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Air carbon 9ft 5wt fly rod

Air carbon 9ft 5wt fly rod

$595.00 USD
$595.00 USD
Sale Sold out
Shipping calculated at checkout.
This rod blank is made from "air carbon" and was developed by Gary Loomis. Gary says this is the greatest improvement in rod performance since graphite. It is no wonder he named this fly rod blank the "Epitome"! The technology uses a thin walled carbon mesh at a slightly larger rod diameter. The result is a stronger rod blank that is also much lighter than graphite. The top 3 sections feel almost weightless.

The is a premium custom build 100% made in the USA. The reel seat is by REC with aluminum and black burled wood. The Softtouch carbon fiber grip is also by Gary Loomis. The stripping guide was made in Montana and has a jasper ring insert with black gunmetal finish. The other guides are by REC and are titanium with their "black pearl" finish. The rod comes with a sock but not a tube.

Let's talk performance. In my opinion, this is the best performing 5wt fly rod Gary Loomis has ever designed. I recently performed a 5wt shoot out against many other premium rod blanks. Here is my review of this rod:

“Whoa! Oh, hell yeah!” came out of my mouth when I cast the 4M for the first time. The M stands for moderate action, but it is magnificent! It does everything well. I threw a curve cast as good as I have ever done it on the first try. It usually takes a lot of practice on a new rod. As far as I can tell the 4M is not in regular production. I had to wait 6 months for this blank to be made. NFC should add this blank to production. This rod could really help the NFC brand in the fly-fishing market.

Distance/wind (8)- Good overall performance. It is easier to punch tight loops with the “moderate” blank than the “fast” blank. Go figure.

30ft Performance (9)- Easy to cast anywhere with any technique.

Feel (9)- I could tell how the rod was loading at all times and could predict the exact energy coming out of a cast. Air carbon is superior for this.

Swing weight (9)- Light and easy. A little more air resistance than thinner rods.

Bobber (10)- The moderate action helps to sling bobbers out there! The backbone of the rod is superior on hooksets.

Fly lines- SA MPX, Amplitude, and Trout GP all performed well for their intended purpose. I would use MPX for bobbers, Amplitude for most, Trout GP for dry flies.


You can't get this rod in stores! It is one of a kind! The air carbon blanks and grips are even hard for rod makers to get. I probably won't make more due to the availability of the blank. When it's gone, it's gone!
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