Post by ShadowCaster on Aug 16, 2005 23:29:04 GMT 8
In the history of split bamboo fly rod industry, there are several names that were indisputable leaders that set the trend. Wesley D Jordan is certainly one of those names.
He went down in history as a truly innovative bamboo rodmakers who had a major impact on the bamboo fly rod as we know it today. Jordan was involved with producing bamboo rods for more than 50 years, first with the Cross Rod Co. of Lynn, Massachusetts, then with South Bend in Indiana and finally with Orvis in Manchester, Vermont. His innovative genius and natural talent for craftsmanship turned all three companies into recognized leaders in the bamboo rod business.
In 1939 Wes Jordan went to work for Charles F. Orvis Co. in Manchester, Vermont. He worked for Orvis until his retirement in the early 1970s, during which time he helped resurrect the company and take it to the forefront in rod production. During his tenure at Orvis he developed the process for making impregnated rods, and designed and patented the famous Orvis screw lock reel seat.
The pinnacle of Jordan’s rod is none other than the Wes Jordan series of custom order rods offered while he was at the helm at Orvis. This series of rods are available on custom order only. The rod owner’s name will be inscribed on the butt section and the owner’s initial is engraved on the reel seat. The owner’s palm size is also recorded so that the thumb and palm imprint on the cork grip is customized for maximum comfort. Cane selection is done by Jordan himself and only the best grade is used. Jordan will personally mill the strips and complete the impregnation process. The rod always comes in the signature leather bound rod tube with an aluminium core.
Beside the 6-1/2ft Rocky Mountain model, the most sort after and collectible taper is none other than the 7-1/2ft 3-7/8oz 2/2 rod rated for a 6wt line. The serial number #68888 dates this rod to 1973. Wes Jordan rods in 7ft 6in are highly sort after.
Jordan’s taper are medium to medium slow action, but possess lot of concealed power. I was able to cast a #8 deer hair popper out to 80ft on a WF5 line. Yet, the rod tip is delicate enough to cast with just the leader outside the tip top. Because of the impregnation process, Wes Jordan rods are known to be bullet proof and can take a lot of abuse. Landing the 9lb foul tempered Kalui in the picture below is a rough job for any rod. But the 35 year old Wes Jordan did it with dignity like a true gentleman!
He went down in history as a truly innovative bamboo rodmakers who had a major impact on the bamboo fly rod as we know it today. Jordan was involved with producing bamboo rods for more than 50 years, first with the Cross Rod Co. of Lynn, Massachusetts, then with South Bend in Indiana and finally with Orvis in Manchester, Vermont. His innovative genius and natural talent for craftsmanship turned all three companies into recognized leaders in the bamboo rod business.
In 1939 Wes Jordan went to work for Charles F. Orvis Co. in Manchester, Vermont. He worked for Orvis until his retirement in the early 1970s, during which time he helped resurrect the company and take it to the forefront in rod production. During his tenure at Orvis he developed the process for making impregnated rods, and designed and patented the famous Orvis screw lock reel seat.
The pinnacle of Jordan’s rod is none other than the Wes Jordan series of custom order rods offered while he was at the helm at Orvis. This series of rods are available on custom order only. The rod owner’s name will be inscribed on the butt section and the owner’s initial is engraved on the reel seat. The owner’s palm size is also recorded so that the thumb and palm imprint on the cork grip is customized for maximum comfort. Cane selection is done by Jordan himself and only the best grade is used. Jordan will personally mill the strips and complete the impregnation process. The rod always comes in the signature leather bound rod tube with an aluminium core.
Beside the 6-1/2ft Rocky Mountain model, the most sort after and collectible taper is none other than the 7-1/2ft 3-7/8oz 2/2 rod rated for a 6wt line. The serial number #68888 dates this rod to 1973. Wes Jordan rods in 7ft 6in are highly sort after.
Jordan’s taper are medium to medium slow action, but possess lot of concealed power. I was able to cast a #8 deer hair popper out to 80ft on a WF5 line. Yet, the rod tip is delicate enough to cast with just the leader outside the tip top. Because of the impregnation process, Wes Jordan rods are known to be bullet proof and can take a lot of abuse. Landing the 9lb foul tempered Kalui in the picture below is a rough job for any rod. But the 35 year old Wes Jordan did it with dignity like a true gentleman!