|
|
| |
| |
When you hear the name
G.Loomis the first thing that comes to mind is
high quality fly rods. Which in my opinion
G.Loomis is a
leader in the fly rod category. We decided to
take a sneak peak at their line of fly reels and
see if they happen to share the same quality.
We are referring to
G.Loomis' Eastfork Series of
Fly Reels, and for under $200
they are the best
fly reels on the market right now at this price
range. We found this reel to stand up to reels
from different manufactures that were twice the
price. G.Loomis is offering a great reel at an
affordable price that is most certainly worth
checking out!
On The Water Review
Model Tested Eastfork 5-6
 |
|
We found this reel to be very lightweight and
very well designed. The most important feature
in a reel in my opinion is the drag system. The
drag in the Eastfork series is extremely smooth
one of the top smoothest we have used period!
The system is protected and sealed by an o-ring
design (extra o-rings are provided in the box).
We tested this design by submerging this reel on
several different occasions, the drag never once
failed or slipped. We found this drag system to
be dependable, durable, smooth, friction free,
and hassle free. The drag just simply stays
tight once adjusted. We also liked the fact that
the spool was push button which made removing
the spool very easy. |
 The spool and reel itself are well ventilated
with holes which allows the fly line and backing
to dry efficiently. One thing we liked was the
fact that the spool was ventilated on the inside
as well, a feature not found on other reels in
this price range. This also reduces the overall
weight of the reel.
The drag knob is knurled and easy to access
while trying to land a fish. Very easy to adjust
and feels very durable. The reel is silent and
smooth while reeling in and not overly noisey
once the drag is in use.
The drag system is a tippet saver!
A
proprietary drag material relieves you from
worrying about loosening the drag to save your
tippet or cranking it down to keep large fish
from spooling you. Drag transitions from
friction-free at startup to controlled strength
at any setting.
Overall this reel is amazing the drag system is
remarkable! If you are in the market for a Fly
reel for under $200 I would highly suggest
purchasing the Eastfork from G.Loomis. We feel
this is the best fly reel on the market for
under $200 hands down!
Construction
The spool and body are both machined and forged,
allowing for a stable, intricate marriage
between the two. The color is a beautiful Bronze
like finish. It is complimented by an attractive
wood finish handle, that is not
heavily glossed which would be slippery with wet
hands. I should also mention the reel finish
does not produce any glare from the sun.
The reel and spool has a sort of grooved texture
throughout which actually makes handling the
reel and spool with wet hands easy. It never
slipped out of our hands or ever felt slippery
once submerged.
 |
The Reel Comes boxed with a ventilated
neoprene case (great for quick drying),
extra o-rings, manuals, and a Limited
warranty.
|
Click here for
more images of the G.loomis Eastfork Fly Reel
Specs
 |
G.Loomis Eastfork
|
|
|
Model |
Item
# |
Weight(oz) |
Dia. |
Standard Dacron
(approx.) |
MSRP |
Spare Spool |
Item
# |
|
|
|
Eastfork 3-4 |
55838 |
|
3.0" |
3WF + 100 YDS. 20#, 4WF
+ 50 YDS. 20# |
$175.00 |
$90.00 |
58903 |
|
Eastfork 5-6 |
55839 |
|
3.4" |
5WF + 125 YDS. 20#, 6WF
+ 100 YDS. 20# |
$185.00 |
$95.00 |
58904 |
|
Eastfork 7-8 |
55840 |
|
3.7" |
7WF + 175 YDS. 30#, 8WF
+ 150 YDS. 30# |
$195.00 |
$100.00 |
58905 |
|
EastFork 9-10 |
58992-01 |
|
4.2" |
9WF + 250 Yds. 30#, 10WF
+ 200 Yds. 30# |
$230.00 |
$160.00 |
59008-01 |
|
www.gloomis.com
G.Loomis, Inc.
1359 Downriver Drive
Woodland, WA 98674
phone: 800 456-6647
fax: 360 225-7169
|
|
|
|
|
