“Bury Me With My Phillipson Bamboo Fly Rods,” Part III
By Tom Chandler on May 14, 2007 in bamboo, gear
Finally — the last installment of my series on Phillipson Bamboo Fly Rods.
Missed the earlier installments? Click to read Part I and Part II. Otherwise, feel free to add Phillipson-related comments at the bottom.
Due to the length, you’ll have to click the “Read More” link below to read the whole thing.
Enjoy!
Bury Me With My Phillipson Bamboo Fly Rods — The Final Installment
What’s most remarkable about Phillipson’s bamboo fly rods is that – for all their fishability and bulletproof construction — they weren’t designed to empty the pocketbooks of the wealthy.
Phillipson’s rods – along with Heddons and Grangers (remember, Phillipson supervised Granger production after Goodwin Granger’s death in the early 1930s) – occupy a narrow niche in the fly rod continuum.
That niche? Production fly rods that cast and fish as well as any rod, but do so at a price that almost anyone could afford.
A varnished Power-Pakt (refinished).
A worthy goal, and his success in achieving it drives me to declare Bill Phillipson the most under-appreciated builder of the bamboo’s “Golden Age.”
And — unlike so many of the more famous Eastern builders (who died paupers) – Phillipson’s rod building company was successful, and remained so after the market switched to fiberglass rods in the early 50s.
Phillipson’s Bamboo Fly Rods
While the prices for his rods varied – his early rods ranged from $20 to $75 – his least-expensive 8.5’ rod used the same exact taper as the most-expensive 8.5′ taper.
So while his high-end models featured high-graded cane, silk wraps and (sometimes) better reel seats than the cheaper models, they all fished pretty much the same.
When he started selling bamboo in 1946, his lineup was simple (from least to most expensive):
- Pacemaker
- Power-Pakt
- Paramount
- Premium
The next year he added the Paragon to the bottom of the line ($19.95) , but by all accounts, his Pacemaker was his most popular rod.
I’ve owned two Pacemakers and frankly, they fished on a par with my top-of-the-line Premiums – a reality that didn’t escape the rod buyers of the time.
With little difference between grades, all that’s really left are the different lengths, tapers and finishes, which varied over time.
For example, his varnished rods reigned supreme in the latter half of the 1940s, but in the early 1950s, Phillipson added the impregnated Peerless and Preferred models to the line, after which time his varnished rods didn’t occupy much space in his catalog.
Instead, fiberglass and impregnated bamboo (lower maintenance) rods were Phillipson’s best sellers.
A well-used Peerless Impregnated rod; redder than the caramel-colored varnished rods.
Phillipson’s Tapers
Bill Phillipson’s rods were built to handle the larger fish, bigger rivers and windier conditions often found in the West.
Over a day of fishing, you could expect to encounter everything from a small stream with little fish to a big river, big fish, and a little wind.
A rod capable of handling those conditions probably wouldn’t be shorter than 8′, and it certainly wouldn’t offer a spongy action like so many of the Eastern wands.
Still, it’s interesting how many people dismiss Phillipson’s rods as “Western wind rods,” yet rave about the Granger tapers, many of which differ only slightly from the Phillipson tapers.
It’s true that I find Phillipson’s short rods a little on the strong side; the 7’ and 7.5’ Phillipsons aren’t (in my opinion) his best tapers.
I once owned a 7.5’ 5wt Phillipson Premium, and though it was a good taper, it was a strong 5wt – a stronger rod than I’d ever use in a 7.5′ rod.
Since it didn’t measure up to any of the four Phillipson 8’ rods I owned, I sold it. Then again, I don’t get warm and fuzzy about most 7′ and 7.5′ rods, so perhaps I’m a poor analyst.
8′ Tapers: the Fly Rod Sweet Spot
When you pick up and wiggle a 8’ or 8.5’ Phillipson, you’ve landed squarely on the Phillipson Rod Company’s sweet spot.
