G. Loomis makes the case for a switch rod better than most:
With D-loop defeating brush behind or encroaching canopies of foliage overhead, a spey-length rod can be a bit much. When shooting stack mends over heavy nymph rigs to a far seam, or hucking shooting heads in the surf, a single-hand rod might not be enough.
That is the switch rod in two sentences — the tool for water where a 13-footer will not fit and a 9-footer will not reach.
Full lineup — three models, all 11'0", all 4-piece
| Line | Length | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| 6 wt | 11' 0" | Trout spey, light steelhead, nymph rigs |
| 7 wt | 11' 0" | The all-around switch |
| 8 wt | 11' 0" | Heavier tips, bigger water, surf |
Fast action. Current pricing is on the selector above.
Being straight about grain windows. G. Loomis does not publish them for the Switch, the Spey, or the Shortspey — only line weight. Their own position is that grain window and line weight designations should be used as a general guide and will vary based on different manufacturer's line specifications, as well as each angler's casting style.
Which is fair, but it leaves you without a number. So: call us at 970-964-9991 before you buy a line. We will get a recommendation from our G. Loomis rep and match a Skagit or Scandi head, running line, and tips to your rod and your water. A switch rod with the wrong head on it will convince you that you cannot cast, and that is a fixable problem we would rather fix at the counter.
Components
- NRX+ blank, fast action
- Hard chrome snake guides with titanium SiC strippers
- AAA-grade cork top and bottom grips
- Custom aluminum reel seat
- Aluminum rod tube and cloth bag included
- Handcrafted in Woodland, Washington
Longer or shorter? The NRX+ Spey runs 12'6" through 13'3" in 6 through 9 weight for full spey work; the IMX-Pro V2 Shortspey is an 11'1" trout spey in 2 through 4 weight at a friendlier price. Both stocked here, and both are on our site.
Warranty: limited lifetime to the original owner, proof of purchase required, non-transferable. Accidental breakage runs through Xpeditor for a set fee — call us for current terms while G. Loomis's site is offline.
Ed's Fly Shop, 432 E Main St, downtown Montrose, Colorado.
