Loop Reel Line Up: 3 Loop Reels Reviewed
Since 1979, Loop Tackle has stood as an innovative, forward-thinking company, always striving to educate anglers as well as provide them with quality gear. With their outside-the-box perspective, Loop was able to create the first ever large arbor reel seen in fly fishing.
Since then, large arbor reels are in every fly shop around the world, and used widely from trout to tarpon. At North 40 Fly Shop, we're a proud dealer of Loop rods and reels... we also get out with new gear and put it to the test.
Here's our "Top 3 Reels from Loop Tackle," overview. Read through and see which reel you think would fit your style--if you have any questions, contact us here.
A Review of the Loop Multi Reel
Loop had their work cut out for them when they decided to offer a bomb proof diecast reel for an affordable price. After using the Multi, I can confidently say Loop accomplished just that. This reel is built to last a lifetime of scratches, drops, and big fish.
Complete with the same waterproof Matrix Drag System that is offered in other machined reels, this reel will turn that 12 lb. brown headed for the thick fallen tree. The handle is positioned closer to the middle of the spool for a quicker retrieval speed, and more room when palming is needed... which is hopefully often.
The counterbalance doubles as a leader holder, and the drag knob has been reset so it doesn't scratch your fly line while making a cast.
The spool has a large V design for optimal fly line spooling with a conical shaped rubber handle that allows fly line to slip off easily and tangle free. Because of the Multi, the "budget reel" has a new standard.
Interested in purchasing this reel? Check out the product page for more specs.
This is a good reel for someone who's looking to step up from the Echo Ion level but not ready to hop up to the $400 Loop Opti line... which we review in the next section.
Loop Tackle's Opti Reel: Mercedes Benz Machining + Power
Talk about a head turner. This is always the first reel that gets picked up when a customer wonders over to our reel case. Simply put, if this reel were a car, it would be a Mercedes. Available in 7 sizes, each size is specifically crafted for different fishing applications.
These precisely balanced spools are crafted from one piece aircraft aluminum for extreme durability and lightness. Being waterproof and salt tolerant, this reel will function flawlessly when chasing steel on coastal rivers, and running down roosterfish along the beach.
The Power Matrix Drag System will stop most water dwellers with tenacity. I still have yet to read a negative review of the Opti--prices start at around $429.
Loop Classic Reel: Review & Confession
"This reel is like a clock, it goes tick tock." This reel is where tradition meets modern technology.
Constructed with a sought after "classic" look, this reel has the drag capacity to stop anything that dares to challenge you. Every fisherman and bear within a mile radius will know you are hooked up with this reel.
Every time I pick up this reel, I can't help but think of what fun a big fish would sound like when my reel is screaming into the backing. Like Loop's other reels, this one has a Power Matrix Drag System, and is completely waterproof. The Classic is 100% corrosion resistant, and features an ergonomic handle design complete with leader retainer on the counterbalance.
Built of one piece aircraft aluminum for durability and lightness, this reel is precisely counterbalanced with components of stainless steel and anodized aluminum.
All screws are secured with Loc-Tite.... and my confession? "I'm in love." These screws CANNOT come loose in the field. There is nothing worse than a loose screw in the Middle-of-Nowhere, Alaska.
If you need a reel to hold a lot of backing, Loop's Classic reel is the reel for you. We carry 5/8, 7/9, and 8/11 in our fly shops.
Want to try out one yourself? You can find our selection of reels here