Soldarini Hydropsyche fly rods
Professional fly rods, developed by Sandro Soldarini
FLY RODS HYDROPSYCHE FROM SANDRO SOLDARINI FLY TACKLE (SFT)
If you too would like to buy a fly rod that focuses on performance, then we can recommend the fly rods from Soldarini Fly Tackle (sft). Sandro Soldarini has been fly fishing all his life. At first only as a hobby, like most of us. Later, he also pursued fly fishing at competition level, where he won the Italian championship no less than 6 times. With the Italian national team, he also participated very successfully in numerous European and international competitions. Sandro would like to share his years of experience in the professional field and the enormous knowledge he has acquired during this time in the international competition business with the fly fishing community. His goal is to make professional fly fishing equipment accessible to everyone. Therefore, he has dedicated himself to the development of high-performance fly rods, high-quality fly reels and other accessories for fly fishing. In this way, the innovations of the competition scene also flow into his products. We are pleased to be able to offer you these different series of fly rods from Soldarini Fly Tackle.
1. FLY RODS HYDROPSYCHE TOURNAMENT
The new HYDROPSYCHE TOURNAMENT fly rods from soldarini fly tackle are, to our knowledge, the most innovative on the market. While in conventional rods the carbon fibres are arranged at a 90° angle, here they are inclined at 45 degrees in relation to the shaft. The different carbon fibre layers are also arranged crosswise, which makes these fly rods stronger and more torsion-resistant, which is particularly beneficial for casting accuracy.
This technique is already used in the manufacture of other fishing rods that are subjected to high loads and twisting (torsion), such as modern carp rods or surfcasting rods. After being convinced by the advantages of the first test rods, Sandro Soldarini is now the first manufacturer to transfer this innovation to a fly rod series.
Thanks to the use of 8 different types of high-modulus carbon fibres (cross-mounted at a 45 degree angle), combined with the use of latest generation resins, Sandro Soldarini has succeeded in producing very thin, light and sensitive blanks without sacrificing strength and robustness. The pleasant action of this rod series allows you to safely land even big fish with very thin leaders. In addition, the high torsional strength of the HYDROPSYCHE TOURNAMENT fly rod series ensures maximum precision when casting the fly line.
The quality of these fly rods does not stop at carbon - the best materials currently available have been used for all components: the handle is made of high-quality cork (flor grade), it has been combined with an elegant minimalist aluminium reel seat with carbon insert.
The guides of a fly rod are very important - here too Sandro Soldarini has opted for uncompromising quality. The line guides are Recoil and are made of a special alloy of nickel and titanium with particular physical properties. This material is extremely hard but flexible; i.e. it can return to its original shape and therefore does not bend permanently; moreover, recoil rings do not corrode. The stripper guide, on the other hand, comes from Sea Guide, a leading company in the manufacture of this special component.
The sturdy rod carry tube is equipped with four practical dividers to speed up the removal or stowage of the rod. It is also equipped with an adjustable shoulder strap.
2. FLY RODS HYDROPSYCHE SENSYTIP
Sandro Soldarini's many years of experience and his excellent network of contacts with many professional fly fishermen in the competition scene have led time and again to innovative rod series such as the PRECISION SENSYTIP XUL in the HYDROPSYCHE model family, which has been specially developed for ultra-fine fishing for trout and grayling.
The double indication of the line class in the specifications of the individual rod models is not a typing error but is due to the two tips that are included with every rod in the HYDROPSYCHE PRECISION SENSYTIP XUL series. In addition to the standard tip, a specially developed tip is supplied, which is based on Soldarini's Sensytip technology and forms the heart of this innovative rod series.
This thinner Sensytip has a full carbon insert in the upper part of the tip, which gives you absolute control over the drift of your nymphs at all times thanks to its unrivalled sensitivity. This tip is so sensitive that it transmits every tap of your nymph on the substrate, no matter how small it is. So not only do you know where your nymph is and if you are even offering it in the "hot" zone. Through this direct contact you won't miss a bite, not even the slightest touch. And it is precisely this controlled guiding and offering of your nymphs that makes European Nymphing such a successful and effective fly fishing technique. It is not for nothing that it has long been a standard method for professional fly fishers at fly fishing competitions.
The HYDROPSYCHE PRECISION SENSYTIP XUL is recommended for use with very long monofilament leaders or monofilament line only, as the flexibility of the Sensytip tip allows you to achieve decent casting distances and thus promising spots without having to rely on the casting weight of a fly line.