I’d stack these tapers against any produced by more famous (and more expensive) builders, with only a handful of far more expensive rods truly providing alternatives.
I own several Phillipson 8’ 5wts, and while my early model “Premium” is a lighter-actioned rod than my late-model Peerless impregnated rods, all exhibit an unbelievably sweet, smooth action.
The later rods are particularly suited to everything from flinging a small dry to chunking a weighted stonefly nymph – a claim you can’t make with many of the delicate, light-tipped tapers favored by collectors.
I find Phillipson 8′ rods equally at home in situations ranging from a small freestoner to a fast-moving drift boat.
They load and unload smoothly and without hinging, and yet they’re remarkably light in the hand. Indeed, many times I’ve laid out a long cast with one, and figured I somehow just cheated gravity.
The 8.5′ Rods: Fishing Tapers for Fishermen
Bamboo rods in the 8.5′ 5wt format are a problem for even modern rod builders. That’s the point where bamboo can start to feel a little heavy, and building a taper that feels light in the hand yet fishes beautifully becomes a challenge.
Phillipson’s “standard” 8.5′ taper straddles this difficult fence beautifully; I’ve seen it described as a “Western wind rod,” a great “all-around” stick, and even as the ideal rod for fishing small flies to savvy fish.
Conflicting representations? Sure. Indicators that this rod can perform many different functions?
Surely.
The top is an elliptical “hammer handle” grip on a Premium. The bottom is the “Torpedo” style. Note the highly functional lightweight metal reel seats.
Much has been written about the qualities of the Granger 8642 (an 8.5′ 5wt), yet little mention is made of the nearly identical Phillipson version of the rod.
Michael Sinclair – noted rod historian and author – once told me that when Bill Phillipson started the Phillipson rod company, he built his 8.5′ taper by retaining the best qualities of the Granger 8642, modifying the rod only slightly.
As a result, the 8.5′ Phillipson casts a DT5 line beautifully, yet fishes wonderfully even at close range.
In my opinion, the only rods that truly surpass it might be a few hollowbuilt numbers – rods far too labor-intensive for any production builder to make.
In addition to his “standard” 8.5 taper, Phillipson later introduced the “Dry Fly Special” – a faster taper that cast best with a 6wt and presaged the industry trend towards steeper rod tapers.
I’m not overly enamored of the Dry Fly Special (despite owning two of them), but admit that it’s an easier rod for most to cast, and its popularity can’t be denied. It’s an excellent windy day rod and like all Phillipsons, it’s bulletproof.
Other Phillipson Tapers
I own a 9′ Phillipson, and find it a useful rod on lakes, but it’s pushing the boundary of comfort over the course of a day. 9.5′ Phillipsons were also produced, but they’re relatively rare on the market, and a handful on the water.
Phillipson also produced a 4-pc Smuggler travel rod, a Haywood Zephyr, a handful of private label rods (for LL Bean, Abercrombie & Fitch, and others), and few odds and ends.
Still, fishermen will primarily be interested in Phillipson’s 7.5′ - 8.5′ rods.
The Fiberglass Era
By the early 1950s, fiberglass fly rods quickly grew to dominate the fly rod industry. Phillipson liked fiberglass for its low cost, ease of manufacturing, lighter weight and lower manufacturing costs, and wholeheartedly embraced the material.
Indeed, his glass rods are widely regarded as the finest of the era, with only a few custom builders challenging his superiority.
Phillipson invented the first pressurized curing system, where fiberglass blanks were cured in a pressurized bag – a technique that eliminated strength-sapping voids in the blank wall.
He also worked with fiberglass supplier 3M – the company that eventually bought the Phillipson Rod company – in the development of uni-directional fiberglass pre-peg for use in rods.
His Epoxite rods represented the height of glass rod production, and his Epoxite Registered Midge rods (6.5′ 4wt and 5wt rods that were ahead of their time) are rarely seen, and sell in the four-figure range.
