It's easy to lump any 2 hander into the category of a "Spey rod" but after casting a few rods, it becomes apparent that there are many differences. It is generally accepted that 2 handed rods over 12 and a half feet in length are spey rods. However, even in this category, there are differences, just as in the realm of single handers. Actions differ even for similar weights of rods.
Traditional actions stem from the old school of spey casting. These rods tend to be slow to medium action rods if comparing to the single handed school of actions and bend all the way down to the cork of the rod. Power is generated throughout the rod with emphasis being on the lower sections of the rod itself.
Fast or European action rods tend to be stiffer rods that generate most power in the tip of the rod. Most new casters find these rods easier to cast as they are more similar to the graphite rods in the single handed casting world. These rods tend to be on the shorter end of the "Spey Rod" spectrum.
Switch rods have come on the market in the past few years. These are rods which range
from 10 to 12 and a half feet, have fast actions and can handle a wide variety of fishing conditions. They are perfect for the fisherman who wants a rod that can be used as a single hander, ie indicator nymph fish as well as swing streamers. Even though they can handle both applications just fine, they do not tend to excel at both.
Double handed fly rods. In recent years and to handle specialized situations, a market has opened up for true double handed fly rods to be casted overhead. This is especially true in the surf and saltwater arena. While still sporting the elongated handle of a spey rod, the similarities end there. These are specialty shooting head canons and can achieve great distances with minimal back-casting.
What is a Spey Rod