The HYDROPSYCHE PRECISION SENSYTIP XUL is perfect for offering small and smallest nymphs on thin and fine tippets. Due to the large flex and the high flexibility, the Sensytip cushions escapes and shocks while playing the fish as smoothly as butter and you can reel in smaller and medium-sized fish with ease.
By using the standard tip, you can turn the HYDROPSYCHE PRECISION SENSYTIP XUL into a second rod that you can fish perfectly with thin, lightweight fly lines that have been specially developed for European nymphing. Should a hatch occur during fishing and the fish start to rise, you can of course also present your dry fly accordingly with this rod.
The characteristics and components of all fly rods of the HYDROPSYCHE PRECISION SENSYTIP XUL rod series are, as usual, uncompromising and primarily designed for performance, according to the motto "form follows function". The medium-fast, very slim blank has an inconspicuous matt black finish and is fitted with single food guides except for the stripping guide.
The half-wells handle is made of flor grade cork and reinforced with cork composite inserts in critical areas. The reel seat is made of high quality 6061 aluminium for maximum weight reduction and has a visually appealing carbon inlay. On the two shorter models of this rod series, the reel is still traditionally attached with an up-locking mechanism. The two longer rod models, on the other hand, have a down-lock reel seat, which ensures a better balance between rod and reel.
In addition, these models 10’ and 10’6’’ long are equipped with a fighting butt. This allows you to guide the fly rod more effortlessly by supporting it with the fighting butt on the forearm behind the wrist. This is very comfortable with longer rods due to their greater leverage, especially when high sticking.
A smart detail are the two length markings on the handpiece which allow you to quickly and easily estimate the size of the fish caught.
The HYDROPSYCHE PRECISION SENSYTIP XUL is a clever overall package where you basically buy two rods at an absolutely fair price. The lightweight, medium-fast and extremely sensitive rod is predestined for extremely effective European nymphing with the smallest nymphs and finest leaders. If you are enthusiastic about the very fine, sensitive and modern way of fly fishing for trout and grayling, you will find it hard to get past the HYDROPSYCHE PRECISION SENSYTIP XUL rod series.
3. HYDROPSYCHE SENSOR XUL FLY ROD
THE PERFECT ROD FOR MODERN NYMPH FISHING
The HYDROPSYCHE SENSOR XUL fly rod is an evolution of the already highly appreciated Hydropsyche Precision Sensytip XUL and brings with it considerable improvements aimed at making Euronymphing even more performant for all those who are serious about this type of fly fishing.
First of all, it is impossible not to notice at a glance the much more aggressive and modern design that distinguishes this Euronymph rod, although, as is obvious, it is not only the aesthetics that have been taken to a new level of excellence.
DOUBLE ROD TIP: STANDARD AND SOLID TIP
What sets these special fly rods from Euronymph apart from most of those you will find on the market is definitely the solid tip, which you will find in addition to the standard rod tip; in fact, this fly rod consists of 3+2 sections.
Unlike the standard rod tip, which I imagine you are all familiar with, the solid rod tip is not hollow inside, but, as the name suggests, solid. This gives it an unparalleled smooth- and softness, allowing it to bend to the limits of physics. Its advantages are manifold, firstly by using this special tip you will have unrivalled sensitivity and be able to get more information from the rod about what is happening to your nymph as it drifts along the bottom. In addition, you will be able to cast even micro-nymphs of very little weight to considerable distances. A final noteworthy advantage lies in the fact that, thanks to the extreme flexibility of the solid tip, you will be able to fish with extremely thin tippets because due to its damping effect minimises the chances of an accidental line break during the fight.
Please note, however, that the use of the solid tip is only recommended when fishing with monofilament line. Despite the lightness of 0.55 mm Euronymph fly lines, they are still too heavy to be used with the solid tip setup. In this case you can switch to the second standard rod tip that is included as well.
TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS
For building up the unsanded carbon blank the latest graph-carbon resins were used, which significantly increase its strength and performance. Moreover, the ultra slim blank helps to keep the total weight of the fly rod very low, but thanks to the technical characteristics you will be able to handle even large fish without any problem. In fact, the moderate action that characterises this entire rod series is the right compromise to be able to effectively fish different sized fish in different situations.
Special marks have been applied to the blank to allow you to measure the length of the fish in no time at all. Starting from the handle you will find these markings at 20, 30 and 40cm respectively.
The overall balance of the rod has been further improved, also thanks to the fact that the reel seat is now down-locking, which shifts the centre of gravity of the rod towards the handle. This stresses your rod arm less during long fishing sessions, in which you often have to hold it up in the typical Euronymph pose. In addition, the aesthetics here have also been made much more modern, with a reel seat with carbon insert, the same carbon from which the small fighting butt has also been made.
