Flipping Week : Gary Loomis Shows his Edge for Flipping (continued)

Features: An interesting feature of this rod that bears discussing in this section is the fact the reel seat has no trigger. Remember when we brought up the question of whether the angling world was ready for Gary Loomis's new interpretation on a flipping stick? Reel seats are quietly one of the most controversial points of discussion on a fishing rod. Most people love the old Fuji ECS real seats, anglers either love or hate the Fuji ACS and are equally split on the split real seat design. The biggest argument against the Fuji ACS seat is the placement of its trigger.

The other feature of this rod certain to make anglers' heads spin is the fact the rods rotate around the blank.

Everyone's hand is different and even people with the same size hand do not agree on which finger should go in front of and behind the trigger while holding your rod combo. I know after a long day fishing, the ring finger on my right hand is often sore from pressing up against the reel seat's trigger, but like everyone else, I've grown accustomed to it because every single casting rod has this feature - until now.

The open ended hook keeper makes stowing of Texas rigged plastics easy.

What purpose does this trigger really serve? Maybe it helps you hold onto the rod when making a cast - but what if you make all your casts two handed? I do. Maybe it helps you control the rod from spinning in your hand while fighting a fish. Do you know why casting rods have the tendency to spin or twist in your hand while fighting a fish? It's because the guides are on top of the rod and the downward force of fighting a fish pulls the rod to one side or the other. Well, the Flip 787-1 and 786-1 are both spiral wrapped so this twisting force is eliminated.

The rod's handle is carbon fiber as well.

Oh the sensation of holding a casting rod with no trigger is very odd at first. There's no denying this, but if you're brave enough to try it, after about ten or fifteen minutes you'll be wondering why all your rods are not made in a similar fashion. It is so very comfortable to hold and fish these rods I find myself gravitating towards them each and every trip I have them on my deck.

Another look at this very unique feature. Matched with a Shimano Metanium, the Flip 787-1 is just so comfortable to fish.

The other features of this rod are the same as its previously reviewed sibling, the 705-1. Same grip, same guides, same hook keeper and same rod sleeve. The full rear carbon fiber grip on this rod is comfortable in dry or wet conditions and in hot or cold. The hook keeper is a simple, open ended keeper which is great for a stick where you're fishing mostly Texas rigged plastics. The rod sleeve included with this rod is better for long term storage than sliding in and out of a crowded rod locker but it's better than none at all. Lastly, the guides are the same, top end, Fuji K-Series, titanium framed guides with SiC inserts. No expense was spared in these high dollar flipping sticks.

Edge Rods goes old school with their blank treatment - sanded and that's it, no matte, gloss, or satin coat over the blank.

Design/Ergonomics: Going by the numbers, both the Flip 787-1 & 786-1 come in with weights that are percentage points above our flipping rod average. The balance point and torque numbers of the 787-1 are just about the same as the average while the 786-1 is slightly better. But also note the 786-1 is about a power softer than the average in our data of flipping sticks.

In the end, the Flip 787-1 and its sibling the Flip 786-1 are solid entries into the flipping rod market.

Both rods' rear grips are short enough to get out of the way when pitching and flipping yet still long enough to use on a two handed cast should you decide to launch your bait instead. Colors and graphics on these sticks are very stealth.

Edge Rods is making strides to make better fishing tools, not follow the status quo.

Application: The Flip 787-1 has a nice taper that's somewhere between fast and moderate that when coupled with its power and sensitivity make it a surprisingly versatile stick for other applications as well. Baits like Black Dog Bait's Lunker Punker, the MS Slammer, half ounce and up buzzbaits, even umbrella rigs if you're in a pinch all come to mind. Soft plastics and jigs are just a natural when pitching, flipping, punching, and Carolina rigging.

Zander fishing frogs with an Edge Rods flipping stick!

Warranty: Edge Rods offers a three year warranty to the original owner against manufacturer's defects in materials or workmanship. The warranty is not a replacement program and does not apply to accidental breakage and abuse. However, if you do break a rod accidentally, contact the manufacturer directly and they may work with you on a repair to get you back out on the water.

Ratings:

Pluses and Minuses: