LOOP COLOR CONCEPT LYL9140-4 
"14ft Yellow"  

   Back in September I reviewed the Loop Green Line 9132-4 after being very impressed with its casting qualities and aesthetics. I have since had the opportunity to cast and fish the Loop Yellow Line 9140-4 and wanted to add additional information to this review so that anglers could gain some insight into this particular rod.
     Iÿýll cut to the chase: the 14ft yellow is without doubt one of the best double handers currently available.  It casts beautifully  when combined with a Loop Adapted 9/10 or Custom Line, a RIO Windcutter 8/9/10 or 9/10/11 or MidSpey 9/10 or an Airflo Delta or Long Delta 9/10 (if you prefer a longer bellied Spey line, consider the Airflo Salmon/Steelhead 11). Its progressive action allows the angler to feel the rod load through the casting cycle making it easy to judge timing and the application of power, and it has a tremendous amount of "oomph" in the butt section for longer casts or turning big fish. Experienced casters will have no trouble making fishing casts in excess of 100ft. Although the rod tapers appear similar, the yellow is somewhat slower than the green rod, and anglers who favour a medium to medium-fast action will enjoy casting the Loop yellow (it's also worth noting that I've spent some time with the 12ft 4" 8/9 yellow, and find that the feel of the yellow rods is consistent through the series. The 12ft 4" would be an ideal rod for the Bulkley, or for Great Lakes steelhead). The14ft  rod features the same high quality components found on the Green series, but only one tip section is included.
     

   

    Some anglers are a little surprised about the color of the rod--it is a matte finished yellow. This makes for a very distinctive Spey, one that is sure to attract small crowds at coffee shops and service stations if you're in the habit of strapping your rod to the hood of your vehicle as you move between pools. If the color seems a little much, donÿýt be put off--cast the rod, and I believe youÿýll agree that it is a superiour Spey. What makes the Loop yellow even more appealing is the price: this rod series is priced in the mid-range of Spey rods (the 14ft yellow retails at $360 US) but it outperforms many rods costing hundreds more, making it an exceptional value. 
   

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