G. Loomis NRX LP

When I was in Yellowstone last month I had the misfortune of damaging a guide on my 6 weight Sage Z-Axis.  The only other rod I had with me was a 10 foot 4 weight Hardy Zenith.  The Zenith is awesome, but not exactly ideal for the various conditions I  was going to encounter. I stopped by Arrick's Fly Shop in West Yellowstone, Montana, and checked out some of the rods on display.  I was planning to just tough it out with the 10 foot four weight; however, I couldn't take my eyes off of the Loomis NRX LP. They had a five weight.  I decided it was too expensive and left the store.  For some reason, I came back five minutes later to have another look at the rod.  I knew the NRX LP 5 weight was a top of the line rod, winning the Yellowstone Angler 5 weight shootout in 2013 and 2015.  Arrick told me Loomis was having a promotion where I could try the rod out for a number of days and if I didn't like it for any reason, I could return it for a full refund.  Sold!  I decided if this wasn't the best rod I had ever used, I was going to return it on our last day.  The result: I still have the rod!  I'm not technical enough to tell you what makes this rod so special.  It feels super light while casting; though it's probably not as light as some other high end rods. It simply feels lighter than any other five weight I've used.  It feels strong in the bottom half, but the tip is very soft.  The guides are a little different, with two stripping guides.  I used the NRX LP for all sorts of different tactics while I was in Yellowstone: size 22 caddis with 7x tippet; big hoppers; large stone flies, as well as high sticking a huge stone fly double nymph rig. The rod throws line with ease.  Casts at anywhere from 10 feet to 50 feet were effortless.  I experience zero arm fatigue.  The feel on the rod is wonderful as well.  You can't go wrong with the G. Loomis NRX LP.