rod for son in Montana

Question
Rich,

I'm 63 and have fly fished all of my adult life but only occasionally. I know a fair amount about bamboo and I want to give a rod to my son, who lives in Montana. I want to choose one that he can fish daily.  I also want to introduce him to bamboo without putting a $1,000.00+++ rod in his hands for daily use.  I'm thinking that a used Orvis impregnated rod or something of that description would make sense.  He fishes a 5wt. under normal conditions and I assume a
7 1/2' to 8' 2 pc. rod would be a good choice.  I'd appreciate any thoughts you might have re: make, model and correctness of my assumptions.  Also what I might have to spend to get a good rod that is 100% serviceable but not "as new."

Thanks,

Bob

Bib

Answer
Bob,
What a great father you are ! My old pa , god rest his soul, grew up during the depression and shall we say politely, was careful with his money.
Have you considered a Granger /Wright & McGill, Phillipson ,  South Bend, Shakespeare, or Heddon ? Might find one in good to very shape from 300-500.

I assume you know to avoid  Montague  and Horrocks-Ibbotson.

Plan on paying more for shorter rods like 8 feet or less. There are light 9 foot rods , i.e. 5 weights but tend to be 3 piece , 3 piece also less expensive.

I like the Orvis rods but I am not fond of their impregnated rods - adds 4-5 oz. They are durable. I have a collector friend who always comments on Orvis rods by changing their catch phrase "Made to cast" to made to last not to cast.

e-mail me, I can find you a used rod of you choosing on ebay or elsewhere, for less than 100 and restore it up to look brand new for 35 per section , macsrods@yahoo.com

I also have rods made by me or restored:
Description                                   ID   Price
Macsrods Bamboo Split Cane fly rod 7.5 ft 5 wt    C61   600
Macsrods Bamboo Split Cane fly rod 7 ft 4 wt    C62    600
Banty Bamboo Fly Rod 5' 4" 6 wt 3.5 oz            C65    400
Banty Bamboo Fly Rod 6' 2" 4/5 wt 1.5 oz    C66   400
Macsrods Bamboo Split Cane fly rod Leonard Catskill Fairy Model 38, 7'6 " , 4/5 weight C67 500
Macsrods Bamboo Split Cane fly rod based on the Leonard Tournament Model 50F, 8 foot, 5 weight, 4 ounces   C68   400
SouthBend #46 Bamboo Fly Rod 9 ft 5 wt 4.5 oz    C69   300
New Orvis Midge no ferrule one piece 5 ' 10 " Bamboo Split Cane fly rod 2 wt    C70   500
Light 8 ft "Dry" Bamboo Split Cane fly rod 3 wt 2 piece 2 tips 3.5 oz   C72   400
Restored Dave Cook - Bill Barnes 2 piece 7 ft 4 wt 1 tip    C73   350

Let me know which rods interest you and I will send you  and Internet address so you can see pictures and descriptions. I am in the middle of a reorganization of my web page  so these are not on my web page but will be soon.

Luck,
Mac

Please provide feedback, nominations are appreciated.