FFR 2008: Ross Launches Two New Reels

The Arius - MSRP $190 -$240

The Airius is a high-end, hybrid large arbor fly reel that defines excellence in both performance and cosmetic artistry. The multilevel disc drag system is incredibly smooth, and there is no shortage of stopping power in this modern Ross design. In honor of our 35th anniversary, we have brought back a spindle support shaft that is reminiscent of a design from our industry favorite Gunnison series. This large diameter shaft provides incredible stability, and is now manufactured out of fully anodized aluminum that is strong, incredibly light and saltwater safe. The spoke designed frame and extensive spool ventilation adds to this series lightweight feel, yet the Airius is built to endure a lifetime of flawless performance. Each reel in this series is designed with a unique diameter and width to maximize the properties of drag consistency and quick line retrieval. The Airius has been fitted with a new quick-switch retrieve conversion that makes changing the direction of retrieve as easy as flipping ona light. The reel is also equipped with our newest drag knob design that delivers smooth rotation, infinite adjustments and secure settings.

FRAME/SPOOL MATERIAL 6061-T6 aluminum alloy
MANUFACTURING SPECIFICATIONS Fully machined, 1 piece frame, 1 piece spool – manufactured on automated
CNC machining centers
DRAG MATERIAL Delrin 500AF with impregnated Teflon – space-age polymer that is durable, heat resistant, self-lubricating
and maintenance free
DRAG ENGAGEMENT SYSTEM Delrin 500AF to stainless interface – pull frame friction multilevel disc drag system
ESCAPEMENT SYSTEM Dual pawl internal escapement mechanism
SPOOL ROTATION MECHANISM Synthetic Zytel bushing rotating on an anodized aluminum shaft
FINISH Anodized
NUMBER OF REELS IN SERIES 5
FLY ROD COVERAGE 2wt. – 9wt.
FISHING APPLICATION Designed for use in all freshwater, warmwater and saltwater fishing environments
AVAILABLE COLORS Black and Smoke Grey



The FlyRise Series MSRP - $95 - $110

The Flyrise is a hybrid large arbor fly reel that is beautifully crafted with cosmetic innovation and precision workmanship. The drag system is identical to the system used in the award winning Rhythm USA reel series. This is pretty impressive considering that the Rhythm sold for more than twice the price of this incredible new series! The drag adjustment is precise and sensitive – capable of protecting the lightest tippets even when battling world-class fish. To guarantee the level of dependability anglers have come to expect from all Ross products, the drag is a triple redundancy system; providing three backup systems for dependable performance under the most demanding fishing conditions. The Flyrise has also been fitted with our newest drag knob design that delivers smooth rotation, infinite adjustments and secure settings. The Flyrise truly is a premier reel at an incredible price!

FRAME/SPOOL MATERIAL High quality aluminum alloy
MANUFACTURING SPECIFICATIONS Pressure-fed cast aluminum, 1 piece frame, 2 piece assembled spool, machine finished
DRAG MATERIAL Delrin 500AF with impregnated Teflon – space-age polymer that is durable, heat resistant, self-lubricating
and maintenance free
DRAG ENGAGEMENT SYSTEM Delrin 500AF to anodized aluminum interface – conical friction drag system
ESCAPEMENT SYSTEM Triple redundancy radial pawl engagement
SPOOL ROTATION MECHANISM Oil impregnated bronze bushing rotating on a stainless steel spindle
FINISH Aerospace grade polyurethane
NUMBER OF REELS IN SERIES 4
FLY ROD COVERAGE 3wt. – 8wt.
FISHING APPLICATION Designed for use in all freshwater and warmwater fishing environments

Both series will be available from your favorite fly shops starting in November, 2008. Check them out at the Ross WorldWide Website: http://www.rossworldwideoutdoors.com/

Update: I Just notice this in the description - "conical friction drag system" and I am wondering how this equates to the drag system used in the Lamson reels?

Ross Worldwide announces 6 weight Essence Fly Rod

Here at FlyFishMagazine.com we are all about good quality, inexpensive fly fishing equipment. We feel that if our sport is to continue to grow, companies will have to come forth with products that offer exceptional value. After all, most novice fly anglers (and cheapskates like me) will rarely try a new sport that requires several hundred dollars worth of equipment from the start. Ross Worldwide was one of the first companies to realize this and do something about it with their Essence line of quality, affordable fly rods. Now we are pleased to see them introduce a 6 weight to the product line. Here is their press release:

Ross adds 6wt. to the Essence Series Fly Rods
Essence FS, Essence FC and Essence FW 690-4 Rods available January 2008

Ross Worldwide is pleased to announce that we are expanding the Essence rod series with the addition of a 9 foot 6 weight model in each of the three series -FS, FC and FW. The new 6 weight models will be available January 1, 2008.

