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This newsletter is all about NEW products just released at ICAST from the manufacturers we represent. Be sure to read our report (below) and get as excited as us about what is coming out this year and next!
This year ICAST was in Las Vegas. Hmmm, Las Vegas in the middle of July. How about high temperatures of about 112 degrees? That’s what we had. As you may know, ICAST is the annual fishing tackle trade show for dealers where new products are introduced for the coming year (2011). After spending almost 3 full days at the show we came back to steamy Southern Indiana really excited about what we had seen. This was one of the largest ICAST shows we have ever been to. Some things got us VERY excited as you can tell from the missive below. Overall there were not that many “Holly Cow” products which is somewhat typical. But, what did impress us (below) was great stuff. We are still considering several other products to possibly add to our offerings as “the best”. ICAST is a wonderful venue for such research. Hopefully in the next few months we will be telling you about some new items as we evaluate them further.
As with every ICAST show, it’s always great to see all of our friends in this industry and share stories and compare notes. We think this is the best part about ICAST. And this year certainly didn’t disappoint. We could have used a couple of extra days just for “visiting” all of our old (and new) friends. But alas, our 5 golden retrievers and 5 of our grandkids missed us, so in just 4 short days we were back.
We hope the information we have shared with you below will help you and perhaps provide some insights that will enhance and improve your future fishing experiences. We’ll be back in two weeks with our normal Newsletter format.!
Tight Lines,
Tom Ashby
New Products from G. Loomis………..WOW!
New NRX Rods:
Oh my gosh, where do we begin? The NRX rods are truly a paradigm shifting product. Named “Best of Show” at ICAST and “Best New Fly Rod” at the European EFTTEX Fishing Show it’s obvious that these are truly very special high performance rods. Simply put, nothing like this has ever been made before. “Amazing” just doesn’t begin to describe the rods Steve Rajeff and his design crew have created here. Probably the best way to tell you about these new rods is step-by-step through all of the innovative features. So here goes.
NRX Blank: Loomis has developed an entirely new graphite sheet material for the NRX rods. This material has a higher density, greater stiffness, yet is lighter than any graphite sheet material Loomis has ever used, including GLX. I’m tempted to get way too technical here, but some basic understanding of nano technology is really necessary to illustrate just how innovative these rods are. Nano tubes are small. Very, very small. The diameter of a human hair would be between 25,000 to 60,000 nano tubes wide. Small. What this means is that the exposed surface area is exponentially greater than “normal” atoms or molecules. When manufacturing a rod blank the resin (most of a rod blank’s weight) can be thinner, more viscous, yet because of the increased surface area create a stronger, lighter, harder, and far more sensitive blank. Additionally, nano tubes have a tenacity to fill in weak spots (graphite sheetoverlap areas) creating additional “reinforcement” around the graphite scrim and seam. So you end up with a blank that is far lighter, stronger, and more sensitive yet more impact resistant than even the benchmark-setting GLX blank.
NRX Feel: This is not usually spoken about as a feature but let’s face it, this is (or should be) why we purchase one rod over another. All the features listed are what contribute to making a rod with feel or what those in the rod business call “life”. Sensitivity is measured in frequency transfer but every hand on every man or woman has a different way of processing this into what their brain tells them. It may tell them to let the lure continue to fall down the face of a rock wall or that the last 4 bites came out of the gravel instead of the sand so they should work the lure slower in that zone once they are in it. It might just tell them – “tick”- you better set the hook. But having a tool that will let the angler differentiate those things is the key to the focus of what NRX is all about. G. Loomis wanted every angler to be able to feel what G. Loomis is capable of, all the while with the performance and craftsmanship that G. Loomis lives and dies by. The NRX will make you a better fisherman plain and simple.
NRX Reel Seat: This was a real “ah-ha” moment for us! Every model of NRX rod uses a custom molded G. Loomis “on the blank” reel seat that is designed to mate to that specific blank for that particular model rod. This means that there is basically no “gap” between the rod blank and inside diameter of the reel seat so the rod can transmit feeling far better than any conventional reel seat, which all use a shim or spacer tube for fit. Add to this the exposed blank (casting rods) that passes through the reel seat and you have what has to be the world’s most sensitive fishing rod.
