The Granger 8642 is a classic bamboo fly rod taper by Goodwin Granger. Headwaters builds it to spec as the McKenzie, a 8'6" 5-weight 3-piece medium bamboo fly rod, direct from the maker and priced from $400.
McKenzie | 8'6" 5-weight 3-piece medium | Granger 8642 taper
Who was Goodwin Granger?
Goodwin Granger built some of the great early production bamboo rods out of Denver. Granger rods are known for a smooth, progressive medium action at a price working anglers could reach.
What is the Granger 8642 taper?
The taper is the rod's DNA: the way the cane changes thickness from tip to grip, which decides how the rod loads and casts. The Granger 8642 is a 8'6" 5-weight 3-piece medium design. Headwaters builds it to spec, not "inspired by," so you get the action Goodwin Granger intended.
How the McKenzie casts
A smooth, progressive medium action with enough length to mend across current seams. The 3-piece design breaks down for travel without giving up the feel.
It is built for bigger rivers where you need line control and reach, and travelers who want a 3-piece that packs down.
The Headwaters McKenzie: the Granger 8642 built to spec
Most new bamboo rods with a name taper cost $1,500 to $4,000, with waitlists that can run a year or more. The McKenzie is direct from the maker: Favorite Series from $400, Deluxe Series at $750. Every Deluxe rod carries an agate stripping guide, nickel-silver hardware, and hand-wrapped silk, on genuine hex-planed Tonkin cane. It ships with a 30-day trial and a lifetime warranty.
The Granger 8642 is a classic bamboo fly rod taper by Goodwin Granger: a 8'6" 5-weight 3-piece medium design. Headwaters builds it to spec as the McKenzie.
What is the McKenzie bamboo rod good for?
It is built for bigger rivers where you need line control and reach, and travelers who want a 3-piece that packs down.
How much does the McKenzie cost?
The McKenzie is available in the Favorite Series from $400 and the Deluxe Series at $750. It ships with a rod sock and tube, a 30-day trial, and a lifetime warranty.
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