UPDATE (4/17/2012) – Yup… still running the 70% Off Sale, which does not appear to have ever ended. The EXT is still $238.50.
UPDATE (4/18/2012) – They are running a sale right now that actually looks like a sale. $238.50, which is really way down from the $358-$430 numbers with $795 seeming to be steady as the MSRP.
UPDATE (3/26/2012) – March Madness Sale… The EXT continues to have an MSRP of $795, but now is back to $358.50. This means this actually IS a sale of -$80.
UPDATE (3/2/2012) – They’ve changed their tune a bit. Now they say the MSRP is $795. Oddly, the old price, for the $1,195 rod was $358. Now, with the lower MSRP it is now $430. (I think they’ve also unsubscribed me from their marketing emails)
UPDATE… Super Bowl Sunday and I get an email from Albright. 70% off… Free Shipping… Sounds familiar.
So… is the EXT from Albright the most expensive 8 wt. in the world? Well, depends on how you look at their numbers. See, the MSRP is $1,195.00. Um… that would be the the priciest 8 wt. on the planet (by $300+).
The NRX =$760
The Sage One =$730
Winston iiix = $810
Orvis Helios = $825
Well… that just sounds a bit crazy, no?
Don’t worry though… they aren’t selling the EXT for $1,195. You can get it for the low, low price of $358.50. Yup… 70% off the MSRP.
Here’s the thing… that rod has never sold for a grand. Never. It never will. It doesn’t mean it’s a bad rod, but it isn’t a thousand dollar rod.
I have an Albright. It is a decent stick. It was very good in terms of price. I think it was about $90 and it casts like a $130 rod. It’s a deal. The question Albright needs to answer is if the rod is money for value at $358. It might be that. There is a good chance it is. They don’t need to say it casts well for $1,000 because there is no 8 wt. that should cost $1,000.
Come on folks. Play it straight.
(I’m not the only one who has noticed, it seems. Hatch Magazine has as well.)
- If you liked the story above, check out these stories below
- Budget Bonefishing Rods (1.000)
- The Quiver (0.728)
- Remember Albright? (0.728)
Tags: albright, fly fishing, rods
First, I enjoy your posts even if I am well removed from bonefish and tarpon waters.
This is an interesting topic. I purchased some Albright equipment when they first began promoting themselves as direct to consumer with seriously discounted prices. And the stuff is ok. I am no expert but I doubt their products are worth the full price they advertise. Certainly the constant promotion of them at a discounted price makes that the official price in my mind. Its a tricky marketing game to play.
Check out the Scott M series or custom series to include as one of the most expensive 8 weights.
These comments are consistent with others I have read about Albright equipment. Decent but not fabulous. At the recent Fly Fishing Expo here in Boise, I cast the new Guideline Saltwater rods. They have a white finish, which is a little odd, but I love the power (easy 75ft casts) and flex that gave a good feel for short casts as well. I think they are around $385.
I am offering a 1000 percent discount to all subscribers to my blog in perpetuity.
Good man Pete… good man.