NRX Guide Train: Unique? You bet! The stripper (primary) guide (the one closest to the foregrip) plus the two above it are all Fuji SiC Titanium Frame guides. Those beyond the third guide up to the tip top are all single footed black ion coated aluminum titanium Recoil guides developed jointly by G. Loomis and REC Components specifically for the NRX rods. They are smoother than the usual Recoil guides, so offer less line friction as the line passes over their surfaces. What this guide train configuration creates is a slight shift rearward of weight for better rod balance, elimination of almost all (80%+) Recoil guide noise, and a slightly stiffer rod. Overall the rod will perform better, cast further, and be more accurate than any other rod on the market.
NRX Handle: First, all of the casting and spinning rods are split grips which is a “first” for G. Loomis. Additionally, all are cork. But not just any cork. Loomis is using a new high density (HD) cork for the first time on these rods. Being denser, you would expect the weight to increase, but because this cork requires so little “fill” the handles are actually lighter than the equivalent rods in non-NRX materials. They have a wonderfully “solid” feel yet are so light and silky to the touch while enhancing the overall rod sensitivity. Take it from me, having seen and used these rods, the cork handles are truly beautiful and some of the best we have ever seen on any rod at ANY price.
NRX Cosmetics: The NRX rods are unpainted black blanks with blue wrappings. Initially I was not a big fan of the blue wraps, but after you use one of these rods that issue will never be an issue again, trust me! Otherwise these rods are pure function without a lot of superfluous cosmetics that don’t contribute to the rods performance. They look like what they are intended – pure, unadultered fish-catching tools.
NRX Prices: As Steve Rajeff said, “be prepared for some sticker shock.” The casting and spinning rods retail for between $450 to $500, the Fly rod between $700 for the 3 weight trout to $1,170 for the 15′ NRX Stinger. Expensive? Yes, but when you consider what some of the JDM rods sell for, not so much so. And these rods are the world’s best. Period.
NRX Included Features: Every NRX rod, like all G. Loomis rods, is made in Woodland, Washington USA in the G. Loomis factory. Every NRX rod, whether casting, spinning, or fly will include a custom G. Loomis rod sleeve. All NRX Fly Rods will also include a custom G. Loomis Graphite rod case. All NRX rods include the G. Loomis limited lifetime warranty. All rods are designed by the world’s best rod designer, Steve Rajeff of G. Loomis.
NRX Availability: ALL NRX rods will be “rolled out” on August 14. We have EVERY NRX rod offered on order and will have them on our web site on August 14, 2010. We expect a very strong response, so it is recommended that you subscribe to the “early bird gets the worm” parable and place your order as early as possible on Saturday, August 14, 2010 to avoid disappointment.
NRX Matching Reels:The new G. Loomis NRX rods are L-I-G-H-T….really, really Light! We recommend using a high quality reel that compliments the overall weight and performance. Some low profile casting reels that we will be matching to our personal NRX rods will be the Shimano Core 50 (5.5 oz) & Core 100 (6.1 oz), the new Curado 50’s (6.9 oz ) when available, and the Chronarch 100’s (7.6 oz). In Daiwa we suggest the STEEZ series of low profile reels (5.5-5.7 oz) or the just introduced Team Daiwa Zillion Type-R (8.5 oz) which is slightly heavier than we would like, but one heck of a reel. For those who prefer round casting reels folks consider the Shimano Calcutta CTE100GT (9.5 oz RH only), the CTE200GT (10.2 oz RH only), or the Daiwa Pluton (12 oz.) In spinning reels our absolutely hands down first choice is the Shimano Stradic CI4 reels in the 1000, 2500, and 3000 sizes (6.2 – 7.2 oz). Another Shimano series worth considering is the Sustain FE in sizes 1000, 2500 and 3000 (7.4-9.5 oz). There are also the top-end 1000 to 3000 size Stella FD reels from Shimano (6.4 – 8.2 oz) or the Daiwa STEEZ 2500 or 2508 (6.9-7.1 oz). Any of these reels will match up wonderfully to the new NRX casting/spinning rods and deliver the best fishing outfit you have ever held in your hand!
