Gear Review: Stormfront Waterproof Pack
Testers had lots of positive comments regarding the Stormfront Waterproof Pack. At the top of the list were simplicity and functionality. A few of the testers fish with backpacks almost exclusively, so they were excited to get their hands on Patagonia’s new pack. This is a dream gear bag for the fly fisher who wants […]
Gear Review: Orvis Nippers
With so many different species fly anglers can target nowadays, the amount a person can spend on species specific gear adds up quickly. So I suspect that more and more companies will design tools, gear and gadgets that, where possible, will be useful across a broader species spectrum. Orvis is a prime example. They produced nippers a trout angler can use on his home trout […]
Gear Review: Loop EVOTEC CAST Medium Fast
The EVOTEC Medium Fast is distinguishable by its smooth grey blank with dark grey wraps. On each of their rods in this series the reel seat is somewhat triangular so the single locking reel ring does not rotate, which means it’s in the right place every time—a small but significant detail. The rod is sensitive […]
Gear Review: Orvis’ Tacky Deluxe Fly Box
A more practical angler may argue that fly box is a fly box is a fly box, and there’s some truth in the statement. A fly box has a relatively simple task. That said, little innovations have the potential to make a huge difference. And in reference to the Tacky Deluxe Fly Box there’s much […]
Rod Review: Orvis Helios 2 Covert
Fly Fusion testers enjoyed many aspects of the American built Helios 2 Covert. The rod’s sharp looking glossy black wraps complement the matte black blank finish and give it an extremely stealthy appeal. The rod has a balanced and lightweight feel and is capable of reaching the upper distances with ease. It’s a relatively stiff rod […]
Rod Review: Thomas & Thomas Avantt
Thomas & Thomas’ new Avantt is an impressive American built rod. The rod is finished in a classy matte blue with darker blue around the wraps. Most noteworthy however is the way the rod handles long distances. The rod has a lightning quick recovery speed and shoots line effortlessly. Because of the speed of the […]
Gear Review: The Chironomid Stillwater Boat
Magazine staff tested the Chironomid stillwater boat by Cunningham Boats and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. An angler would go a long way to find another single-person stillwater craft that moves as easily and fast or is more maneuverable. The hull is an extremely lightweight (30 lbs) Kevlar canoe design, with pontoon fixtures to provide stability. […]
Reel Review: Redington Rise
Redington added a new reel to their roster this year. Machined from anodized 6061-T6 aluminum, the Rise is an extremely lightweight reel. It has a uniquely modern look and the aesthetics complement the reel’s balanced feel. Fly Fusion testers gave the reel high marks for the enclosed carbon-fiber drag system that delivers smooth stopping power accompanied […]
Gear Review: Orvis Battenkill Disk Reel
Fly fishers today live in a very fortunate time. They have access to traditional gear, fully modernized gear and fully modern gear designed to honor traditional gear. Such is the case with Orvis’ Battenkill Disk Reel. The exterior of the reel remains true to its impressive heritage, but the interior components fully capitalize on the […]
Reel Review: 3-Tand VIKN
A few members of the Fly Fusion team have been using 3-Tand reels over the last number of years and have been extremely impressed by them. Each of their reels has a super smooth sealed drag system with unparalleled stopping power. Not only that, the 3-Tand design team makes an extremely attractive reel. With the […]