Two long weeks on the tugboat, and I just had to stop and fish a little on the way home yesterday. Got a chance to throw the new Ben's 1wt s-glass while my buddy borrowed my C. Barclay 683s.
The Ben's rod is 6.5 ft and comes in at 1.7 oz. It balanced perfectly with a Battenkill I (2.8 oz) spooled with a 64 grain WF1. I imagine there is some room to go up or down on the line weight just a bit, but that line was a really good match for the rod. I'm not much good at describing rod actions -- you can see from the photos that the rod flexes to the butt; a lot softer than my Barclay, but crisper than a CGR 2wt (really, what isn't?).
I got the rod specifically to chase Rio Grande cichlids, which are mostly still on vacation this time of year, and wasn't targeting anything in particular yesterday -- it was blowing 15-20 kts and the water was stained from recent rains, so I was just casting to likely spots and cussing the shrubbery.
As is often the case, I was throwing bigger flies than I should have been -- #8 and #10 carp-it bombs, mostly, with beadchain eyeys and some lead wire wraps. Even so, I was pleasantly surprised at what the rod could do. I imagine it will shine with #10-#14 dries and terrestrials, damsel nymphs and the like.
The builder saw a picture of the bass I caught on the rod and commented: "Is it still a 3-piece rod? It's a 1wt, just saying ..." LOL. I never felt like the rod was going to cause a problem bringing the fish to hand. Or that it would end up as a 4-piece.
Anyway, very pleased with the Ben's, and with the entire experience of customizing the rod and getting it built and shipped. Great guys, and terrific company to deal with.
I told my buddy he's going to have to bite the bullet and order his own C Barclay rod -- I want mine back! You know, for the really big fish.
*Of note: We wet-waded, comfortably, and saw a ton of damselflies and even some dragons and hoppers. Spring has sprung! In South Texas, at least.