For the fly rods we recommend a reel that will provide easy, trouble free line management while at the same time be light enough to complement the rod. Now we only carry G. Loomis fly reels and most fly fishermen know there are hundreds of brands of fly reels out there, but we absolutely love the G. Loomis Current Fly Reels. They are extremely light, have great drags, and in our humble opinion offer phenomenal bang-for-the-buck in a high quality (G. Loomis designed, Shimano built) fly reel. The Current fly reels come in sizes 3-4, 5-6, 7-8, and 9-10 and are sold either individually or in a “Combo Kit” that includes the reel and a spare spool in a great travel case. These retail for between $250 – $350 for just the reel, or $350-$475 for the Combo Kit (represents about a 10% savings if reel and spare spool were bought separately).
NRX Models: I know this newsletter is already longer than normal, but these rods are so special, so innovative that we decided to include details on every NRX rod offered.
Casting Rod Models:
NRX 802C JWR 6’8″ 1 pc. 10-14 line 1/8-3/8 oz lure Ex-Fast Action Medium Power $450
This is an incredibly light weight, insanely sensitive pitching and casting rod for largemouth, smallmouth and spots. At 6’8″, it’s extremely versatile, capable of fishing light jigs, small worms, top-waters and even spinner-baits. A really nice open-water rod, you’ll find it effective when a finesse approach is required, especially for fishing lighter line in clear water conditions. If you think our GLX is light and sensitive, you are not going to believe this one! NRX gives lightweight and sensitivity a whole new meaning!
NRX 803C JWR 6’8″ 1 pc. 12-16 line 3/16-5/8 oz lure Ex-Fast Action Med-Heavy Power $450
Recognized as one of our best all-around magnum tapered casting rod actions, this may well be the best we’ve ever made! It has a unique blend of power and lightweight for fishing medium-sized jigs and soft plastics, especially for medium depths of 15 ft. or less. The extra-fast tip gives you accurate, low trajectory casts with plenty of power for pulling big fish away from heavy cover. If you thought GLX was sensitive, this NRX version will blow you away! It’s sneaky powerful, insanely light and so incredibly sensitive you can almost feel a fish looking at your lure.
NRX 804C JWR 6’8″ 1 pc. 14-20 line 5/16-3/4 oz lure Fast Action Heavy Power $450
When the fish are tight to cover and you don’t have a lot of casting room, this is the rod you want. It’s powerful and gives you excellent pitching control in close-quarters. It’s designed for fishing big jigs and soft plastics, but with our NRX technology it’s so incredibly light it doesn’t seem possible that it can be so powerful. If short, accurate casts and a really sensitive rod are factors critical to your success this is the rod. It’s a powerhouse that will haul a big bass out of the brush yet has enough tip to cast accurately. It’s so light and insanely sensitive you’ll feel things you never imagined before!
NRX 852C JWR 7’1″ 1 pc. 10-14 line 1/8-3/8 oz lure Ex-Fast Action Medium Power $475
This rod is designed for fishing clear water lakes and rivers where lighter line and long casts are required to catch spooky fish. The extra length helps create more tip speed for increased casting distance and positive hook, but with NRX it fishes a lot shorter. It’s so incredibly light and so sensitive you’ll feel things you’ve never felt before. When the bite gets tough and you need to downsize your baits, this rod will give you the ability to handle the smaller sized jigs and worms you need to be successful. The softer tip and powerful butt-section make this an excellent choice for fishing buzz baits. NRX makes it so incredibly light and sensitive it’s takes fishing to a whole new level!
NRX 853C JWR 7’1″ 1 pc. 12-16 line 3/16-5/8 oz lure Ex-Fast Action Med-Heavy Power $475
This is one of our most versatile medium-heavy casting rods and with our new NRX technology it’s the lightest and most sensitive we’ve ever made. It has a light enough tip for smooth casting with sufficient power in the mid- and butt-section to keep fish away from trouble. It fishes medium-sized jigs, plastic worms and soft jerk-baits with total precision, yet it’s so light, it’s hard to understand how it can be so powerful. The extra length means much higher tip-speed and that translates to longer casts and more positive hook sets, even in deep water. GLX pushes the bar on sensitivity. NRX takes it to completely new level. It’s so sensitive it’s insane! This may be the finest bass rod you’ll ever hold in your hand!
