Origin II 9’6″ 7wt | v2.5

Origin II 9’6″ 7wt | v2.5

The perfect all-rounder.

The 9’6” 7wt sits right in that space where versatility really starts to matter. It’s the rod you reach for when you don’t want to think twice about conditions, fly choice, or species; it just covers ground. From heavy stillwater work to saltwater flats, tigerfish, or largemouth, it handles it all without feeling out of place.

Like the rest of the range, it’s been designed from the ground up. The taper and flex profile were built specifically around this line class to strike a balance between power and usability. A 7wt needs to carry more mass and deal with more demanding situations, but it also needs to remain enjoyable to cast, that’s where a lot of the development time went.

The blank uses Toray 40T carbon, paired with the same high-response resin system developed for the Origin II series. That combination gives the rod its strength and responsiveness, allowing it to generate line speed easily while still recovering cleanly. It’s got plenty of backbone when you need to lean into a cast, but it never feels heavy or cumbersome.

At just under 100 grams, it’s light in hand for a rod in this class, and even lighter once you start casting. The swing weight stays low, which makes a noticeable difference over a full day, especially when you’re throwing larger flies or working in the wind.

The 9’6” length adds another layer of practicality. It helps with line control, keeps your back cast clear when wading or fishing tight banks, and gives you that extra lift when working from a boat or on the flats. There’s also a slightly more forgiving nature under load, which comes into play when fishing lighter tippets or dealing with quick runs.

In terms of action, it’s fast and capable, but not overly aggressive. It loads smoothly, tracks straight, and delivers power without needing to be forced. That makes it equally at home presenting to wary fish on the flats, where a bit of finesse still matters, as it is launching heavier flies like flexos or streamers when conditions call for it.

Componentry remains consistent with the rest of the lineup. Single-foot Korean hard chrome guides keep things light and efficient, while the machined aluminium reel seat with woven carbon insert adds both strength and a subtle visual tie-in to the blank itself. Everything is built with long-term use in mind, without adding unnecessary bulk.

The 9’6” 7wt is, in many ways, the “do-it-all” rod for slightly heavier work. In the same way a 5wt covers most freshwater situations, this covers the next step up, more power, more versatility, and the ability to handle a much wider range of conditions without giving up feel or enjoyment.

It’s a rod that’s easy to get along with, capable across the board, and one you’ll find yourself reaching for more often than expected.

This is my (Shaun Carstens – Owner and designer at Reel Fly Fishing) go-to rod for the Garden Route and has been tested and refined for more than 2 years. Grunter, Leeries and anything else I can get on the end of it was fantastic on the 7wt.

Specifications

• Model: Origin II

• Length: 9’6”

• Line Weight: 7wt

• Weight:  grams

• Pieces: 4-piece construction

• Blank Material: Toray 40T high-modulus carbon fibre

• Resin System: Custom high-response resin system (developed in-house)

• Action: Modern fast (progressive with extra fast recovery)

• Swing Weight: Ultra-low, optimised through refined mass distribution

• Taper Design: Ground-up proprietary taper and flex profile

• 4 slot cordura rod tube included

Components & Build

• Guides: Single-foot Korean hard chrome guides (lightweight, low friction)

• Stripping Guides: Hard chrome double-foot

• Reel Seat: CNC-machined aluminium with woven carbon insert

• Handle: Premium-grade flor-grade cork, slim full wells for improved control

• Hook Keeper: Minimalist, low-profile design

• Thread Wraps: Lightweight, durability-focused

Performance

• Recovery Speed: Fast, high-response blank with minimal tip bounce

• Tracking: Excellent line control and stability through the cast

• Power Delivery: High power-to-weight efficiency

• Versatility: Suited to larger streamers, dries, light saltwater, and still waters.

• Handles windy conditions with ease

Line Pairing

• Recommended Line:  WF7

• Optimal Grain Window: 200-210 grains

• Compatibility: Handles slightly heavier lines for quicker loading at shorter distances

• Manufactured in: South Korea

• Design & Development: In-house by Reel Fly Fishing, fully proprietary

Warranty

All Origin II rods are covered by a limited lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects in materials and workmanship for the original owner.

We stand behind the quality of our design and build, and every rod is produced with long-term use in mind. If a fault is found to be the result of a manufacturing defect, we will repair or replace the affected section at no cost.

Fly rods are, however, tools that are used in demanding environments. Damage caused by accidents, misuse, wear and tear, or external factors is not covered under warranty. This includes (but is not limited to) impacts, car doors, high sticking, or general handling damage.

That said, we aim to keep you on the water. In the event of accidental damage, replacement sections are available at a reasonable cost, subject to availability. Our goal is to make the process as straightforward and fair as possible, without unnecessary delays or excessive charges.

To process a warranty or replacement request, we may ask for:

• Proof of purchase

• A brief description of the issue

• Photos of the damaged section

Turnaround times will depend on stock availability, but we will always do our best to get you back up and fishing as quickly as possible.