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After a long run, Douglas has finally replaced the DXF fly rod with the all-new DXF 2. This 2nd generation DXF features more feel and updated componentry to bring the beloved DXF into the modern era of mid-priced fly rods. If you’re a fan of Douglas fly rods, or you’re in the market for a quality trout rod that won’t cost a fortune, then keep reading to learn more about the DXF 2 and why it's a great value rod for the intermediate angler.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Solid value – There aren’t many $500 rods on the market with this level of performance.
- Very accurate with the proper line pairing and casting stroke.
- More feel than the original DXF, which was faster.
Cons
- Line-sensitive. The 5wt model prefers a less aggressive taper to properly load the rod.
- Lacks power at longer distances, so don’t plan on bombing 80-foot casts with the DXF 2.
Who It’s For
The Douglas DXF 2 is geared toward close to medium-range presentations with true-to-line-weight fly lines. Think dry flies, dry-droppers, and light streamers and nymphing on small to medium-sized trout streams. For intermediate anglers who dabble in various rigs and water types, the DXF 2 will make an excellent tool. What’s more, its price tag of $499.99 is very reasonable considering its accuracy and solid build quality.
Anglers who need lots of reserve power for long casts or hefty rigs should look elsewhere, as the DXF 2 is neither a distance champion nor a big-bug chucker.
Outfit
Rio Technical Trout Elite Fly Line
Fit & Finish
The Douglas DXF 2 is a handsome rod overall, featuring solid components and aesthetics that aren’t flashy, but look good for an overseas-built rod. Starting from the bottom, we appreciate the inclusion of a keyed reel seat, which saves time when you’re switching out reels or assembling the rod to start the day. The handle features AAA-grade cork with composite tips for durability and a reverse half-wells cut. The blank is a beautiful emerald green color, which reminds us of the G. Loomis Asquith with its flaked/sparkle finish. The stainless guides aren’t the nicest out there, but for a medium-priced tool, they fit the utilitarian ethos of the rest of the rod.
Distance
The DXF 2 struggled when casting beyond 50 feet or into the wind. It seems that Douglas has traded power and distance for feel and accuracy with this new iteration, and that aligns with what a lot of manufacturers are doing in the freshwater/trout models. The good news is that casting beyond 50 feet is rarely necessary for trout fishing, so we think the DXF 2 still has enough backbone for the vast majority of trout anglers. Just be aware that if conditions get gusty, or you need longer casts for a bigger river or lake, the DXF 2 won’t have the oomph needed to punch line with gusto.
Accuracy
There’s no doubt that the DXF 2 is a very accurate rod, but achieving that accuracy largely depends on your casting stroke and timing. We had a tough time finding the sweet spot of the rod, which we attribute partially to line pairing. For the best results, try pairing the DXF 2 with a less aggressive taper, like the Rio Technical Trout. On the bright side, when we nailed the stroke, the rod performed beautifully, hitting the bullseye repeatedly at close and middle distance. Overall, the DXF 2 is accurate, but only in the right hands, so unfortunately it probably isn’t a great choice for novice casters.
Flex & Feel
Similar to accuracy, the DXF 2 has a pleasurable feel when you can get its finicky timing just right. It's a playful rod that would make a day of dry fly fishing even more enjoyable. With a swing weight of 62 gm2, the 5wt model certainly feels fairly lightweight in hand, but it isn’t a featherweight either. All in all, it feels like a solid middle-of-the-road 5wt, offering good but not great performance and feel.
Warranty
Value
Price: $499.99
$500 used to be the standard middle-tier price point for fly rods, but now that number has crept up to $600 or more. For that reason, we think the Douglas DXF 2 holds significant value as a utilitarian trout rod for under $500. Sure, it isn’t the most powerful or the lightest ‘mid-priced’ rod on the market, but when you’re saving $100-$200, its performance seems very reasonable. For trout anglers who want an accurate 5wt for close and mid-range fishing applications, the DXF 2 is a fairly economical choice.
Conclusion
There’s plenty to like about the new DXF 2 from Douglas. For starters, it’s a handsome-looking rod that performs nicely at key trout distances. As long as you’ve paired it with the right line and it fits your casting stroke, you’ll find the rod to be accurate and fun to cast. Secondly, its components and build quality are pretty good. Sure, it doesn’t have the elegance of a Winston or the futuristic look of a Helios, but it maintains a classic appearance that will stand the test of time. And lastly, you’ll get all of these features for under $500, which is becoming less common these days with ‘mid-priced’ options getting more expensive each year. Overall, the Douglas DXF 2 may not be the best choice for beginner casters or those who need lots of reserve power, but it will suit a vast majority of trout anglers quite nicely. If you have questions about the new Douglas DXF 2, feel free to call us at 888-413-5211 or email us at [email protected].
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