Today’s Phillipsons
Phillipson’s bamboo rods haven’t enjoyed the demand from collectors other rods do – a fact appreciated by those of us who love them for their fishing qualities.
Indeed, while Granger prices grew to stratospheric levels, Phillipsons lagged, though in today’s vintage bamboo rod market, nothing comes cheap.
Less than ten years ago, a good condition 8.5′ Phillipson could be bought for as little as $250, and within the last ten years, I acquired a pair of great-condition 8′ Phillipsons for $350 apiece.
Bargains at twice the price.
Today, excellent+ condition 8′ Phillipsons are more often found in the $500-$900 range, with the 8.5′ rods a little less expensive.
Compared to Grangers and many of the more-hyped rods from eastern builders, they’re still an excellent deal.
Phillipson rods were never built for display under glass, and in today’s collector-oriented atmosphere, that’s a one-way trip to the “we’re not interested” zone.
That’s too bad for them, but good for those of us who simply like to fish the things – as Bill Phillipson clearly intended.
See you on the river (Phillipson in hand), Tom Chandler.
A 1952 Phillipson ad. By 1953, fiberglass rods reigned, and the bamboo was mostly impregnated rods. (click the image to see a larger version of the scan.)
Technorati Tags: fly fishing, bamboo fly rod, phillipson, phillipson fly rod, phillipson bamboo fly rod, fly rod
Bamboo Addict | May 15, 2007 | Reply
Tom, all I can say is outstanding, I have all three now printed off, and will keep them to read over again. I am waiting for more history lessons of rod builders and tyers. I know you have ton’s of time to do the reserch. (yea right)
David
PS, just a few of the big bugs flying on Monday will drop down to the next run today and give you a report.
ran the upper run, a few smaller fish but one real nice Cutty.
David Stankiewicz | Jun 7, 2007 | Reply
Thanks for a great read. I’m fairly new to bamboo, and I fell in love with an 8.5′ Pacemaker I got to cast this past winter. I cast 10 or 12 different rods that day, and the Phillipson stood out so much that I know own it!
Tom Chandler | Jun 7, 2007 | Reply
David S: Glad you liked the piece and the new rod. Phillipsons aren’t cheap anymore, but they’re still less expensive than most of the other vintage cane, and — adding Phillipson’s the more interesting stories about Phillipson (see Part II) to the mix — they’re a bargain.
toddd gressett | Jun 11, 2007 | Reply
Tom, I really enjoyed all three articles. What a suprise for me to come across the history.
My father (deceased) had Phillipson build he and his father (also deceased) some fly rods. My dad’s was a Royal (7′-9″), and my grandfather’s was a Master (7′4″). Both rods have their names embossed by the Phillipson label. Such fun to have great history in the family.
Unfortunately, the Royal had an encounter with the garage door, and the cork handle and the very dip of the rod were broken. Is there anyone out there who can make some basic repairs?
Thanks,
TOdd
Tom Chandler | Jun 11, 2007 | Reply
I didn’t go into the Phillipson glass rods overmuch, but they were widely regarded as being among the best of the time.
Owning your father’s rods is a very cool thing, especially since Phillipsons have such an interesting history to begin with.
One place has performed some repairs on Phillipsons in the past:
http://www.raptorrodworks.com/
Give ‘em a try. Good luck!
Bamboo Bill | Jun 14, 2007 | Reply
I use to work over at Ricks Rods for a short time. I can tell you have done your research.
Now lets consider this question . What ever happened to the milling machine that Phillipson used? It was moved to Minnesota and I wonder what happened to it?
Tom Chandler | Jun 14, 2007 | Reply
Ahh, the Phillipson milling machine. Like Amelia Earhart, it disappeared without a trace, and while people will say they saw Elvis using it in a remote Wyoming town, there seem to have been no credible eyewitness reports.
It’s one of the first questions I asked Mike sinclair when I had the chance, and I’ve seen it asked several times since online.
