This is the day we’ve all been waiting for. The brand new Loop Classic X Multiplier reels have finally arrived at Drift Outfitters.
These reels have been generating a lot of hype since they were announced, and that excitement has definitely carried over to the shop. We had a large number of these reserved in advance and have already sold through most of the reels from our first shipment. Congratulations to everyone who managed to get one!
We do still have a few sizes and colours available, and we’ll also be getting another shipment in just a couple of weeks. If you want to make sure you have one in hand for the fall steelhead and salmon season, get in touch with us and we can put your name down for the next shipment.
So, what makes these reels so special?
Classic Looks, Modern Performance
The first thing you notice about the Classic X reels is simply how good they look.
They have that unmistakable classic Loop aesthetic, with a clean, traditional design that looks right at home on a Spey or switch rod. They’re available in black and blue, and both have a really timeless appearance.
But underneath that classic exterior is something considerably more modern.
These are multiplier reels, meaning they use an internal gear system to increase the rate at which the spool turns relative to the handle.
On a conventional fly reel, one turn of the handle gives you one turn of the spool. With the Classic X, the spool rotates 2.5 times for every revolution of the handle.
That makes a huge difference when you're trying to pick up line quickly.
The Advantage of a Multiplier Reel
Traditional classic-style reels tend to have relatively small arbors. That's part of what gives them their distinctive appearance, but it also means they don't necessarily retrieve line particularly quickly.
That's where the multiplier mechanism comes in.
Even though the Classic X retains that smaller-arbor, classic reel aesthetic, the gearing allows you to retrieve line at a rate comparable to, or even faster than, some very large-arbor fly reels.
That can be a major advantage when you're fighting fast fish.
Think about a fresh steelhead or Atlantic salmon that suddenly turns and starts swimming directly toward you. With a conventional reel, you can find yourself frantically stripping line while trying to keep tension on the fish.
The multiplier gives you considerably more ability to keep up with a fish that's coming straight at you.
For steelhead, Atlantic salmon and Pacific salmon, that's a pretty compelling feature.
A Quieter Classic Click
Loop has also made some changes to the clicker mechanism on the Classic X.
The standard Loop Classic is a beautiful reel, but its clicker is famously loud. Some anglers absolutely love that sound, while others find it a little too aggressive.
The Classic X tones things down slightly.
You still get a very satisfying, audible click when the reel is running, but the sound is less pronounced and less ratchety. It gives you that classic mechanical feel without quite as much noise.
And if you prefer your reel to be completely quiet, there's a switch on the back that allows you to turn the clicker off.
With the clicker disengaged, the reel has a much smoother, quieter sound on both the inward and outward rotation.
So you essentially get the option of having that traditional click when you want it, or a quieter, smoother reel when you don't.
Fully Sealed Drag
Inside the Classic X is a fully sealed drag system, giving the reel the stopping power you'd expect from a reel designed for serious two-handed fishing.
This is a strong, durable reel built to handle hard-fighting fish.
Whether you're chasing large Pacific salmon, Atlantic salmon or powerful steelhead, you've got a drag system designed to provide the control and stopping power required when a big fish decides it wants to leave.
That's particularly important on a reel like this, because the Classic X isn't just a piece of traditional-looking tackle. It's built to be fished hard.
We've Had Them on the Water
We've already had the opportunity to get a sneak peek at these reels on the water, and they've been extremely impressive to fish.
The multiplier system is something you notice immediately once you start using it. The combination of the classic reel design, fast line pickup and smooth operation makes for a really pleasant fishing experience.
And ultimately, that's what we're most excited about.
These aren't simply reels that look great sitting on a rod rack. They're designed around a very practical problem that anglers encounter when fishing for powerful, fast-moving fish: how do you get your line back quickly enough when the fish comes at you?
The multiplier mechanism provides a very elegant solution while retaining the classic look and feel that makes these reels so appealing in the first place.
Get One for Fall
The response to the Classic X has already been pretty incredible, and our first shipment is nearly sold out.
We still have a few sizes and colours available now, and another shipment is expected in just a couple of weeks.
If you're looking for a reel for the upcoming steelhead and salmon season, or you're simply a fan of classic fly reel design and want something with a very modern performance advantage, these are well worth checking out.
You can find the Loop Classic X Multiplier reels online or in the shop. If the size or colour you're looking for is already sold out, get in touch with us and we can put your name down for the next shipment.
