Category Archives: Gear Reviews

G-Loomis Pro 4X Fly Rod Review

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We recently had a chance to play with G-Loomis newest rod, the Pro 4X.  Building on the success of the new NRX series, this mid priced rod also utilizes some Nano Technology.  The bottom 3 sections utilize Loomis GL3 technology while the tip section uses the same technology as the NRX.  We were curious to see how this translated to the cast, but starting at a price of $300-$350, we were all ears.

This rod is not as fast as the premium rods we sell and fish, but can still deliver the fly accurately at distance.  They are lightweight and accurate.  We had a chance to cast an 8′ 3wt and a 9′ 5wt.  The 8′ 3wt would be an ideal rod for fishing the small streams in Arizona.  It had no issues throwing the weight of a small indicator rig and was really fun to cast to dries.  Distance is not a concern when fishing small streams, but the 3wt could still get the line out there although there is a little better timing and slower casting stroke required.  We were very surprised how much line we could get out on the 9′ 5wt. 

Overall we were very impressed with this new offering from Loomis especially considering the price.  If you are just getting into the sport wanting a quality product that you will not outgrow or if you are looking for a great small stream rod without breaking the bank, check out the new Pro 4X.

Sage One Fly Rod Review by Kyle Bourassa

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This year I decided that I needed a new bonefish rod for Belize. There were a few new rods out on the market that I was deciding from, but in the end I decided to go with the Sage One. When I got the rod I was surprised how light it was, and how small the diameter of the rod blank was. With the new Konnetic technology Sage was able to make to make the new One Rod 25 percent lighter. When I first strung up the rod to cast it, I was surprised how much power the rod had.
 
When I got out to the first flat I strung up my new rod, and went out in search in of bonefish. I was surprised on how it could turn over my 14 foot leader with a heavy bone fish fly in the wind. After hooking a few fish, I found that the rod was great at controlling the fish after they made there runs. The rod excelled more at delivering the fly where wanted it to go. I let some of the guys I was fishing with try it out, and they all agreed that it was one of the best rods that they have fished.

Galvan Rush Light Fly Reel Review

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The Galvan Rush is not a new reel to the fly fishing market, it has been a workhorse in the Galvan lineup for years.  They have updated the Rush for 2012 which features a nice reduction in weight.  The weight reduction was achieved by designing a more basic spool with an opened up lighter frame.  We like the reduction in weight, but are glad Galvan did not go overboard with it.  Galvan’s have never been the lightest reels out there, but they have always been a very durable reel.  This does not seem to have changed.

The compression disc drag is unchanged and still delivers.  It is saltwater safe, corrosion resistant and has a very low start-up inertia.  The spool also comes off very easily with a push button release with no tools required. 

The Rush is listed as a large arbor and today many large arbor reels we see, have gone too far, making it difficult to fit backing and a full fly line on the reel.  The Rush really is more of a mid arbor and the spool is also wide enough to fit ample backing and fly line. 

In closing the Rush Light is one of the best values around starting at $220.  We cannot think of another reel that is Made in the USA at this price point that delivers as much as the Rush Light.  This reel will continue to be a workhorse for us for years to come.

Fishpond Dakota Bag Review

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Since the dawn of the TSA and improved airport security we have received many questions on what is the best way to travel with fishing gear.  The Dakota carry on bag from Fishpond has answered many of these questions for us.  It gives you the ability to carry on all your rods and reels as well as giving storage for terminal tackle.  We feel much better having the most expensive part of our arsenal on our person at all times.

The Dakota will fit up to 6, 9′ 4 piece fly rods in rod socks, safely and securely.  This really is much easier than trying to strap bulky aluminum tubes to other pieces of gear or having an oversized PVC tube that is a pain to lug around. 

 The other side of the case features 3 velcro dividers which create 4 compartments for reel storage.  This will accommodate 6-8 reels depending on size of reels.  Fly Boxes could also be stored here.  Flies are technically approved by the TSA to carry on, however we have heard of some isolated incidents of flies being lost, so beware.  The bag also has a zippered 3 compartment storage for terminal tackle such as leaders, tippets, indicators, etc.

The only downfall we have found with this bag is, it does not have a waterproof or water resistant bottom making it a poor choice for a boat bag.  However for its intended use a carry on for your most expensive gear, rods and reels, we think this bag will solve many of the challenges of modern air travel.

G Loomis NRX Fly Rod Review by Kevin Krai

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G-Loomis NRX 9' 6wt

It seems that almost every year there is a new “breakthrough” technology introduced into the fly fishing market. Sometimes it hits the mark, sometimes not so much. When G-Loomis announced the NRX Series of fly rods a year ago, with new “Nano Technology”, we were interested to check them out and see for ourselves. The new technology utilizes a stiffer, lighter and higher density carbon married with 3M’s proprietary Nano Silica Resin systems. When we recieved our initial shipment we took them out front and started casting to see if there was anything to this new technology.

