ICAST 2015 Coverage - G.Loomis fly rods

ICAST 2015 Coverage

G. Loomis Broadens Their PRO4x Lineup

Date:	7/18/15
Location:	Orlando, FL
Admission:	Buyers & Press Only
Manufacturer:	G.Loomis
Reviewer:	Wolbugger

Introduction: You can't ignore G. Loomis' success and creativity in the fly rod market. Not only do they offer some of the highest performance rods on planet earth, but every year they never fail to release a bundle of new products and additions to fill all types of angling niches. It's clear that the Loomis crew was hard at work again, as this year they continue their forward progress with the addition of new PRO4x models for both fresh and saltwater pursuits.

Loomis PRO4x LP rods are a bit softer for delicate presentations.

PRO4x Light Presentation: Trout anglers pay attention, this one's for you. The new PRO4x Light Presentation (LP) rods sport medium powers coupled with medium-fast actions to allow for delicate presentations with the wispiest of leaders. Four rods will be released in this series: a 6-foot 9-inch three piece 2-weight ($325); 7-foot 6-inch four piece 3-weight ($345), 8-foot 6-inch four piece 4-weight ($375), and a 9-foot four piece 5-weight ($375).

The handle portion of the PRO4x LP.

PRO4x LP rods have black aluminum reel seats with cork composite inserts.

PRO4x Switch and Spey: Enthusiasts of switch and spey rods should be happy to hear that there's new models on the horizon. Three 4-piece switch rods are arriving: a 10-foot 6-inch 4-weight ($475), an 11-foot 6-weight ($485), and an 11-foot 6-inch 8-weight ($495). The two new spey sticks will each be 12-feet 6-inches and include a 5/6 weight (rated for 360 grain Scandi heads or 400grain Skagit heads) as well as a 6/7 weight (rated for 400 grain Scandi or 450 grain Skagit heads). Both rods utilize four-piece construction and are priced at an MSRP of $495.

Looking for a tarpon rod that won't break the bank? The new PRO4x 12-weight fits the bill.

PRO4x Saltwater: Two new 9-footers join the party this year within the PRO4x Saltwater family. The 7-weight ($385) will be great for heavier freshwater and light saltwater angling, while the gutsy 12-weight ($395) should make tarpon and bluewater anglers take notice. Both rods are four piece.

Composite cork fighting butts and black aluminum reel seats add to the durability.

PRO4x Single-Hand Salmon/Steelhead: A fresh addition to this family of fly rods comes in the form of the new 1087-4. This 9-foot 7-weight should be perfect for pursuing smaller steelhead or large trout. This four-piece stick will carry a price of $385.

PRO4x ShortStix: Just a year after their initial launch, Loomis' ShortStix series of specialty fly rods continues to move out of retailers very well. With such admirable success, the logical next step was to introduce a new model to reach even more consumers. Designed for tossing streamers on short-head fly lines to a number of species, its diminutive 7-foot 6-inch length gives it extreme accuracy in close, yet it remains very competent when longer casts are necessary. Expect an MSRP of $400.

Thanks to Ron Barefield for walking us through the newest models.

Conclusion: The expansion of the PRO4x series along with their modest prices means that they will appeal to an even broader range of anglers than ever before. We are fans of the PRO4x series and welcome the expansion! All f the new rods mentioned in this article will begin shipping to dealers at the end of July.