You’d have to assume the mill was shipped to Minnesota and probably junked (after all the bamboo rod market had all but disappeared at that point), though I’m willing to entertain credible alternative theories (Elvis building rods in Duluth, for example).
Charles S. Doster | Jul 5, 2007 | Reply
I am fascinated by your three articles on Phillipson, While attending a fly fishing school taught by Henry Williamson (I betcha know him) I discovered that I have a Phillipson Paragon with the markings: Q8 9-5 5/8 HCH. I failed to take it to Henry, but he was ecstatic about Bill Phillipson when I called Henry on the phone. What can you tell me about it? I inherited the rod from my grandfather, James G. Johns of Birmingham. Granddad died in the early 1970s and had probably owned the rod for more than 20 years. All but one of the ferrules are golden and apparently original, That one was replaced (not overly artistically) and is reddish. Charlie Doster. (256) 237-2755.
greg hall | Jul 5, 2007 | Reply
Tom,
Pretty interesting series of articles on Phillipson and his rods. The first cane rod I ever fished was an 8.5′ Pacemaker and as luck would have it I caught a 19″ Deschutes redside on that rod and it became my rod for all seasons on the Deschutes. About two years ago I owned a very nice Payne 205, an extremely smooth 8.5′ 6wt. I was planning a trip to the Deschutes and some other Oregon streams and laid out some rods I was considering taking including the Payne and an 8.5 Powr Pakt. Since I didn’t want to take alot of rods with me I looked at the Payne and the Phillipson and asked myself, now which rod do you want to fish on the Deschutes? Without a second thought I picked up the Phillipson and sold the Payne when I got back from my trip. I think I made the right choice and my Phillipson’s are still my rod of choice as I now own an 7.5′ Peerless, 8′ Preferred, an 8.5′ Powr Pakt, an 8.5′ Dry Fly Special and a 9′ Paragon. I’m pretty much in agreement with you in that it’s the 8′ and 8.5′ rods that I like the best but then those lengths also best suit the streams I fish most often. I once owned 9.5′ Powr Pakt but after one hour on the Deschutes in a stiff wind I was beat. I will say that when it comes to 9′ cane rods the Phillipsons are head and shoulders above both Grangers and Heddons. In regard to the story about Phillipson’s dispute with the Granger business manager, Agnes Marshall, I think the rods marked 51 were meant to signify the 5 years in business. Both the Peerless and Preferred impregnated rods were first introduced in 1953 so it’s unlikely that the “5″ refers to that contentious relationship and the dire prediction of Agnes the Witch. According to Colorado Classic Cane, Ann Smith who did all the lettering on Phillipson rods from 1949 to 1972 did not recall the meaning of the “5″ designation.
My friend, AJ Thramer has always been inspired by the work of Bill Phillipson in producing high quality rods at a more affordable price and his new Western Trout rods are directly inspired by Phillipson rods.
Pete Van Schaack | Aug 23, 2007 | Reply
Great article!!
i sold David the Pacemaker, kiscked myself for several months as I had a hole in my fishing arsenal. Just picked up a 8.5′ Paragon to fill the void - Dave you got the nicer rod :)
Enjoy - Pete
Michael Lindsey | Sep 3, 2007 | Reply
Hey! Great article and am I glad I found it! I have a Phillipson P86F Rod that I bought at a yard sale about 15 years ago…..I am looking to sell it and am looking for a reasonable price to post it at. It is 104″ from tip to butt and is three piece, in very good condition….even has a green canvas 3 slot pouch that it came in. Any advice out there?
Thanks..
Bamboo Bill | Sep 3, 2007 | Reply
I send people to Ricks Rods in Denver for Phillipson…..I have no business connection with Ricks Rods but…they do good work and have a great selection of thread for the rods….
Tom Chandler | Sep 3, 2007 | Reply
Michel: That’s an 8.5′ rod, so it should be 102″ when assembled. That’s also a glass rod, and failing more information, I can’t give you much of an idea.
