The Asquith is the top of the G. Loomis line, and the only fly rod they build that is not rolled in the United States. Blanks come out of Shimano's Spiral X production facility in Kumamoto, Japan, then are hand-finished in Woodland, Washington. G. Loomis calls it the most technologically advanced fly rod in the world.
What Spiral X actually is — this is the clearest technical explanation G. Loomis publishes anywhere, and it is worth reading:
Built on Shimano's proprietary Spiral X technology, Asquith Spey utilizes a three-layer construction consisting of a core layer, a longitudinal middle layer, and a reverse-axis fiber outer layer. This advanced blank architecture increases rigidity without adding weight, reduces ovalization under load, and delivers virtually instantaneous power transmission — whether generating high line speed during the cast or maintaining control when fighting powerful fish.
“Ovalization” is the thing that matters. Under a heavy spey load a tube-shaped blank wants to flatten into an oval, and every bit of that deformation is energy lost out of your cast. The reverse-axis outer layer resists it. On a 13-foot rod throwing a Skagit head, you feel the difference.
The lineup we carry
| Line | Length | Pieces | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 wt | 13' 0" | 4 | All-around steelhead |
| 8 wt | 13' 6" | 4 | Winter fish, heavy tips |
| 10 wt | 15' 0" | 4 | Big rivers, Atlantic salmon, chinook |
Fast action. Current pricing is on the selector above.
Worth knowing: the Asquith Spey originally ran five models including a 12'9" 6 weight and a 14' 9 weight. Those two are no longer in production. What is on the selector is the current range.
Components — the giveaway that this is the flagship
- Spiral X blank, three-layer construction, rolled in Kumamoto, Japan
- Flor-grade cork — the highest grade there is, and unique to Asquith in the G. Loomis fly line
- SiC titanium recoil snake guides and SiC titanium strippers — titanium throughout, not just at the strippers
- Custom aluminum reel seat with CI4+ insert
- Aluminum rod tube and cloth bag included
- Hand-finished in Woodland, Washington
On grain windows: G. Loomis does not publish them for any spey rod, only line weight. On a rod at this level that is genuinely worth a conversation rather than a guess — call 970-964-9991 and we will get a head recommendation from our rep and build the line system with you.
Where it sits: the NRX+ Spey is the American-built alternative at a lower price with titanium SiC strippers and AAA cork — a genuinely excellent rod, and the sensible buy for most anglers. The Asquith is what you buy when you have cast both and want the one that does not compromise. We stock both, and we would rather you cast them than take our word for it.
Warranty: limited lifetime to the original owner, proof of purchase required, non-transferable. Accidental breakage runs through Xpeditor for a set fee, which is tiered by series — Asquith sits at the top of that scale. G. Loomis's website is offline for rebuilding, so call us for current terms rather than trusting figures online.
Ed's Fly Shop, 432 E Main St, downtown Montrose, Colorado.
