I was recommended to TFO fly rods by an Australian custom reel maker name of Terry Haden.I had no idea they were in fact endorsed by Lefty Krey a fluff chucker I have the greatest respect for.Price was not the factor which made me check out TFO it was the recommendation from Terry and then the Lefty link.
In 2004 I imported to England via Burleson Fly Fishing of Alabama my first TFO a TiCr-X 8wt for saltwater and pike fishing......I now have a battery of TFO fly rods.Must tell you something.I do a little guiding/instructing and operate a hobby type fishing holiday venture since mid 90's so can claim to being a fishing fool I guess.I will say some of the rods can be deceptive in line rating with the exception of Finess series although once matched up cast and fish like a dream.I had a 10ft 5wt break near the tip and really not sure how without going into details of possible causes except clean break....Rod went back to TFO and came back good as new.
I was unaware of the Korean connection until later down the line but would not have made any difference.In short I have been very very happy on my TFO journey and now a few of my fishing buddies are also happy especially my boat partner Ray who landed a 14lb + brownie using his TFO TiCr-X 6wt Light.You need a rod with a little grunt to take on a fish like this.
I still fish with a couple of more expensive rods from time to time but TFO's have for sure have earned their corn and a place in my rod rack.