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The new Thomas and Thomas Avantt 2 fly rod is soon to hit the market after much anticipation. The original Avantt was one of our favorite freshwater rods for quite a while, and this new iteration aims to improve upon the success of its predecessor. 

While the original Avantt was a wonderfully intuitive rod, T&T has refined the taper of the Avantt 2 to create a rod that’s even more enjoyable and forgiving, with beautiful craftsmanship and componentry. If you're eager to learn more about this highly anticipated new rod, you've come to the right place. Keep reading for a closer look at the new Thomas and Thomas Avantt 2.

Outfit

Thomas and Thomas Avantt 2 Fly Rod

Ross Evolution R Fly Reel

Scientific Anglers MPX Fly Line

Fit & Finish

In true Thomas and Thomas fashion, the Avantt 2 features premium componentry and meticulous attention to detail. One of our favorite aspects of the new Avantt is its grip, offering a very comfortable snub-nosed half wells design made from high-grade cork. The titanium stripping and snake guides look great, and the blank is a deep blue with amber-brown thread wraps. The amber-burled wood spacer also complements the red tones of the rod’s thread wraps. The overall aesthetic of the Avantt 2 pays homage to T&T’s classic rods, combining elegance and simplicity.

Distance

Although the Avantt 2 can certainly throw longer casts if needed, it isn’t designed for ultra-powerful long-distance casting. Where the rod really shines is at standard trout distances of 40-50 feet. At medium range, the Avantt 2 features a great mix of smooth power and accuracy and is just downright fun to cast. This is a rod that will brilliantly accommodate a wide range of casting styles and presentations at medium distances.

Accuracy

  • 30 feet: At our shortest distance, the Avantt 2 is quite accurate but may require some experimenting to find the perfect line pairing. We tested it with the SA MPX, and found it to feel just slightly awkward, as its load was caught somewhere in between the tip and mid-sections. If you get the pairing right, this is undoubtedly a great presentation tool.
  • 45 feet: The Avantt 2 easily produces tight, accurate loops at 45 feet. This is a stellar medium-distance rod for everything from small dries to hefty nymph rigs.
  • 60 feet: Casting accurately at 60+ feet with the Avantt 2 relies on a caster’s timing and line choice. For advanced anglers, this can be a very accurate rod at longer distances, but it's not the most accurate distance rod available.

Flex & Feel

As we’ve seen with many premium rods lately, the Avantt 2 doesn’t fall squarely into a tip-flex or mid-flex category. It's truly a progressive blend of both that allows it to perform well in the hands of beginners up to advanced anglers. The overall feel of the Avantt 2 is smooth and light, with just the right amount of power for mid-distance fishing. In hand, the rod is pleasingly light with a swing weight of approximately 55 gm². Sure, there are lighter rods out there, but this would still balance well with premium lightweight trout reels, like the Ross Evolution R.

Warranty

As of 2024, Thomas & Thomas offers a full warranty against breakage due to defective materials or workmanship for the lifetime of the original rod owner. In cases of misuse or accidental damage, T&T provides repair or replacement services at a reasonable cost. Rod owners must register their Avantt 2 within 30 days of purchase, and all warranty claims are processed directly through Thomas & Thomas.

Price: $965

Conclusion

We’re always intrigued by new rods from Thomas and Thomas, and the Avantt 2 delivers a compelling package. In true T&T form, the Avantt 2 offers excellent mid-range performance, ultra-smooth casting, and a solid balance of power and accuracy. The craftsmanship behind this rod also cannot be overstated, as every detail is superb. For anglers looking for a premium trout rod that excels in versatility and performance, the new Avantt 2 is definitely worth considering.

Buy it with free shipping Here

Pros

  • Excellent mid-distance performance
  • Premium Componentry
  • Meticulous USA craftsmanship

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Lacks long-range power