I carry two lines of TFO rods on the skiff, Older Mangroves and Axiom IIx. Everyone will naturally gravitate towards one or the other and be happy. For the ones that like the Mangrove it’s hard for me to “sell” the newer Mangrove Coast to them without doing a side by side comparison. So my question is, are they similar, different, or a whole nother animal all together?
Idk, but being those 3 are all on my list, I’m looking forward to hearing everyone’s opinions on them.
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@MikeCockman If I can simplify the difference between the Mangrove and Axiom IIx it would sound like this. The Mangrove is a fishing rod and the Axiom IIx is a casting rod. The Mangrove is a very comfortable rod to cast at near to medium targets that has a little reserve to punch the line through the wind. The Axiom IIx is a faster rod with good feel to it. Great for med-med/long cast and does well forming tight loops to punch trough a head wind. I have lined these to their strengths. Mangroves get Grand Slams and Axioms get Infinity Salt. This makes for a very balanced quiver that when conditions change, just grab the other rod and go.
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Don’t hold me to this but the Magrove Coast as I understand it is a little faster than the OG Mangrove. I have a Mangrove Coast in 8wt and its a nice rod with some feel. Its not a fast stick my any means. I was really curious to cast an OG Mangrove to compare. Its a really nice and forgiving rod and has been really easy to cast and doesn’t do terrible in the wind. I have it paired with a GS line and it gets the job done. The other 8 I use a lot is a Helios 2 TF and I use a Bonefish plus line on that one. Its a little faster but also has a good amount of feel. If its windier, I’ll reach for the H2.
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@rovster thanks for the insight. I had heard that the coast was maybe just a tiny bit faster than the OG. Having a med fast and a fast rod selection has really helped giving new guys and conditions options.
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I got the Mangrove Coast as my first “beginner” outfit. Chose it on purpose because I knew it would be a relatively “slower” rod. I still like and use it. Its great for banging the bushes and its pleasant to cast. I do tend to like the rods with more feel anyway. Mine is paired with an Orvis Hydros IV which is a great beginner combo that is still a fine setup but wasn’t a HUGE investment.
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@Birdyshooter solid feedback. I’ve really had a 2x on my brain for a while, and will probably pull the trigger at some point. I don’t have true “fast” rod at my disposal.
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@rovster I fished a buddies H2 the other day, he’s got SA.Grand slam on it. I was able to transition to it pretty quick as it was very similar to my old reddington I throw. Gotta say say though, it racked my nerves a bit having that kinda money in my hands..lol.. I could give 2 
s if my gear gets scratched and such..
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It’s hard to beat TFO for price/quality. Life time warranty as well. I love having high end stuff as well, but those are for just me. 
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@MikeCockman most of my rods including the H2 I picked up second hand for a really good price (and in excellent condition). Only rod I’ve bought new is the Mangrove coast. I rather have a better rod slightly used than pay a premium for new, especially at my stage because I still haven’t figured out what I like. Also have an H3 but I like the H2 better for now. The H3 feels lifeless in my hands but that’s probably just inexperience. My absolute favorite is an old RPLXi with a GS on it I LOVE that rod but I’m told it’s a stiff rod which I don’t find that to be the case which is weird. But I digress, sorry for the slight derail everyone!
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Can’t compare the original Mangrove model with the newer Mangrove Coast model since I only have the Mangrove Coast on board my skiff in sizes 8 and 9. They’ve held up well in hard commercial service and the anglers who’ve used them have liked them. Not high end gear but very usable for the backcountry where anything goes and fly lines rarely last a year working up against mangrove jungle shorelines…
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My 6wt OG Mangrove has a 1/2 heavy line on it and it is very smooth at close and medium distances. I really do not like casting it into wind or at long distances. It’s bendy when fighting a fish.
My 7wt Mangrove Coast has a 1/2 heavy line on it and it is more balanced. It’s okay casting into the wind or at long distances but it’s not my first choice. It’s rigged up and ready to go on my next trip.
I have a 6, 8, and 9wt A2X. They’re a rockets at distance but not great in close. And sometimes the redfish pops up right under the gunnel. These are also good rods for fishing intermediate lines.
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Great summery @Will. Thanks!!
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Your welcome 
@Will what line are you running on the 9wt A2x ?
I’m likely going to grab one today.
I like SA Grand Slam on my 9. Great match for that rod. I also use SAs intermediate line.
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Sweet.
I just so happen to have a 9wt GS on the shelf.
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Axiom IIx set ups. SA redfish on 7wt, SA infinity salt 8wt, Orvis/SA camo intermediate on 10 wt.
Mangrove set ups. SA GS 6wt and 8wt. Intentional for close fish and heavy flys.
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Grand slam on my 8 coast has been nice.
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Same here. Started with a flats pro on it and moved that to another quicker rod. The grand slam works great on it. Feels more nimble now with the GS…
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