Loop AEG Rod 9.5ft 6wt 4piece

[alanb_ct]

I lucked out due to a strange marriage between middle to high-end Loop rods and a big box retailer (BPS). I never knew anything about the Loop AEG series, but I love my Opti-Peak as you know. This week I stumbled on to a couple leftover AEG rods at the BPS store in Maryland. They are heavily discounted at various sources, but hard to find. I bought the 9.5ft 6wt version, so here's the lowdown.

I used Aaron's Z-Axis in this size a couple times, for lake fishing and steelhead last year. For the amount of use I get with this configuration, I couldn't see spending Z Axis money, so this a good compromise.

I haven't fished it yet, but I can tell it is a definite contender for a trout streamer or lake rod. It is also suitable for small to medium steelhead, but should not be your primary steelhead tool. I rate the action as slightly faster than medium fast. The rod has the awesome Loop triangular reel seat and removable fighting butt. The butt setup allows the user to employ the Loop counterweights for balance. The grip is a funky-looking "composite" cork, not that pretty, but extra "grippy" like the handle of a good tennis racquet. This is handy since it comes in a standard half Wells grip. All the other nice Loop features are here too, like the polygon rod case in Cordura, the alignment dots, first-rate aluminum hardware, etc. It does not come with a warranty card, but Loop assures its customers it will do the right thing when it comes to repairs or replacement. You already know the story about how long it might take to get your Loop fixed, so that's a risk.

The rod is made in Korea. You might consider this option as (in my opinion) better and lighter than most Temple Forks, and in a size and action more like the Z Axis, but at a quarter the price. I am sure there are other rod companies in the running too.

[BlackLabel]

Sounds like a sweet rod Alain. I personally like the look of the "composite" cork. Looks differnt not very many rods out there that have that grip.

[alanb_ct]

This rod is a winner! Mike and I used it today on the Farmington after the DEP survey. It roll casts a large indicator in the wind very well. It balances nicely using one counterweight and a Rhythm 3.5 reel. I'm not sure I would pay the original $390 for the rod, but at a discount, it may be worth taking a look.