Gear Review: Opti Gyre by Loop
This year Loop added two new reels to their already impressive Opti Series, and one of those is the saltwater Gyre. Loop designers created the Gyre with hard-pulling saltwater species in mind. The reel’s V-shaped spool design allows for an impressive 300 yards of 30-pound backing when loaded with 12-weight line. The Gyre is designed […]
Gear Review: Tough Puff Hoody by Patagonia
Some of Fly Fusion’s gear testers don’t like the idea of an off-season, which means they can end up on the water during some inclement weather. But wearing a bulky coat can make movement difficult. It’s likely the Patagonia design team had this in mind when they created the Tough Puff Hoody. The hoody provides […]
Gear Review: The Predator by Tacky
The Tacky team has done it again. The crew applied their innovative silicone mat and magnetic latch system to an enlarged fly box designed to house large streamers. The Predator has slats in the mat that run vertically in order to accommodate an added feature: a wishbone-shaped plastic piece that can be placed at the […]
Gear Review: Douglas Upstream Plus
The Upstream Plus has an attractively distinctive glossy moss finish, which is quite different than most other rods on the market. To complement the glossy moss blank, Douglas uses a very sexy cork finished reel seat. The rod is smooth casting as well. The caster feels more of the rod during the casting stroke, but […]
Gear Review: GLoomis IMX PRO
Anglers who love the traditional, distinctive GLoomis feel are going to really enjoy the IMX PRO. With this rod, GLoomis returns to its roots. The IMX PRO is a fast rod that’s very user friendly at the same time. It’s a rod that performs well in a variety of angling situations, so anglers who appreciate […]
Gear Review: Orvis’ New Ultralight Waders
From jackets, to boots, to waders, Orvis added a number of new wading options this year. Members of the Fly Fusion team tested the Ultralight Convertible Waders over the last number of months and thoroughly appreciated the comfort of the new design. The waders have a better overall fit especially in the midsection where Orvis […]
Gear Review: The H3
For the last number of months Fly Fusion team members have been casting the Orvis H3 and are overly impressed by the rod’s unique feel and superior tracking. Orvis set out to create a more accurate casting rod and they accomplished that though the design process. By strategically reinforcing the blank, designers were able to […]
The New Gear is Here
From bags, to tippet holders, to fly rods and reels, 2018 has a ton of new gear for the fly angler. Wondering what to ask for Christmas this year? Put together a list using the latest gear review in Fly Fusion. Subscribe here or find the latest issue on newsstands.
Gear Review: Hodgman’s VION H-Lock Boots
Hodgman developed an innovative interchangeable sole system to help anglers deal with the varied terrain they regularly encounter. The versatility provided by the H-Lock boots allows anglers to switch from felt to studded felt, and from to rubber or studded rubber depending on whether they’re in and out of a drift boat or scaling steep […]
Gear Review: Orvis Mirage
A number of companies make good reels, but it’s the subtle details in a reel that set it apart from others. Such is the case with Orvis’s new Mirage. The Fly Fusion team tested out the Mirage II (designed for 3 to 5-weight lines) and had an overwhelmingly positive experience with the reel. The ultra-large […]