For sale here is a Pezon et Michel - Type Ritz "Variopower" Bamboo Rod 7'6" 2/2 5-6wt. Serial number 217671. The rod is in excellent original condition with the following exceptions: the male ferrule has been reset and the thread doesn't quite match. Also, most of the wrap at the tip-top is gone.

The Variopower was designed by Charles Ritz and intended to be cast using his high speed/high line, "HS/HL" technique. The butt section of the rod is made of fiberglass in a light brown color while the tips are bamboo. Constructed with staggered ferrules, includes the 6 1/2" hexagonal 6-strip bamboo ferrule plug. The tips are numbered 1 and 2 at the ferrule. The wraps are chestnut brown. Red, white, and blue signature wrap, a tribute to France. Bronzed guides. Magenta colored aluminum winding check. Classic cigar style grip 4" in length. Though soiled the grip is free of ridging or hook gouges. Magenta colored aluminum cap and ring reel seat with a cork spacer. Nickel silver ferrules with typical P&M red witness marks. The sections fit together nice and tight as they should. The rod weighs 3.60 oz. The action is swift, on the faster side of medium-fast. The rod feels very light in the hand, thanks to the fiberglass butt section. Despite this, it also balances quite well. The rod is versatile, it has a good deal of backbone but is also capable of more delicate casts. Includes original bag and replacement tube. Truly a unique part of fly fishing history and another notable contribution from Charles Ritz.