NRX 854C JWR 7’1″ 1 pc. 14-20 line 5/16-3/4 oz lure Fast Action Heavy Power $500
Thanks to NRX technology, this magnum-powered big bass, jig and worm rod may be the best we’ve ever made!! It’s a fast-action, power-oriented casting and pitching stick designed specifically for fishing big bass in heavy cover. If you’re familiar with our GLX rods and their legendary light weight and sensitivity, this rod will shock you. NRX makes it so light and so sensitive it’s unbelievable. You’ll find yourself setting the hook before the bass can even think about heading back into the brush! It’s sneaky powerful and magically quick for such a powerful rod. It will keep you one step ahead of the bass. They’ll be heading for the net before they know what hit them!
NRX 893C JWR 7’5″ 1 pc 12-16 line 3/16-5/8 oz lure Ex-Fast Action Med-Heavy Power $500
We originally designed this rod to fish soft jerk-baits and Senko’s, but anglers quickly found it to be an incredible jig and worm rod, especially in deep water. The extra length creates a much wider tip arc, which creates higher tip-speed and that translates into more positive hook-sets and increased casting distance. It’s a great combination of power and casting ease and thanks to our new NRX technology; it’s so light and so incredibly sensitive you’ll be blown away! It will cast soft jerk-baits that proverbial “country mile” and will tell you everything that happens at the end of your line with an almost mystical clarity. Talk about keep you focused? You’ll feel every single thing you touch and when a bass engulf your bait, there’s no doubt about it!!
NRX 873C CRR 7’3″ 1 pc. 12-17 line 1/4-3/4 oz lure Fast Action Med-Heavy Power $500
This rod is designed to fish soft plastics on a leader behind a heavy sinker for a couple of good reasons. The heavy sinker helps you maintain positive contact with the bottom and it also creates a lot of commotion. Once you’ve got the bass’s attention, the next thing to come along is the meal… Bingo! It can be tough to feel the bite because of all that weight ahead of the lure, but thanks to our NRX Technology, you’ll feel everything that happens to your bait down there. The extra length moves a lot of line so you’ll experience positive hook-sets. It’s difficult to imagine a rod so light can be so powerful and it’s so insanely sensitive you’ll wonder how we did it, but that’s our secret and your advantage!!
Spinning Rod Models:
NRX 802S JWR 6’8″ 1 pc. 6-10 line 1/8-1/4 oz lure Ex-Fast Action Medium Power $450
Here’s a rod that will allow you to fish small baits with light line and still be able to control a big fish, even in fairly heavy cover. It’s made for fishing clear, open water, but when fishing pressure makes the bite really tough, you’ll have the answer. It’s so incredibly light that you won’t believe it, and talk about sensitive! Thanks to NRX, it’s the lightest, strongest most sensitive, high-performance magnum-tapered spinning rod we’ve ever made. Catching those finicky, pressured fish won’t seem like such a challenge any more. NRX has you covered!
NRX 803S JWR 6’8″ 1 pc. 8-14 line 1/8-5/16 oz lure Ex-Fast Action Med-Heavy Power $450
There are times when you need the power and action of a casting rod, but conditions dictate smaller, lighter baits and you prefer a spinning rod. Whether it’s lighter baits or lighter line or both, this new NRX has all the right stuff. It’s so light and sensitive it’s insane! When you first pick it up you’ll wonder how a rod so light will handle those big bass, but once you’ve hooked one you’ll know what we mean. This model is designed to fish medium-sized soft plastics and light jigs, but it will handle top-water baits or even a spinner-bait, no problem. There’s no doubt about what’s going on at the end anymore thanks to NRX!
NRX 852S JWR 7’1″ 1 pc. 6-12 line 1/8-3/8 oz lure Ex-Fast Action Medium Power $475
Sometimes it’s just difficult, especially in the wind, to cast lightweight lures and smaller soft plastics. That used to be an issue, but not any more thanks to NRX Technology! First of all, you’ll be amazed at how light this rod is and if you doubt the power, just rig it up and give it a try. Only then will you understand what high performance is all about. Add to that sensitivity beyond belief and you’ve to an NRX. The extra-fast taper allows you to make low, accurate casts so you can fish right up under the brush and when a real “toad” grabs your bait you’ll be in total control. If you need a rig to cast soft plastic jerk-baits and Senko’s, this is the one.
