Visually, this is an interesting rod. Cortland has opted to add a subtle sparkly flake to olive varnish over a ground finish, and the handle, too, suggests Cortland was striving to make something different; rather than the usual full-wells grip the top of the grip is flattened – intended for a thumb.

Fitted with a #7 line this looks and feels like a big, bold rod. The action is relatively fast; static measurements say the action is the same as the Plus 3. Don’t let that fool you, this is a beefier rod with a heavier tip-section. Deflection did put a single pulse in the lower leg of my loop, but this is a well-damped rod so I could see little or no distance-sapping after-wobble.

The combination of action and power means it picks up a long line easily and throws a tidy, not overly tight, loop. In fishing terms, this suits larger flies, leaders with droppers and sinking lines. The extension bulb and large stripping ring means it’s cut out for large stillwater trout.

I’m not convinced by the tweaked handle. Yes, I can cast comfortably, but by narrowing the grip there is reduced distance between my fingers and thumb. With a short line I had slightly more sense of precision, however, this is a powerful rod, expected to throw long lines, in which case a normal grip seems more comfortable.

I was impressed by this rod. The Endurance is an easy caster, consistently throwing clean loops, and it roll casts well.