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. I kept the rod build light using titanium stripping guides and REC Recoil saltwater titanium guides. The top three sections feel like they weigh nothing. The reduced swing weight in an 8wt fly rod makes a huge difference when casting all day on the water. I consider this a fast action fly rod and it needs a fly line a half size heavy for best performance.
The grip is a Softtouch carbon fiber grip, also by Gary Loomis. The all aluminum premium reel seat is by REC. The rod comes with a rod sock but not a tube. The rod is designed for saltwater with non-corrosive components and all gaps carefully sealed.
You can't get this rod in stores! 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 is gone, it is gone!
