I bought an Orvis Clearwater 865 rod with a Ross flystart outfit and am super happy with it. Cost about $260 and is an excellent set up.
This. I was going to buy this but went up a level to the clearwater and then added a Ross flystart reel. Added about $100 but it is a great setup. The Encounter looks like an awesome deal.I would go with the Orvis Encounter outfit. They are supposed to be amazing for the money. The reel is pretty indestructible and the rod casts great (so I hear). Everything for $159. Plus you can roll by the Orvis stores or dealers to give them a cast.
I’m thinking about picking up the 9’6” 6wt for myself.
http://www.orvis.com/store/product_...d=758&group_id=759&cat_id=5978&subcat_id=7309
You don't necessarily need to do this, many fly lines are now made 1/2 a weight heavy (Rio Grand, etc.)just to compensate for people who have trouble with their ultra-fast action rods. Do your homework first. Get a moderate action rod and learn how to load it properly on your backcast and you'll be ahead of many beginners who show up with fast action rods...I learned on a fiberglass rod, and would always recommend that to beginners. I still prefer it. You get much better feel for how the rod loads.
Another tip for beginners is to load your reel with one size larger line than the rod calls for, at least in the beginning. The result is the same, i.e. you will feel the rod loading better.
^This^ and you could save a few bucks and get the Guru 1.5 and save a few bucks. It doesnt quite hold the line that the 2 does, but its rated a 4/5. I picked one up at Sportsmans the other day on sale for $150.Buy a Lamson Konic and a TFO Pro Series rod, you won't regret it. Learning to cast with a cruddy rod won't do you any favors...