shops, exploiting its versatility across various fishing conditions. "From throwing heavy hopper-dropper rigs to fishing caddis hatches, I’ve done just about everything with this rod short of throwing streamers from a drift boat," he remarked. His experience with the rod led to an emotional farewell, stating, "I’m as sad to send this rod back as I was to see the Thomas & Thomas Avant II return earlier this year."
Priced at $499, the DXF Gen2 offers excellent value for dedicated anglers. Durrant made a keen comparison with higher-end models: "Does it fish and perform like my Douglas Sky G, or my new Winston Air 2? No, and it shouldn’t since those rods cost considerably more money." However, he emphasized that for the average angler spending 15-30 days a year on the water, the value of the DXF Gen2 is hard to surpass.
One of the standout characteristics of the DXF Gen2 is its exceptional action. Durrant found it to be a medium-fast rod that gives substantial feedback during casting. "This rod will let you *feel* when you should move between the front and back cast," he explained. For those still honing their skills, this sensory feedback can greatly improve casting techniques.
Although Durrant wouldn't choose this rod for throwing streamers, it performs admirably with larger flies and nymphs. "The key is waiting a bit longer, opening up the loops, and getting the timing just right to coax the most from this blank," he advised fellow anglers.
Another area where the DXF Gen2 shines is in its accuracy and presentation. Douglas claims that the Gen2 features improved dampening, allowing the rod tip to travel more directly during casts. "The less side-to-side movement a rod makes, the more inherently accurate the rod will be," Durrant outlined, underscoring the technical advantages of the rod’s design. While Durrant acknowledges that the Gen2 doesn’t match the precision of the Sky G, he expresses confidence in its reliability for most fishing tasks.
Aside from performance, the dampening also aids in presenting dry flies effectively, especially in close pursuits. Durrant was pleasantly surprised with the rod's handling in this regard. "I was pleasantly surprised at how well the Gen2 performed in this area," he shared, having had several successful outings using the rod in a local spring creek.
Wind performance is a noted downside of the DXF Gen2, although it remains approachable for most fishing applications. Durrant reported, "It suffers a bit in the wind… but I never had to work too hard to get the Gen2 to put my flies where they needed to be."
In summary, the Douglas DXF Gen2 Fly Rod shines in its blend of performance, feedback, and accessibility, proving itself as a solid investment for everyday anglers. As fishing enthusiasts gear up for the upcoming seasons, the DXF Gen2 stands tall in the mid-price category, promising to enhance the experience of trout fishing across diverse conditions.