The G Loomis Asquith has been around for a while now. When it was first released way back in 2016/17 the fly rod got a lot of attention. It was hailed as an upgrade of the already legendary NRX and NRX LP fly rods but could they really get any better? Apparently so and here is why the Asquith is known as pretty much the best rod in fly fishing.
The G Loomis Asquith Fly Rod
G Loomis Asquith Specs:
| Line Weight: 4 – 12 | Length: 9ft |
| Action: Fast | Handle: Reversed Half-Wells |
| Rod Weight: – | Rod Tube: Aluminum Rod Tube |
| Color: Green | Sections: 4 |
| Warranty: Loomis Limited Lifetime Warranty | Country Of Manufacture: USA |
Overall Score
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Pros
- Exceptionally low swing weight for all-day casting performance
- Extremely powerful especially for its size
- Great casting distance with its fast action
- Amazing casting performance across the entire range
- Titanium stripper and snake guides
- Fantastic in both fresh and saltwater
- Custom aluminum reel seat with CI4+ insert and fighting butt
Cons
- Very expensive
The Asquith comes in every weight from 4-12 and is an all-around amazing rod to use. Its low swing weight makes casting very easy and you’ll notice when you cast it, your line with go further and more accurately than ever before.
You can feel the energy transfer from butt to tip on the cast and the recovery of the blank is also extremely fast giving you great line speed and momentum to cast a line through the wind on the flats or lakes.
The Asquith also comes with all the bells and whistles. Light titanium guides that last, tough aluminum seat, and overall it’s a rod that will last forever.
The only issue with the Asquith is the price of $1100 plus. Unfortunately, not all good things come for free and the Asquith is one of them, but if you want the best then you’re going to need to pay for it. Plus, it does come with a lifetime warranty so you’re getting a rod for life.
Who Is G Loomis?
G Loomis is partnered with Shimano and they are all about technology, innovation, and design. They started out in 1982 and brought us some of the best fly rods the earth has ever seen. If you speak to any saltwater guide, the Cross Current is their favorite rod by a mile, that was until the Asquith rod came out.
G Loomis only makes rods, fly, and conventional. All G Loomis fly rods come with a free lifetime warranty and they are tough as nails. Buying a Loomis rod is never a bad idea, but they are about as expensive as rods can be.
Design and Features Of The Asquith
Materials & Build
The Asquith is the first fly rod to be made using Shimano’s spiral X technology and it’s this innovative design that allows the rod to be so light yet so powerful. It’s a 3 layer design that doesn’t add any extra weight but increases rigidity and power, giving you a light and incredibly strong rod.
There aren’t many fish you won’t be able to subdue with the Asquith. The rod is tough as nails and saltwater fish like GT’s, tarpon, and sailfish won’t be an issue.
Weights & Lengths
The Asquith comes in every weight you might need for fresh or saltwater fishing. The freshwater rod comes in line weights 4,5, and 6 in a medium-fast action while the saltwater Asquith runs from line weight 7 through to 12 and is fast.
Casting Performance & Action
When it comes to casting performance, the Asquith is hard to beat. The spiral X blank provides an amazingly efficient energy transfer with a ton of sensitivity and feel. This means you can get a super-fast line speed, push better distances than ever before, punch right through the wind to those rolling tarpon, and do it all with minimal false casts and pinpoint accuracy. Hows is it possible? I don’t know but I’m happy about it.
Using the Asquith really will take your casting distance and accuracy to another level. Plus, the incredibly low wing weight means you can cast all day with it.
What fly line works best with the Asquith?
Every single one of the Asquith models seems to be made to go with the Scientific Anglers Amplitude fly line, just be sure to match the line to the species and style you’re going after/using.
The Scientific Anglers Amplitude fly lines are weight forward and a little heavier which really brings the Asquith to life giving you the best of the rod’s power while still retaining accuracy.
How does it stack up against its price?
As I mentioned above, the only issue with the Asquith is being able to afford it. At $1100 no matter whether you pick the 4wt or the 12wt, these rods are super expensive.
When you consider just how good the Asquith is and compare it to other top rods from other manufactures like the Orvis Helios 3D, Thomas and Thomas Exocett, or Hardy Zephrus the Asquith doesn’t actually cost much more, just $100-200. Would you pay an extra $100-200 for a rod that is simply put, way better than the others? I would.
Verdict – Is the Asquith worth it?
If you can afford the high price of the Asquith then I’d say go and buy one immediately. You’ll never feel a better fly rod in your hand. The low weight, amazing energy transfer, excellent sensitivity, and sheer power and durability of the rod are hard to beat.
That being said, if you only fish once or twice a year, then spending $1100 on a rod isn’t worth it as you’re not going to get enough out of it. But, if you fish every week, then the Asquith is going to take your fly fishing to another level
