The 590-4 (or 5-5042K-590-4) is a fly fishing starter/kit outfit intended for trout and light freshwater fly fishing applications. The “590-4” breaks down this way:
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5-weight rod, which is a common weight for general trout fishing (good balance between casting ability, versatility, and control).
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9 foot length, four pieces (so it can break down for transport.
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Medium-fast action blank: responsive but not ultra stiff.
The kit typically includes:
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The 9′ 5-wt rod (590-4)
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Crosswater reel (rated 4/5/6) with fully carbon disc drag and composite frame
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RIO Mainstream floating fly line matching 5wt
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Leader (often Powerflex, something like a 4× tapered leader)
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Durable nylon carrying case or outfit case (rod-tube style) plus reel bag etc.
The price is generally in the ~$270-$275 range
Performance & Hands-On Impressions
What it does well
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Short- and medium-range casting & accuracy-Within 0-45 feet or so, this kit performs quite well. Dry flies, nymphs, maybe lighter streamers — in those contexts the rod casts cleanly, presents softly, and offers good feedback. Especially for beginners learning casting and line control, this is helpful.
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Good build quality for the price- For a kit, the components are solid: the rod blank is decent (graphite, medium-fast), the reel has a carbon disc drag, and the line/leader/backup gear are adequate. Customer feedback is that the rod and reel are well balanced out of the box.
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Looks, styling, and heritage feel-Part of the appeal is the aesthetic: some “old-school” coloring, classic style, etc. For many folks, part of fly fishing is having gear you enjoy handling and showing off.
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Versatility-The 5-weight 9′ medium-fast is a good “do-everything” trout rod. It's flexible enough to handle different flies (dries, nymphs, small streamers) and water types. For someone who wants one rod to cover a variety of trout fishing situations, this is a plus.
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ValueGiven everything included, many feel the kit is fair to good value: you get rod, reel, line, leader, etc., in one package. For new anglers or people wanting a backup or travel rod, this makes it especially appealing.
Where it shows limitations
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Long-distance casting & power-Once you push past ~50 feet, some of the limitations show. The tip may feel a bit weak/stretchier than stiffer rods, which lowers punch and reduces control and accuracy at far distances. Not ideal if you regularly need long casts, fish in heavy wind, or intend to use big streamers.
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Backbone for heavier flies-For larger streamers, heavy dropper rigs, or dragging flies, the rod can feel taxed. It doesn’t seem made for “overload” or very demanding situations.
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Rod tip issues under load-Some customers noted under super heavy loads or extra long casts, the tip begins to “wobble” slightly, or feels a little less crisp. That can reduce casting precision and feedback when making delicate presentations. But, for fishing Cape ponds and using the most popular, effective flies, it does a great job.
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Reel is adequate but not premium-The Crosswater reel is fine for many trout situations and has a carbon drag which is good, but it’s not going to compete with high-end reels. For some, after a while, upgrading reel may be desirable if you find yourself constantly battling hard running fish.
Who It’s For / Best Use Cases
Putting together the specs and performance, the Redington Original Freshwater Kit 590-4 seems well suited for:
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Beginners or intermediate anglers who want a full kit to get started without piecing together all components separately.
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Someone wanting a reliable all-round trout/pond outfit: dry flies, nymphs, modest size streamers in calm water.
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Folks who fish smaller sheltered ponds (not huge open windy flats).
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As a travel or “backup” rod: four-piece means portability.
It is less well suited for:
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Anglers who regularly need long range (70+ ft) casts or are dealing with wide, open water or high wind.
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Fishing heavy flies, big streamers, or chasing larger/strong fighting fish frequently.
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Those who demand top-tier components out of the box (premium reels, ultra-fast tip action, etc.).
Price / Value
Given what’s included (rod, reel, line, leader, case), that tends to be a really good value. Many fly shops selling rods alone of comparable blank/line quality charge a good portion of that just for the rod. If you’re getting reasonably good line, reel, etc., bundled, that pushes value in its favor.
Would I recommend the Redington Original Freshwater Kit 590-4? Yes—with minor caveats.
If you're in the market for a well-rounded, versatile first or second rod for trout, this kit is a solid pick. It gives you nearly everything you need. It balances performance, portability, and appearance nicely, and for many freshwater anglers it will be more than sufficient.
However, you need to match expectations. Don’t expect this to perform like a high-end crisp rod built for long casts or demanding streamer work. If you think you’ll often need that extra backbone, or are focused on very precise/long casts, or chase large/strong fish, you may want to spend more (or plan for upgrades).