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RIFT Apache II Fly Fishing Rod – Carbon Fiber Telescopic Fishing Rod – One-Piece Travel Fishing Rod – Fast Action Fly Rod with Aluminum Reel Seat, Stainless Guides, and Folding Hook Keeper (3/4 WT)

TLDR Review: RIFT Apache II Fly Rod 3/4 WT

By ShopSavvy Team

Published: January 15th, 2026

Pros

•Compact, lightweight, and highly portable design, making it ideal for travel and hiking trips where packing light is essential.
•Higuality carbon fiber construction paired with durable stainless guides and an aluminum reel seat for solid build reliability.
•Fast action with a very stiff rod that can handle long casts and various fishing situations, delivering quick and efficient performance once loaded properly.
•Folding hook keeper adds convenience for quick line winding and rod readiness.
•Collapsible design fits easily in backpacks or vehicles, encouraging spontaneous fishing opportunities.
•Reel seat features a double lock mechanism that holds firmly, enhancing overall durability and security.
•Attractive presentation with a neat box and solid finish, suggesting good value for the price.
•Weluited for fishing in tight, obstacle-filled environments like creeks surrounded by trees or vines where long rods are inconvenient.

Cons

•The rod is notably heavy for a 3/4 WT fly rod—heavier than some 8wt rods—making it less ideal for those wanting an ultright or traditional feel.
•Extremely stiff action concentrates flex only in the top 8 inches, which makes casting lighter 3 or 4 weight lines challenging and less enjoyable.
•Some users report difficulty loading the rod with a 5wt line due to the stiff action, resulting in reduced casting pleasure and control.
•Lack of alignment marks slows down rigging time, which could frustrate anglers in the field.
•Durability concerns exist; there are reports of breakage early in use, signaling possible quality control issues.
•The rod’s stiffness and weight might not suit beginners or those accustomed to more flexible, lightweight telescopic or pack rods.
•No shorter length options available, which some users feel would better suit closuarter fishing or backpacking needs.

Bottom Line

If you’re looking for a rugged, fast-action carbon fiber fly fishing rod that folds up neatly for travel and can handle tougher environments, the RIFT Apache II is a solid option with great build quality and convenience features. However, be aware it’s heavier and much stiffer than typical rods in the 3/4 weight class, which may limit casting enjoyment, especially with lighter lines. If you prefer a more forgiving or traditional rod experience or need a lighter weight for extended use, you might want to explore other travel fly rods designed with more flex and lighter materials. For anglers prioritizing portability without sacrificing durability but wanting a more flexible rod, considering other telescopic or pack rods might be worthwhile.

How we researched this

About this review: We pulled together findings from professional reviews and hundreds of user reviews, and cross-referenced them with ShopSavvy's pricing data from thousands of retailers to give you the short version.

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