Used & Abused: Snowbee Prestige fly rod, Geo reel and XS Floating Line - 11/06/2010
The editor takes a close look at the fantastic new Snowbee Prestige 9ft 6in 6-wt fly rod, Geo reel and XS floating line. Do they make a stunning combination?
I’ve been fortunate enough to have a play with all of these products separately, but not as a complete setup until now. The difference in performance when everything is married together really highlights how good Snowbee tackle can be.
Performance-wise, there’s nothing to fault on any of the products. The rod is light and very responsive and the 6-wt model that I’ve been using is tremendous on small waters when using a light line and nymphs or buzzers. I’m sure that it will be just as good when I’m using dries later on in the year. I love a rod with ‘feel’ and this model has that in abundance.
The cosmetics are good, and I especially like the pearlescent finish of the blank and the fact that there are highlighted alignments for each section. The burl wood reel seat is pretty classy too. The Geo lightweight fly reel has been a revelation since it was introduced. It’s machined from the best-quality solid aluminium bar stock. With Snowbee using every weight-reducing technique available it is 25 per cent lighter than the old XS reel, yet it is still rock solid. The drag control provides a smooth, progressive drag, coupled with minimal start-up inertia. This means you can use light tippets for tricky fish and still deal with smash takes from heavy, overwintered rainbows.
As for the Snowbee XS floater, what can be said about this fabulous line that hasn’t been said already? It’s safe to say that it’s a must-have for any serious angler. It’s hardly surprising that the XS floater feels so good on this wonderful rod because the Prestiges are designed for use with the XS range of lines.
Snowbee Prestige Rods
- Four to six-piece
- Fast action
- High-lift snake guides for distance casting
- Aluminium rod tube
Geo Reels
- Ultra-lightweight large arbor
- Multi-disc, saltwater-esistant centre-drag system
- Easy left to right conversion
- Quick-release spool
- Tippet-retaining ‘O’ ring
RRP: Rods from £159; reels from £189; XS fly line £42
Distributor: 01752 334933
Web: www.snowbee.co.uk
E-mail: flyfish@snowbee.co.uk