A good place for information (and to sell the thing) might be the Fiberglass fly rod board:
http://p099.ezboard.com/bfiberglassflyrodders?
Good luck! The Phillipsons glass rods are gaining a little momentum on the pricing front.
Michael Lindsey | Sep 4, 2007 | Reply
Thanks for the information Tom. When I bought the rod there was also a 6-sided bamboo rod, actually several pieces (3 end sections anyway),however, I don’t see any manufacturer logo on the rod….I “think” it might be a phillipson also, since it was all together?? I also got a oren-o-matic reel that is in real good shape, model 1140D. I think I will take it all by Ricks Rods here in Denver and see what they have to say.
Tom Chandler | Sep 4, 2007 | Reply
The bamboo rod could be almost anything. If you could take some pictures of the reel seat and grip, then maybe we could determine something, but as it is, we don’t have much to go on.
Good luck at Ricks.
Warren Grace | Nov 5, 2007 | Reply
I have a 8.5 foot varnished Pacemaker with a hammer grip. Rod is in a fiber tube and green canvas rod sack. Tube cap is a painted gray. On the cap’s inside you can see a partial Beech Nut logo (as in smokeless tobacco). My question is whether/why/when Phillipson produced Pacemakers with a hammer grip. No other markings on the rod. Rod, marking and grip all look original. I’ve owned the rod since ‘92. And, it’s fun owning something from a good outfit like Phillipson. Enjoyed the articles. Thks, Warren in StL
Tom Chandler | Nov 5, 2007 | Reply
Warren: I have two Premiums with the hammer grip, and despite its somewhat small size, it absolutely disappears in the hand. Great stuff.
As for why it’s on a Pacemaker, keep in mind that the “production” shops of yesteryear aren’t quite as rigid as today’s fly rod production lines, and apparently it was fairly common for Phillipson and Granger to custom produce a rod now and then for a good customer.
At least that’s one possible explanation.
Dennis Belville | Jan 22, 2008 | Reply
Tom,
That was the most comprehensive article I’ve seen regarding Ted and his rods. I really enjoyed it. Tom I have a 9′1/2 6 1/4 HCH Paramount 51 Hammer Handle. Do I use 6 or 7 wt. line on it today. Or could I use a DT HCH Orvis Oiled Silk fly line that I also have on it?
Tom Chandler | Jan 23, 2008 | Reply
Dennis: I’ve never even held a 9.5′ Phillipson, which isn’t all that common a rod.
I would say fish whichever line feels best — the translation from silk to modern lines has been somewhat inexact, and the bamboo rods can typically handle a pretty wide range anyway.
That Orvis silk line sounds pretty good — especially given that the most high-tech of modern fly lines (SA’s Sharkskin) is well on its way to imitating the textured finish of silk… 8-)
5X | Feb 8, 2008 | Reply
Want a Phillipson bargain? Keep on the prowl for Fred DeBell’s bamboo rods that were assembled with Phillipson blanks and ferrules.
Susan Turnquist | Apr 17, 2008 | Reply
Thanks so much for this article! I’ve been wondering about my rod for a while. I own a Phillipson Pacemaker “51″ 8 1/2-5 HDH with a hammer handle and green anodized seat which I acquired at an auction for $10. I love fishing with this rod. I’ve got both tips, the bag, tube and reel. I usually use the one that came with the rod. It’s stamped “Made in U.S.A.”, black paint, white plastic (maybe ceramic?) handle, drag set. it’s pretty beat up and I’m thinking about replacing it. Any info on reels for this rod or my original reel?
Tom Chandler | Apr 17, 2008 | Reply
Susan: $10? You got a deal. I can’t identify the reel from your description; if you send a picture, I might be able to help.
As for modern reels, I’m not really a stickler for period reels on bamboo rods. If you are, then an earlier, American-made Medalist reel is a good choice, as is the more-expensive Hardy Princess.
There are a bazillion modern reels that would work well on that rod, and it’s really a matter of preference.