Our first impressions of the rods were that they were slower than some of the other premium fast action rods on the market, but we were surprised to see how much line speed we could generate with minimal effort. This translated into tight loops at both short and long distances. Our only concern was how they would handle the wind and heavy indicator rigs the West is famous for. I decided to get the 9′ 6wt and get answers to those questions.

The first place I took the rod was to Nevada, fishing for rainbows and cutthroats in heavy wind with lots of weight. It did not take me too long to figure out that I had a great rod in my hand. It casted the big rigs into the wind as easily as it cast the first day in the parking lot. What impressed me the most with the rod was how well it hooked and played fish. I lost some fish, but cannot think of one fish where I broke my tippet off. This rod had a ton of strength, but was extremly flexible and helped dampen any head shaking by the fish.

After this trip the NRX became my go to rod for big fish in tough conditions. It has not dissappointed. To date I have landed an 11.5lbs and 10.5lbs rainbow as well as several others over 7lbs on this rod. The only advantage I would give to the Sage TCX is in roll casting. The NRX can still lay a great roll cast down, but the stiffness of the TCX gives it a slight edge on these short stroked casts. I just find I can get as much done with NRX with much less effort and hands down the best rod I have fished for setting and playing fish.

11.5lbs Rainbow

10.5lbs Rainbow

Simms Vibram Boot Review by Sean Hahn

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My first few steps into a stream last week were met with a great deal of excitement and anticipation! I couldn’t wait to get my new Simms Rivershed boots in the water considering I’ve spent the last 25 years wading and slipping in felt sole boots. The hike into this stretch of creek completely blew me away. I’ve naturally become accustom to sliding and skiing my way into most canyons with the precarious combination of felt soles and pine needles. The new Vibram StreamTread soles, however, seem to bite the ground and offer the same stability you expect out of a great hunting boot.

The slight film of algae that appears on the rocks this time of year always causes me to exercise extreme caution. When I stepped into the water and began wading, I had an immediate feeling of security and solid stance despite the otherwise slick as ice nature of the bottom. The more I waded upstream the more I was in shock over the stability I had and my confidence began to grow. I found myself not paying as much attention to the stream bottom and was able to look for fish as I waded.

Another pleasant advantage I enjoyed was the weight difference these light weight boots offered. I can’t even begin to tell you how relieved I was not slogging the dead weight of the water soaked felt soles around the stream banks and eventually, up and out of the canyon. To say the least, these boots changed the way I wade and greatly decreased my fatigue level at the end of the day. I fished the new boots for two solid days and put several miles on my feet without feeling the usual day after aches and pains I’ve experienced in the past.

Do yourself, your feet, and your wading confidence a favor … Stop by Desert Sportsman and grab a pair of Simms Vibram StreamTread boots!

Abel Super 7/8 QC Reel Review by Mike OConnor

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After years of refinement and testing, the highly anticipated Abel QC series has just been released. Built around Abel’s legendary cork drag system and a new “Quick Change” spool design, this reel is sure to set the standard by which all other high quality reels will be judged.

The simplicity of the quick change mechanism allows users to change spools effortlessly while fishing. Simply back off the drag, rotate the knob on the spindle, and the spool is free. This attribute is especially useful in areas where fish are found at varying depths requiring the use of different lines for specific presentations.

While the innovative design and and overall appearance of the new QC series is a departure from Abel reels of the past, the build quality and reliability is Abel quality through and through. The reel has a unique out-going click and retrieve click that is different from any other Abel reel offered in the past. The QC has the same great low start-up inertia cork drag and wide range of drag settings that make Abel reels so desirable.

The new Super 7/8 QC weighs 8.8 ounces with a spool diameter of 3.750″ and spool width of .950″. The reel holds 200 yards of 20# backing with a WF-7-F line and 175 yards of 20# backing with a WF-8-F line. Retailing for $760 in standard black, the new QC is available in any finish currently offered by Abel. Stop by to check out our selection of QC’s and take a look at the new standard in high performance fly reel design.

Sage TCX Review by Matt Baker

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A few months back, Mike O’Connor and I had the opportunity to fish the Sage TCX on the California Delta. After the first few casts Mike and I were completely amazed by the high line speed this rod is able to generate. Crafted from Generation 5 Graphite, this rod takes distance casting to the next level and beyond. Need to throw big casts, big flies, heavy-grain lines, or deep nymph rigs? This is the weapon of choice…

Since it’s recent introduction, Desert Sportsman has outfitted many anglers with the TCX. The overall impression of those anglers has been the ease of casting and incredibly light nature of the rod despite it’s magnum power. We have seen casters of all skill levels perform very well with this rod.

The TCX is a great looking rod with extra-flor grade cork, premium hardware, and a stunning vibrant green color. We have teamed up with Abel to offer a “TCX Green” finish on a variety of their reels suited for the TCX rod. Please contact us for more details…