NRX 822S DSR 6’10” 1 pc. 6-12 line 3/16-1/2 oz lure Ex-Fast Action Mag-Medium Power $475
This rod takes the drop-shot technique to an entirely new level. A soft tip that allows you to see the bite before the fish feels it is one thing, but feeling that almost inaudible tick as it happens, is almost like an unfair advantage. This model is made for deep-water and heavier cover, but it’s still soft enough to be effective. When those big spots suspend in the trees on popular impoundments like Georgia’s Lake Lanier, this is the rod you want in your hands. NRX makes it so sensitive that you’ll know everything that happens at the end of your line and it still has enough power to pull a big away from trouble. You won’t find a more sensitive rod on the planet!
NRX 822S SYR 6’10” 1 pc. 6-12 line 1/8-5/16 oz lure Ex-Fast Action Mag-Medium Power $475
There’s a unique action required to fish the ShakyHead technique. It’s subtle, but it makes a difference. All of our ShakyHead rods are designed with a mid-tip flex so you can work the bait properly and still react quickly when the fish bites. This 2-power ShakyHead rod is made for fishing in deeper water where you need slightly heavier line to keep fish out of the brush. It’s deceptive in its power and thanks to NRX is so light and insanely sensitive you won’t believe it. If you want the ultimate in a finesse fishing rod look no further. We’ve got you covered! Its sneaky powerful and so sensitive it’s incredible!
Fly Rods:
NRX 1083-4 9′ 3 wt. 4 pc Medium Stiff Power Moderate Fast Taper $700
A very precise, lightweight trout rod designed for casting small dries and nymphs on large freestone creeks and small rivers where long casts are a factor, but where accuracy is the key. NRX makes it as light as the proverbial feather, allowing you to cast all day long and hardly notice the rod in your hand. Whether it’s lake fishing or stream fishing… trout or panfish, this may be the lightest, most technical 3-weight on the market.
NRX 1084-4 9′ 4 wt. 4 pc Medium Stiff Power Fast Taper $715
An incredible 4-weight rod for fishing larger streams and stillwaters with dry flies, nymphs or small streamers. The 9-foot length, along with the unbelievable light weight gives you casting range and line control that is almost unheard of. It is surprisingly powerful, able to punch out 60’+ casts, it will fish tippets as light as 6X no problem. When you have to do down to whisper-thin tippets to be successful, this rod will handle it and when you want an ultra-light challenge for oversized bluegill or crappie, it makes an excellent choice thanks to that NRX sensitivity!
NRX 1085-4 9′ 5 wt. 4 pc Medium Stiff Power Fast Taper $720
When it comes to the best rod for all-around trout fishing, the 9-foot for #5 does it about as good as any rod that we make. When it comes to a feather-light touch and precision casting, this NRX can do everything you’d ask of a fly rod and more. Dry flies, nymphs, streamers, it doesn’t matter – especially with the line-speed you’ll enjoy with the NRX system – it’s the best trout fly rod we’ve ever made!. It features our “progressive power taper” which allows you to make short casts as efficiently and smoothly as long ones and its ability to cast in windy conditions will soon be legendary.
NRX 1086-4 9′ 6 wt. 4 pc Medium Stiff Power Fast Taper $725
As the trout get bigger, the river wider and the wind stronger, you need a little more power and that’s where this dynamic new 6-weight really shines. It will handle large streamers and big nymphs, no problem. Need to get down with a sink-tip? This is the rod. A good choice for fishing larger flies, like big stonefly nymphs or glo-bugs in Alaska, this rod has the versatility you need. If you’re looking for the absolute best big trout, big fly, long-distance fly rod, look no further. NRX makes it’s insanely light and you’ll be amazed at the power it generates.
NRX 1207-4 10‘ 7 wt. 4 pc Stiff Power Fast Taper $765
Here’s a beautifully balanced, lightweight rod for big summer steelhead or fall silvers. It’s a great choice for slab steelhead up in BC whether you’re skating big dries or swinging popsicles. It will punch out unbelievably long casts time after time… feeling more like a nine-footer than the ten-footer it is. It will give you hours of effortless casting and is so surprisingly powerful you can’t imagine it. This is what technology is all about. Lighter, stronger and more powerful than you’ve ever experienced. This may be the light-duty salmon & steelhead rod of the decade.
NRX 1208-4 10‘ 8 wt. 4 pc Stiff Power Fast Taper $775
When your fishing big water for salmon and steelhead this is as good as it gets. It’s extremely lightweight, casts like a bullet and handles big fish exceptionally well. It’s hard to imagine a rod so light can be so tough and have so much power. An excellent rod for managing heavy sinking lines, shooting heads and sink tips, it will practically talk to you it’s so sensitive. It has exceptional mending ability and reacts quickly when a big fish does everything it can to get away. It generates unbelievably high line-speeds which really helps when casting in the wind. If you want one rod to do a lot of things, especially when it comes to managing line and fighting big fish in tough places, this is our choice. A great choice for sea-run browns, big winter steelhead of most of the salmon species!
NRX 1209-4 10‘ 9 wt. 4 pc Stiff Power Fast Taper $785
When you’re looking for the ultimate fly rod for fishing big salmon in big rivers and difficult conditions, this is the rod you want in your hands. It’s designed for fishing heavy sinking lines and shooting heads so you can get down in those deep runs where the big kings swim. It’s a great choice for fishing those new integrated shooting head lines in the 400- to 500-grain size. This is everything you’d ever want in a big fish, big water fly rod. Striper anglers will really appreciate the amount of line they can handle with this rod. It fishes big flies, even in the wind and is so light it’s hard to imagine how we did it.
NRX 1087-4 9‘ 7 wt. 4 pc Stiff Power Fast Taper $750
Here’s where fly rods begin the cross-over from fresh to saltwater. This dynamic “tweener” is a great choice for almost any of the popular saltwater flats species. Looking for a small steelhead rod or a great pond rod for big largemouth? Ditto! NRX makes it so light and so powerful it will surprise you! It’s totally capable of handling oversized surprises, no matter where you’re fishing. Whether you’re looking for a bigger challenge for saltwater or a great all-around freshwater rod for bigger fish, this is a good as a 7-weight gets!
NRX 1088-4 9‘ 8 wt. 4 pc Stiff Power Fast Taper $760
The standard by which all light-duty saltwater fly rods and heavy-duty freshwater rods are measured will soon be changing. This smooth casting 8-weight will quickly become our number one 9-foot fly rod for fishing the flats as well as steelhead. It has the versatility and quickness of a much lighter rod, with more power than you can ever imagine. Tight loops and great range in such a lightweight package make this our top choice for bonefish, permit, snook, stripers, blues, salmon, steelhead, pike and any number of big fish. They just don’t make a better rod than this… anywhere!
NRX 1089-4 9‘ 7 wt. 4 pc Stiff Power Fast Taper $770
When you need power in a lightweight package, especially to cast bigger flies, make longer casts and handle bigger fish, this is the new standard by which all 9-weights will be measured. It’s a great rod for casting big flies in the wind and will handle most of the larger saltwater species, except for tarpon and our field testers are having so much fun we haven’t heard back from them on that one yet. Permit, barracuda, jacks, big reds, stripers, blues, false albies… you name it. It’s got the range as well as the power to handle large, wind-resistant freshwater bass flies and the biggest bass on the planet.
NRX 10810-4 9‘ 10 wt. 4 pc Stiff Power Fast Taper $800
This is, without a doubt, the lightest, most powerful 10-weight we’ve ever made. It will cast big flies, handle big fish and give you the range you need to cover a lot of water, especially on windy days when a lot of fly fishers are thinking it’s time to go home. Add in a super amount of lifting power and you’ve got a great rod for species like big permit, big dorado’s, cobia and even small pelagics. It’s all about power and yet it’s so light you won’t believe it! If you’re into insanely big fish on a fly rod and you want to test your mettle, this is the rod you need!
NRX 10811-4 9‘ 11 wt. 4 pc Stiff Power Fast Taper $825
When you talk “finesse” in a fly rod it usually refers to trout fishing, but when it comes to the saltwater scene, the topic quickly moves towards the flats. There are days when the tarpon are contrary and you need to use longer leaders, small flies and make quiet presentations. This is the rod for those kind of days. NRX makes it insanely light in your hand and so powerful it will get your attention – quick! When you want those big silver kings to tire out before you do, this rod can and will do the job. A great option for small billfish as well!
NRX 10812-4 9‘ 12 wt. 4 pc Stiff Power Fast Taper $855
You might find it hard to imagine a rod lighter and more powerful than our GLX tarpon rod, but this unbelievable 12-weight will change your thinking! When you need raw power, this is the rod. When you need a rod that you can cast all day long and still be ready for more, this is the rod. When it’s time to put the pressure on a big “poon” this is definitely the rod! Bottom line? When you’re after big fish, whether it’s tarpon on the flats, cobia on the beach or striped marlin offshore, this rod will do everything you ask of it and more. It’s scary light, sneaky strong and casts like a 10-weight! You aren’t gonna believe this rod – it’s the best we’ve ever made!
