The Highest Example – The Edge Epitome Rods from Gary Loomis (continued)

I asked Alex if he could provide more color on the design process and when they knew they finally had the Epitome build ready for primetime. “A sub 3oz MH, a proper medium heavy with an ERN above 20 (stiffness number) is a unicorn - many have tried, but always limiting some factor - length of rod (like a 6’9 versus a 7’2) no reelseat, (taped on reel) very short rear grip, but still they were above the 3oz mark,” Alex Maslov CEO of Edge Rods explained. “Our Eureka moment was when the blank came out below 45grams, it was then when we knew it was truly special.”

The Epitome makes use of REC RECOIL guides

The Epitome makes use of REC RECOIL guides throughout the length of the rod. Even after so many years Recoil guides are somewhat polarizing among bass anglers. While they are very light, durable (due to their ability to flex and return to shape) and are generally considered quite sensitive many anglers do not like the simple wire look of them and how loud they are when fishing braided lines. Personally, I like the direct-feel that recoils provide and can understand why a rod that is focused on ultimate lightweight would spec these guides. I’ve been a fan of their use on many rods, including on the hybrid guide-train of the outstanding G.Loomis NRX+ rods.  

I paired the new rod with the lightweight magnesium based Abu Garcia Zenon reel for initial tests

While the company did explore other guide options including use of Torzite they ultimately felt that REC guides offered the sensitivity they were searching for due to their direct contact and they best met Gary’s durability requirements and will be used on the entire rod series.

A look at how the Zenon sits on the new seat. Notice the small sized trigger

The Epitome launch at ICAST will include a total of 30 rods and will address bass, salmon, steelhead, and even surf fishing applications. NFC is also well known as a supplier of quality swimbait rod blanks for some of the most respected builders in the industry so I asked Alex if there would be a swimbait specific rod in the lineup. He confirmed that while this particular rod will not be at ICAST they will indeed be making a 7’4” swimbait specific rod with the new X-Ray Air Carbon blank and that it will feature a full carbon grip consisting of a 13 inch rear grip and a longer foregrip for balance tailored to big bait applications and more leverage to both launch swimbaits and put pressure on big fish. I’m very curious to see how a rod with higher power ratings and one that is designed specifically for fishing swimbaits will feel and handle with the new blank.

It is impressive that every rod is made right here in the U.S.A.

The one big remaining question is how much the Epitome rods will retail for? When I first examined and casted the Epitome MBR 725-1 my first thought was that the rod looks and feels every bit like a halo rod and was expecting a price of around $549 plus dollars. I was surprised when the team at Edge told me that the MSRP for all the one-piece rods is only $295 dollars and the two-piece rods will cost $495 dollars.

A closer look at the carbon fiber grips that have become a signature of many of Edge's rods. I like these grips for comfort and durability

This is a very aggressive price considering the advanced new materials, quality of carbon grips and proprietary reelseat, branded REC components, and the fact that every Epitome is made on-site at Edge’s factory in the United States. The Epitome rods will be available right after ICAST at the end of July direct from Edgerods.com.  The team at Edge is looking at making 2022 a big year and is even in the process of building a pro shop at the site of their factory which will be open to the public. The Edge Pro Shop will feature 18,000 sq feet of retail space dedicated to their branded rods, gear, and even offer on-site reel repair. Road trip anyone?

Paired with the Zenon the entire Epitome outfit weighs in at only 7.4 ounces. This rod is incredibly light and well balanced and should make a big splash next week at ICAST. Gary's back...

Our Quick Take: As I spend more time with the Epitome I have only become more and more impressed with how well this extremely lightweight and refined rod handles. Paired with a lightweight magnesium reel like the new Abu Garcia Zenon the entire rod and reel outfit weighs in at only 7.4 ounces. This is less than many compact aluminum baitcasters weigh by themselves! Casting this well-balanced outfit is really inspiring and I look forward to putting it up against some more fish once ICAST is in the rearview. What I have experienced thus far has me very excited, and with an especially aggressive price point of only $295 dollars this new rod series may very well live up to the “Epitome” moniker and the storied legend of the one and only Gary Loomis.