Ross Worldwide worked with Mel Krieger on the development of the Essence series rods. All three series are manufactured with a "Ross Exclusive" proprietary graphite design, resulting in rods that are smooth casting, sensitive and precise. The Essence series fly rods carry line effortlessly when casting in close, or reaching out to far away targets. All three series are powerful and sturdy, yet light enough to minimize fatigue with long days on the water.

The Essence series fly rods have been assigned graphite designations of R-1, R-2 and R-3 to highlight design differences. While the fundamentals of each series remain true to the design, a higher numbered R-Value indicates a slightly more progressive action. All three series are 4-piece rods that ship complete with a rod sock and rod case. The three Essence rod series are priced at just $99.00, $149.00 and $199.00. These fly rods will set a new standard for what an angler should expect from an affordably priced fly rod. For your money, there is not a better value on the market today!

Additional sizes in each Essence series will be available in spring 2008.

For more information about these new rod series, please contact the Ross factory at 970-249-1212 or visit the company online at www.rossreelsworldwide.com.

Ross designed these rods and their tapers with input from Mel Krieger. In our opinion this along with a choice of materials gives them a feel that rivals a more expensive rod. Ross extends the value of these rods by selling them as four piece rods and including a rod case and sock.

FFR Show 2007: Reflections from the casting pond

The wife and I just got back into town from the retailer show in Denver, Colorado where we were able to look at copious amounts of new fly fishing gear, hang out with old and new friends, and get a general feel for the direction of fly fishing as an industry from folks who make their living at the sport we so enjoy. We will have more detailed postings about gear and such later on but for now here are a few of our impressions from this year's show:

Patagonia Pals

First things first, we have to mention Patagonia, Inc. For the past two years they have acted as our host at the show and thanks to folks like Brian Bennett and Steve Stracqualersi we have always been made to feel very welcome. They are a great organization that makes excellent fly fishing product and more importantly does a great deal of good for the environment. A few of their programs that deserve mention are 1% for the planet, Common Threads Garment Recycling, and supporting the World Trout Initiative. A few their products that caught our eye include the combination FishingVest / PFD , and their Pack Vest which combines a fishing vest and back pack in one package. We will be posting about additional Patagonia products in the near future.

New Rods

On the upper end of the spectrum we got our hands on the new Orvis Helios and can say that it has to be the lightest fly rod we have ever held. It will be available in 2008 for around $755.

The big news from Sage was their new line of bass rods. We didn't get to try one of these at the casting pool but with their old school yellow finish they sure did look nice. Their 7'11" length might just allow Sage some inroads into the world of competitive bass tournaments.

Brad Beefus of Ross Worldwide took us through the paces with their Mel Krieger endorsed Essence fly rod series. The rods come in three levels of "trim," with slightly different actions, the FC, FS and at the top of the line the FW. With rods from $99 to $199 and complete outfits from $199 to $249 these rods are an affordable option for anglers. Ross designed these rods and their tapers from the ground up and it seems to have made a difference in the end result. We test casted a 3 weight from each of the three rod classes and found each of them to have a very nice feel. The rods and outfits will hit the market in October of this year.

Reels

Ryan Harrison, managing partner of The Waterworks /Lamson sat down with us and took us through his line of super light weight reels. He explained the company's revolutionary drag design featuring a completely sealed conical clutch as well as their almost bomb proof hard alox finish. The company's big news was the introduction of $120 price point reel called the Konic. The Konic features the same drag as their $400+ models but is die cast and has a salt water safe polyurethane finish.

Polarized Eye wear

We will have more detailed posts on this later but we were able to spend time with three of the players in fly fishing eye protection and fish spotting.

Smith Action Optics - Long time friend of the fly fisher. Tons of anglers wear them.

Panoptix - Started in Cycling - Flip Pallot wears them.

Kaenon - Italian design - proprietary lens material. Conway Bowman wears them.

Waders

Seattle outfitter Filson debuted their new five layer fishing waders which will be available March 1st, 2008 at a $310 MSRP. I can say that they look and feel just like what you would expect in a Filson wader. They have built in gravel guards, wool lined hand warmer pockets with brass buttons.

We will continue our coverage with additional products from the show in these and other categories so be sure to check back often.