So I think I’m gonna bite the bullet in the next month or so and pick up a TFO BVK 8wt. This will be my first official fly rod for salt water so I’m open to constructive criticism. I have read 1,000 rewiews between all the TFO and other brands in my price range. The rod will be used mainly for chasing reds with the occasional trout. Thinking about pairing it with the Okuma SLV that Nikon raves about in most of his posts 
. If you have used the TFO ticr-x and the bvk I would like to hear why you would choose one over the other. From what I gather in reviews the ticr-x is heavier with a little more back bone than the bvk but the bvk is lighter and more of a rod that I can grow into but less durable? I have a 2 year old and 7 month old so I barely have time to fish once a week now so the fly rod will be something I’ll use a handful of times a year. So I’m not gonna spend $1000 on a set up to collect dust. Also what line and backing should I pair with these two? BTW this is just my research/thought process. I’m located in beaufort and plan on testing a few rods before I make a decision. TFO just seems to be the best bang for the buck under $250
2007 Scout 221 150 Yamaha 4 stroke
The best thing you can do is put your hads on the rod before you buy it. Each Rod has it’s own play and feel and holding it will help aid in your decision, $50 might mean the difference in your being happy with a fly rod and you being unhappy. As to the Nikon’s Okuma SLV, he let me borrow it and I am unsure if I am going to return it haha
Bragging may not bring happiness,
but no man having caught a large fish,
goes home through the alley.
-Anonymous
hey now!!! 
I agree with ScottyD… the BVK is a pretty sweet rod but nothing beats my Hardy Proaxis
“Paddle faster boys… I hear banjo music!”
http://www.HeroesOnTheWater.org
Charleston Director- www.SCKayakfishing.com
www.lowcountryflyshop.com
Tarpon 160os
I went to a demo day to try the 8 wt TFO Axiom, and the TFO rep told me I had to cast the BVK as well. It casts like a rocket, with very little effort. The Axiom was very nice, but the BVK was all about timing.
OF course, I didn’t have a fish on, so I can only comment on the casting.
FWIW - As other have said, go cast them.
I have cast the 6 and 7 in the TiCr, TiCrX, and BVK. Granted this was not for a saltwater rod, but I did throw quite a few TFOs before buying one. The TiCr is the stiffest, the TiCrX was very stiff but cast well, and the BVK was the slowest - but still a fast rod. I ended up picking the TiCrX because this one felt the best to me when I cast them. I am very satisfied with my purchase. It was a very fun experience test driving all of these rods in the park across the street from my local shop. I use the 6 wt TiCrX paired with a 7 wt RIO Smallmouth line for my Smallmouth and Carp fishing in middle TN. However, last time I came to Charleston, I brought the 6 as a back up to my 8 would not have been scared to throw it for Reds. I hope some of that helps.
1720 Key West Sportsman
115 Mercury 4 stroke
-or-
1997 Honda Civic 200k+
My Own 2 Feet
The big difference IMO is the stiffness between the two. I have thrown both rods and the BVK is a more delicate and accurate rod. For chasing reds and trout the BVK would be a very fun rod compared to the TiCrX where it would be like a winch. The best thing to do, as mentioned before, is to just go out and try both. In the end you’re the one that’s fishing with it.
I have the bvk and the ticrx in my shop inside Butler Marine in Beaufort. You can come by and throw both. I am a charter captain and uasually fish in the morning, however, I am uasually in the shop in the afternoon. Give me a call, Danny 843-263-3863
Nikon thanks for the suggestions in the PMs. Capt. Dan thanks for the heads up I did not realize you guys had fly gear in Butler.
2007 Scout 221 150 Yamaha 4 stroke
I have the TFO 6wt Axiom and really like it. I have other brands of 8wt, 10wt and 11wt rods too and like the way the 6wt handles reds. I have caught amberjack, dolphin, cobia and little tunny in addition to reds on my 8wt rods. If I was going to only have one rod then I would get an 8wt. TFO makes a solid product and you cant go wrong with them. I like the speed of the Axiom as it is slightly slower and is the right speed for my casting style. I find it a little more relaxing to cast. The faster rods are a little tougher to get the timing perfect but once you do then they will get the line out quicker and farther.
I like to oversize the large arbor reels one or two sizes to get a faster retrieve. I also use spectra 80 lb. braid for my backing. I like at least 200 yards.
You are welcome to cast my rods sometime.
Corks PM sent
2007 Scout 221 150 Yamaha 4 stroke