NRX 1568/9-4 13′ 8/9 wt. 4 pc Medium Stiff Power Fast Taper $1,050
A smooth, powerful casting 13-footer rated for an 8/9 Scandi head. At 500 grains it loads this rod perfectly and makes tight narrow loops using the “under hand” cast. At 550 grains, utilizing the Skagit method, it will manage all the necessary tips… full sinking, intermediate or floating. We dual rate them in grams for Europe and grains for the North American market. While it casts the new short Scandi-style heads exceptionally well, it’s more than capable of handling a wide variety of casting strokes given the proper lines. A wonderful choice for medium to large rivers. It is capable of casting big, weighted flies if necessary, to get down in those deep pockets where salmon or steelhead rest on their migratory journey. NRX gives you unbelievable power and line control in a rod so light it’s insane!
NRX 1689/10-4 14′ 9/10 wt. 4 pc Medium Stiff Power Fast Taper $1,100
As two-hand rods get longer, casting distance increases, that’s a given. The beauty of this 14-footer is the NRX dynamics… it’s insanely light, has extraordinary power and handles like a rod much shorter. It’s totally capable of handling heavier heads and is sneaky quick… a bonus when you want to turn over big, weighted flies. Big winter steelhead won’t go far to chase down a fly so you have to put it right in their face making accuracy and line control is everything. Anglers swinging big tube flies on swift Nordic rivers will appreciate the power of this rod. We dual-rate this rod in grams for Europe and grains for the North American market. Under our the standard rating-system this would be a 9/10. This is a great all-around two-hand rod!
NRX 18010/11-4 15′ 10/11 wt. 4 pc Medium Stiff Power Fast Taper $1,170
When maximum distance is your goal this is the rod you want in your hands. Even in tough conditions… wind, rain and high water, you need a big rod, but one that doesn’t wear you out. You need a rod that can cover the water, control the swing and still be manageable. It’s hard to imagine a 15-foot rod that can be characterized as manageable, but this one does all that and more. Thanks to NRX technology, this is the biggest, lightest, most powerful two-hander we’ve made… the big, Mac-Daddy of our NRX two-hand rods. It has unbelievable line control, capable of handling long 45′ heads as well as large, air-resistant tube flies on the big rivers of Scandinavia and gives you total coverage in the deep, fast runs these fish call home. Under our the standard rating-system this would be a 10/11. As impress as you may be with our GLX two-handers, this one is so light and powerful it will blow you away!!
Summary:
There are a total of 29 NRX rods currently available. 16 fly rods, 8 casting rods, and 5 spinning rods. This is all the models that are offered for now. We do expect the NRX line to expand in the future (perhaps ICAST in 2011), but for now these are “it”. You may want to save this newsletter as we have strived to give you far more information on the new NRX rods than any other source currently available. Or, better yet, go to our NRX Rod Link and not only get this information on the web, but Watch 2 G. Loomis NRX VIDEOS. We will also post this info on our web site at out NRX Information Page.
G. Loomis IMX Surf Rods:
Although not a star of the show at ICAST, these new surf rods are simply fantastic. Only after we received our initial order did we realize there are some features on these rods that are extremely noteworthy that we were not even aware of.
First, each rod has an adjustable reel seat that can be moved up or down the rod blank handle approximately 4″ to 6″ This allows fishermen the option of positioning the reel on the rod for maximum balance and casting distance. Our web site now has deatiled pictures of these handles. Another feature is that the butt grip is slightly smaller than the foregrip which allows for maximum loading when casting thereby producing longer, more accurate casts. We already mentioned the Fuji “K” Tangle-Free guides in a previous newsletter, but they deserve mentioning again. The G. Loomis surf rods are the ONLY SURF RODS to use these new, innovative guides.
Cosmetically the rods look great, with the G. Loomis “Skeleton Fish” and the G. Loomis “Radical” logo on the reel seat feet opposite the reel foot receptacles. The finish on the rods is beautiful and, like all G. Loomis rods, include the G. Loomis Limited Lifetime Warranty. Every model of this fantastic new series is in stock and can ship same day worldwide. Be sure you take a look at the new G. Loomis IMX Surf Rods if you are a serious surf fisherman. They rock!
