Thomas & Thomas Avantt Fly Rod Review

Dec 13, 2018 · 3 min read

T&T’s tradition goes way back to bamboo rods and old-fashioned rod makers including the famous Thomas Dorsey and Thomas Maxwell. Is T&T old-fashioned? Quite the opposite, actually. T&T is caught up with the modern fly rod movement and produces some of the most high-tech, cutting-edge fly rods in the industry. One such example is the new freshwater Avantt rod series by Thomas & Thomas. Read on to learn how the Avantt combines classic T&T tradition and state-of-the-art contemporary innovation.
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Outfit

- Thomas & Thomas Avantt 9’ 5wt Fly Rod

- Lamson Litespeed Fly Reel
- Scientific Anglers Mastery MPX Fly Line

Fit and Finish

Craftsmanship, craftsmanship, craftsmanship. T&T has always been known for attention to detail and the Avantt is no departure from that tradition. The Avantt has an old-fashioned-looking black ash burn up-locking reel seat and a grip made of Flor-grade cork. The blank of the Avantt is made with T&T’s proprietary StratoTherm Resin and is finished in a stealth matte dark blue (similar to other T&T rods). Titanium-frame ceramic stripping and snake guides add industry-standard functionality to an artful rod. Classic and regal are words I’d use to describe the Avantt’s fit and finish.

Weight

The Avantt’s overall rod weight, 2.88 ounces, is comparable to other high-end rods like the Orvis Helios 3D and the Scott G-Series. Its swing weight is actually pretty stand-out for a 5wt at 58.5 gm2.

Distance

The Avantt casts really nicely at longer distances. I thought the rod maintained the feedback present at 40 feet as distance increased, but it lacked power at longer distances. Typical trout distance is, after all, 45ish feet (give or take), and the Avantt performs beautifully in this range.

Accuracy

At 30 feet, the Avantt is a little too fast to be perfectly accurate. The rod’s fast-action build improves accuracy at longer distances, however, and this rod is genuinely accurate and one of my favorite rods at 45 feet. At 60 feet, the rod lacks the power needed to make an accurate presentation every cast, but can certainly get the job done depending on the angler. Generally, 60-foot casts aren’t the norm when fishing a 5wt trout rod, so accuracy inside 60 feet is important and the Avantt excels in that range.

Flex and Feel

Because the Avantt is a fast action rod, perfect smoothness and castability are not expected at 30 feet. Casting at closer distances is more about the angler than it is about the rod. Push the Avantt back to typical trout distances and the rod’s flex and feel improves dramatically. The Avantt is a pleasure to cast at 45 feet and I found this to be the rod’s sweet spot. The nature of the rod’s faster action means the Avantt is smooth out to 60 feet but leaves the angler wishing the rod had more power and feel beyond 60 feet.

Line Choice

We thought the SA MPX cast fine on the Avantt. Perhaps a lighter line with a longer head would be more beneficial for anglers focused on making long casts all day.

Warranty

Lifetime warranty.

Price

$825

Conclusion

The Avantt is the perfect trout rod for anglers who find themselves casting to fish in the 45-60 foot distance range. This rod series truly is a testament to T&T’s commitment to industry-driving innovation and timeless tradition. While I wouldn’t throw hero casts beyond 60 feet all day with the Avantt, accuracy inside 60 feet is most important when fishing a 5wt and the Avantt is one of the smoothest at these distances. As a result, the Avantt is a great addition to the complete line of T&T rods and we’re excited to see what Thomas & Thomas dreams up next.

Pros

Great flex, feel, accuracy at important trout distances
Impeccable fit and finish

Cons

Not the best rod at close/far distances

Written by

Chandler Crans

Chandler Crans is a fly fishing expert and a former guide in Alaska. Whether he's reviewing the latest rods and reels, writing about where to fish, or helping a first-time angler pick the right fly line, Chandler combines real guiding experience with deep product knowledge and a genuine love of being on the water.

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