The handle is made of black EVA and has three cork inserts. This material provides a really good grip in any situation and also the rods aesthetics takes advance.
The HYDROPSYCHE SENSOR XUL fly rod is sold in a fabric case and practical cordura rod carrying tube for safe storage and easy transport.
4. FLY RODS HYDROPSYCHE ELITE
The fly rods of the HYDROPSYCHE ELITE series by the Italian company Soldarini Fly Tackle are among the best fly rods available on the market - they are characterised by their super performance, extreme robustness and ultra-light weight.
This fly rod series is the result of a long research and development period by Sandro Soldarini. His goal was to create a product of high quality and maximum performance, for every fly fishing technique. Each model was planned and tested in detail until Sandro was convinced that he had developed the best rod for each application. The result is fly rods of sublime quality and performance that delight with their lightness.
The HYDROPSYCHE ELITE series comprises 10 models of high-end fly rods: all blanks have been refined with a spiral surface treatment. This special finish makes the rods extremely robust and scratch-resistant and gives them a modern and futuristic appearance. The blanks have an ultra-slim diameter and at the same time have a considerable material layer or thickness. The materials used are the best available on the market. Thanks to applied nanotechnology and the fusion of several layers of polymer resins, the result can be seen: an extremely light and at the same time extremely robust and high-performance blank.
The special plug-in connection facilitates the easy assembly of the fly rod and ensures that the rod parts can be dismantled easily and without jamming after fishing.
Only the best components from premium manufacturers were used for the HYDROPSYCHE ELITE fly rods: Recoil guides, a reel seat made of aluminium in gun-smoke look and burl wood as well as a first-class cork handle in AAAA quality. All rod models are 4-piece.
The fly rods are delivered with a case and Cordura rod carry tube.
5. FLY RODS HYDROPSYCHE RCX
The HYDROPSYCHE RCX fly rod series from Soldarini Fly Tackle was created by combining graphite layers and excellent, extremely light and flexible polymer resins. The use of nanotechnology makes the finished rods very light and balanced, placing them at the top of their price range.
The blanks have a matt finish and some have additional carbon fibre wraps in the same colour tones as the reel seat. The nymph rods have a down-lock reel seat for better balance.
All models are offered as 4-piece rods and come with rod carry tube and protective case.
Here are some special features:
- For the RCX nymph rods (ROD401, ROD402) a "down lock" reel seat has been used for a better balance of the rigged fly rod.
- The RCX 9'6 to 10'6 nymph model (ROD401) is equipped with an additional extension of approx. 30 cm (1 ft).
- On the RCX sea rods (ROD404, ROD407, ROD408) the first 2 guides are oversized to facilitate the shooting of the fly line.
- The RCX fly rod extra distance (ROD409) has an extension built into the butt section of the rod for situations where a longer casting distance is required.
6. FLY RODS HYDROPSYCHE RCX DRIFT
The HYDROPSYCHE RCX DRIFT fly rods have the same basic equipment as the other rods of the RCX series - but are additionally equipped with a very practical telescopic extension system.
Already tested in ELITE EXT rods, Sandro Soldarini from Soldarini Fly Tackle decided to also equip the RCX DRIFT series with this innovative and high-quality extension.
The telescopic system is very functional (looks good) and supports you in exceptional fishing conditions. The result of Soldarini Fly Tackle's development work is surprising, the available models are perfectly balanced.
Both available models, in the 9'6 version, are perfect for dry fly fishing, the extension of the hand section (10'2) is extremely light and versatile, and therefore they are perfect for all modern nymphing techniques.
The blanks have a matt finish and are partly finished with additional carbon fibre wraps in the same shades as the reel seat. The reel seat is "down lock" for better balance.
All models are offered as 4-piece fly rods and are supplied with rod carry tube and protective case.
7. FLY RODS HYDROPSYCHE LAGO & PIKE
Fly fishing in lakes and ponds as well as fly fishing for large predatory fish has experienced enormous growth in recent years. With the two fly rod series HYDROPSYCHE LAGO and HYDROPSYCHE PIKE, Sandro Soldarini presents fly rods specially developed to these fishing techniques in the usual excellent quality, both in terms of the materials used and the workmanship.
The use of CX Full Carbon has resulted in thin and light rod blanks with an accentuated fast action, which have a consistent performance reserve. The other features and details of the single rod models have been specifically adapted to the respective purpose and guarantee you absolutely reliable and powerful fly rods for the various techniques of fly fishing in still water.