We just received a great test from the French web magazine http://www.truites-et-cie.fr on our new LPX Tactical 9´ #5 and and we figured we translate it and post it here on the blog. A short summary; In terms of fishing comfort, this rod is absolutely stunning. The numbers are close to some of the best on the market: this Guideline weighs only 69 gr and balances with an empty reel of less than 100 gr. The standards of this rods is unparalleled in this price range, which gives this Tactical LPX an exceptional quality/price ratio for fishermen looking for perfect rod for medium to large trout on dries and nymphs.
The Scandinavian company Guideline presents an attractive lineup of new products in 2022, both in fly rods and fly reels. Among them, the LPX Tactical and LPX Nymph fly rod series are very interesting for the trout angler. Let’s start a wide exploration of these two series with a great classic: the 9′ #5. The Common Cents System protocol has characterized the power and action of this rod.
Power
In terms of power, 39 cents were needed to bend this rod for a third of its length. After conversion, this gives an ERN at 4.75 and therefore an actual power #4/5 slightly lower than the announced power.
Action
With an AA of 66°, the action of the cane is moderate fast (AA between 63 and 66°). In terms of fishing comfort, this rod is absolutely stunning. The numbers are close to some of the best on the market: this Guideline weighs only 69 gr and balances with an empty reel of less than 100 gr (about 135 gr filled). By way of comparison with rods of close lengths/power, its PTE is nearly 15 gr lower than that of the Orvis Helios 3F 9′ #5 and identical to that of the Vision XO graphene 9′ #5! Two references that cost more than double!
EDITOR’S OPINION: Let’s discuss the potential uses dictated by the measurements made. With its length 9′ and its real power #4/5, this rod is a paragon of versatility for dry and nymph fishing at sight of the beautiful fish of our French territory (i.e. trout up to fifty centimeters), in any type of environment.
For short-distance fishing (up to 10/12m), a fly line of 5 will load it correctly. On the other hand, as soon as it comes to longer casts in larger waters a line #4 will be better suited.
The moderate fast action of this Guideline produces a harmonious curve and exemplary fish hold. It will be a valuable help if it is necessary to use thin tippets! Its power/action torque clearly ranks it in line with a Loomis NRX+ LP or an Orvis Helios 3F 9′ #5, to name two renowned rods of similar use.
On the other hand, it should be noted that the standards of this rods is unparalleled in this price range, which gives this Tactical LPX an exceptional quality/price ratio for fishermen looking for perfect rod for medium to large trout on dries and nymphs.
It’s only flaw is the absence of a hook holder, but given the level of technicality, it will not be held against it!
