Report CND Black Spey

Action	5 out of 6
Cosmetics	5 out of 6
Line Rating	Windcutter 'A' 8/9/10 'B' 9/10/11 MidSpey 'A' 8/9 'B' 9/10
Ideal Line	MidSpey 8/9
Overall	9 out of 10

Nobuo Nodera at CND has a long history of producing fine spey rods and his new series called BS (Black Spey) lives up to his good reputation.

I tried the 14ft 8/9/10 rod on a windy day at the recent Japanese Spey Clave.This rod was a cracker - light, perfectly balanced and a joy to cast. The rod is slightly slower than the action I am used to, but generated fast tip speed and had enough power to handle the faster stroke that I use. The deeper action ensured even softer casts with big loops that would unroll easily.

I did not try any sink tips on this rod, nor cast it with large flies, so cannot make any accurate comments as to how it would handle these, but with a mid belly length floating line and an easy casting stroke, it should get the vote of approval of most spey casters.

Another fine rod from the CND stable.It loaded best with around 650 grains and a mid length belly.

Beginners would find this a delight with the 9/10/11 Windcutter, while more experienced casters would love a MidSpey 8/9.

One of the rods of 2006 for me!