G. Loomis 1 piece Trout Spin Rods:
Again, a line we introduced a few weeks ago, but worth mentioning again. With the addition of these 11 1 piece TSR rods Loomis now offers a total of 19 ultra-light and light trout spinning rods. The latest two GLX models, the TSR690S-1 and TSR791S-1 are designed specifically for Power Pro’s new 3 and 4 lb test braided micro-line system. Think about fishing with sewing thread and you’ll get the picture. My oh my! Every G. Loomis Trout Spin Rod (TSR) is in stock and ready for you when you are ready.
G. Loomis Pro Green Casting Rods:
Again, these were introduced a few weeks ago, but they are consider a new 2011 product so they bear mentioning again here. There are 12 new models, all casting rods, all one piece. Definitely designed for the shallow saltwater fisherman using from 6 lb test to 17 lb test line. Think flounder, specs, reds, and FUN! As with every G. Loomis rod all of the 21 Pro Green Rods (9 spinning, 12 casting) are in stock. Wonderfully light rods that guarantee you’ll have a some fun on the bayou!
New Products From Shimano….
It was hard for me to determine which new Shimano product was the “star” since several won “Best in Class” at ICAST. The new Stella FE reels won Best Freshwater Reel, the Shimano Trinidad A won Best Saltwater Reel, the new Terez jigging rods won Best Saltwater Rod, and the Waxwing Swimming Jigs won Best Hard Lure. Beyond these there were additional new products that deserve mentioning.
Terez Saltwater Spinning and Casting Rods:
Well, every model comes in 5 different colors for starters. Now you can match you boat color to your rods. But these are far beyond colorful rods. The Terez rods have great components, super blanks, and the highest quality workmanship we’ve seen lately. There are about 35 different models, both casting and spinning. Most have the Fuji “K” tangle free guides, ergonomically shaped grips, and lots of other features you saltwater folks are sure to like. All are designed to use Power Pro braided lines. These should be available in 30-60 days.
Stella FE Spinning Reels:
We first heard about this new reel during EFTTEX this year. Only at ICAST did we confirm we would be getting these reels. Basically this is the next generation of the Top-of-the-Line Shimano Stella Spinning reel. There are way too many upgrades to list here, especially when the newsletter is already much longer than usual. In a quick take, the reel is totally redesigned and has been made smoother, tighter, and even more reliable than previous models. The same 4 sizes (1000, 2500, 3000, and 4000), but prices increased between $50 to $100 per reel. Our opinion is this reel has become very expensive, as we were somewhat taken aback when the prices came out on the Stella FD’s. But, if you fish all year or simply want the best, this is your reel.
Curado 50 & 51 and 300EJ Reels:
Finally we have a Curado 50 in either Right Hand (50) or Left Hand (51)! These reels are awesome and we can’t wait to get our hands on them. With a 6.4:1 retrieve ratio these are “just what the doctor ordered” as far as we’re concerned. They only weigh 6.9 oz and have the same number of bearings (6) as the larger Curado’s. Speaking of which, how about a power handle fitted Curado 300? The CU300EJ is just that. Right hand retrieve only for now, this reel has a single grip saltwater style handle and will be a perfect fit for the new Terez rods. It’s a fast 6.9:1 retrieve ratio which certainly will appeal to some of our musky and striper freshwater folks as well. Weighing in at a slim 11.5 oz this reel is a tough cookie and one we plan to “exercise” on some shield lakes very soon. Look for all of these to arrive in about 30-45 days.
Stradic CI4 Spinning Reels:
There are two larger sizes, the CI4-3000 and the CI4-4000 as well as a CI4-1000MFL which is designed for the new Power Pro Micro-Lines used with the G. Loomis TSR rods. The larger CI4’s are certainly a welcome addition to say the least. It has been a real challenge this year to have enough CI4’s in stock to fill your needs. We’re just hoping this next year it will be easier. These, like most new items, are on order and should be here in about 30 days.
Thunnus CI4 Saltwater Spinning Reels:
Ok, I admit it. This is my favorite new Shimano reel. It’s simply a big “Wow” for me. The overall reel weight dropped by as much as 30% and the features that have been added are just
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