Ply-Flex Rod

[m3040c]

These Photos and mild provenance was posted on Facebook. I found the rod very interesting and wondered if I am the only one that is unaware of this rod. Seems like the guides are Bow Stave Mildrum style and the locking reel seat looks like a Montague style.

Anyone have experience with these rods.











I was very impressed with the number of laminations used to create the plywood these rod are made from.

[Teal]

Ply-Flex came around immediately after WWII and made laminate strip saltwater rods on a patent that was expired by Roy B. Shaver (I believe it was this method, although it might have been Frank O'Brien's method). They made these very nice rods for a few years and then switched to fiberglass and that was that. They come around often enough to think they sold pretty well.

-- Dr. Todd

[54bullseye]

I bought a smaller Ply-Flex rod a few years back for cheap money I thought it was kinda neat !! Notice how thin the laminates are ! I would say maybe a 30 lb rod. I would like to find a big one. I think it's been re wrapped not sure here it is . John Taylor

[Teal]

I have two different laminate strip fly rods, apparently Ply-Flex made a fly rod to go with their saltwater line up. Would love to see one.

[m3040c]

Thanks for the responses.

I bought a smaller Ply-Flex rod a few years back for cheap money I thought it was kinda neat !! Notice how thin the laminates are ! I would say maybe a 30 lb rod. I would like to find a big one. I think it's been re wrapped not sure here it is . John Taylor

Very nice John. I do not have one. I will actively keep an eye out for one in the future. Those lamination's are like aircraft plywood standards. Must be some kind of interesting combination of different veneers to create a plywood fishing rod that could withstand the stresses of big game fish.

I have two different laminate strip fly rods, apparently Ply-Flex made a fly rod to go with their saltwater line up. Would love to see one.

Now that would be an interesting catalog to find. I wonder if Plyflex printed a full catalog when they were making wood rods?