The rods were introduced at ICAST, or the International Convention of Allied Sportfishing Trades, and should start showing up in retail stores sometime in November.
The rods look great, with a matt finish on the shafts and more refined reel seats that minimize the weight. More important is the higher modulus of the graphite being used. The actual modulus is a bit of a mystery, because TFO President Rick Pope doesn't want to relive the old modulus wars of the 1980s and 1990s, when modulus became a buzz word that let some companies forget that modulus was meaningless if you didn't have a good designer.
In fact, Gary's Tactical Series incorporates a dual-modulus layup, meaning differing grades of graphite are utilized to maximize each rod's performance. So rather than worrying about labels that tell you almost nothing, you want to actually pick up a rod and let your own hand be the judge.
Meanwhile, Temple Fork has focused on reducing weight, which is why the company opted for more elegant reel seats that have the added bonus of looking truly cool. The company also devoted a lot of attention to the guides, trying to come up with the perfect combination of durability and performance. The solution was a super-hard chrome anodized insert in a chrome anodized housing of stainless steel. And because the insert edges overlap the housing's edge, there is no danger of the inserts ever popping out. And before you ask, yes, these guides handle braided lines just fine. Gary says these are the best guides ever, and they are available only from TFO.
Gary's Tactical Series (GTS) are a step up from the Signature series of TFO spin and cast rods. Although Gary Loomis is no longer affiliated with G.Loomis Inc, his desire to 'build the best rods available' remains. He has agreed to share his unparralleled design skills and understanding of modern technology and materials with Temple Fork Outfitters to develop a new generation of affordable, high performance rods. With a combination of Gary's designs and cutting edge materials, the result is a series of lightweight rods with crisp, responsive and ultra sensitive tips backed by powerful butts. SIC guides, one of the hardest insert materials available, are standard on all the spinning and casting rods, and the power of each rod is clearly identified on the butt section by the Colour ID System.
Gary's Tactical Series features 19 bass models. These one-piece rods will retail for $149.95, and these rods are saltwater safe, so don't be surprised when they start showing up on the coast as well:
Types: Cast, Spin, Pitch, Crankbait, Drop Shot, Shaky Head, Swim Bait rods
