I guess you have to really define blue collar rods and whether you mean blue collar then or now? I thought the Orvis, Silaflex and even some Fenwicks were higher end rods not easily afforded by blue collar back in the day. Now they are certainly more obtainable at least some models and makes. Especially when compared to mid to high quality graphite. I have a bunch of 7'6" rods now. More than I really need and will be working to move some in the coming months. I think there are a lot of fine options in this size if you want a 5-6 weight rod which works for my needs. I am not fishing trout that often and am more likely throwing bigger flies in warmwater. I think Garcia made some fine blue collar rods but seems they really liked the longer lengths like 8ft. Those seem to be more readily available anyway. I haven't had any personal experience with the 7ft 6in Fenwicks but am sure they are fine rods especially considering the general consensus revealed in this thread.












