G. Loomis NRX+ LP vs Douglas SKY G (Fly Rod Review & Comparison)

A review and comparison of the top two trout rods on the market right now...

Maybe you've heard the hype, maybe you haven't. Douglas' brand new 5wt fly rod is certainly making waves in an industry that constantly rewards innovation and performance-based design. This rod has been touted as the best 5wt fly rod on the market and some people have even claimed it's the best trout rod of all time.

How does it compare to the NRX+ LP?

The first iteration of the G. Loomis NRX LP was one of our favorite dry fly rods of all time. The rod was lightweight, extremely accurate, and provided the angler with loads of feedback and feel. In some ways, I think the old version of the NRX LP shifted the industry in a new direction; after Loomis' success with the old NRX LP, rod companies like Sage, Thomas & Thomas, Orvis, and others have put time, research, and money into a moderate-action dry fly rod series.

Watch the review and comparison of the top two trout rods on the market right now.

Got Questions?
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[robwestbrook]

If you cast a Sky, you will end up buying it. Love mine and have never regretted it. I’m sure the Loomis is great too, I just drifted away from that brand years ago.

[adambates]

Thank you for the review.

It would be nice to have a comparison to the old NRX LP.

How does it cast with the Wulff TT? I use it on all my old NRX LP rods. On the underdog 9' 4WT LP, the Wulff TT is pure casting pleasure!
I was surprised to discover the RIO Technical Trout casts very well on my old 5WT LP.

[DB-cmzi]

Its time to stop using "made in the USA" as a guarantee of build quality. The old NRX LP were crap in terms of build: Misaligned guides, really rough sanding on the pitted cork, and hit and miss varnishing and glue jobs. These rods were built in the Loomis factory! Hardy rods, by comparison, are built in Korea and they're jewels. It comes down to management standards and quality control, not which country its made in.

[Outdawrzman]

Can you do a comparison the NRX+ 8’6” 4wt against the Hardy Ultralight 8’6” 4wt

I’m looking for the best dry fly Rod out there. If I’m missing a Rod please tell me. Thanks

[vadims]

Thank you Ben for great compare between both great rods.

[fransjooste]

I noticed that you used, what appears to be, a Lamson Liquid on both rods and wanted to know if you had any issues getting the reel to fit the Sky G reel seat? I recently got the Sky G 5wt, but the foot on both my Liquid -5+ and the older 'size 2' version are too big for the reel seat on the rod.

[brendanfallon]

How would both of these rods compare to a sage x for trout fishing?

[williambyington]

Great review. I agree with a previous comment that the lines used were too heavy. I have the earlier LP and use RIO Gold and SA Mastery Smooth Trout.

[cuz]

Thank you for the review. What do you think is the best reel to pair with the 9’ 5 wt Sky G. I was thinking of getting the Nautilus X

[bobsmotherman]

Can. you point to a recent 6 wt video of top_end rods. Looking to add a new rod this year. Considering Winston, Scott, GLoomis, other

[Doc]

I Started fly fishing when I was 14. Taught by my father who was taught by his father. I'm a Welsh man living in Australia with no affiliation, nor am I endorsed by any fishing tackle company. In my opinion, the Douglas Sky G is the best 5 wt fly rod ever produced anywhere ever, bar none. Ben I admire your patriotism, but I have no doubt that if this rod was made in the USA you would of given it 10's across the board. Even the tone of your voice speaks disparagingly when you mention the word " Overseas" South Korea is one of our friend.... South Korea these days excel in electronics, telecommunications etc etc and are globally recognized with excellence. This rod is so beautiful on every level, I don't know whether to fish with it or frame it, put it on the wall, pull up a chair and just look at it. I'm not criticizing you Ben, I love your reviews and admire your fishing knowledge. All I'm saying is, anybody out there who wants the best 5wt fly rod in the world...Get the Douglas Sky G now !!

[DevilDawg]

Good review, however can you really feel the difference in one (1) gram? Additionally, an overseas made fly rod at the same price of a US made fly rod and that didn’t factor into your review? At that price point Douglas needs to figure out how to make things in the US or drop the price by a couple hundred on the Sky G. I’ll take the NRX+LP

[stdr]

Which would you pick for an all purpose trout rod in smaller rivers? 5wt. One of these 2 or the Hardy Ultralite?

[ryanstines]

Thank you. We appreciate your videos. Respectfully and ideally, they would be tested with their optimal lines, as it makes a very significant difference. IMHO, most knowledgeable/skilled casters would not want an MPX or Perception (still very heavy) line for an LP series Loomis or similar rod. I realize you said you didn’t have it with you, but it appears that MPX is typically what is used in the videos. Kind regards.

[petrhaisman]

Hi Ben, what are the guides on G. Loomis NRX plus? Are these the same like those on GLX Streamdance? Those flexible one - legged guides or any others? Thanks...

[lambertsaldi]

Great Review Ben 👍🇺🇸
The Great state of maine
Too all good Luck on the water
The Vermonter

[theoutdoordad]

Is the sky G 7wt a good choice for bass and redfish? How does it compare to the Scott Wave?

[jimknowles]

Why the bizarre metric weight?? Are suddenly most of your clients The length of the rod is in feet! Your fly lines and leaders are in feet.... give us something that we can relate squared ?? What does that mean.?
Thanks
Yes, thanks for your reviews! We trust your opinion and appreciate the clarity you bring to a large varity of options! In your position you get to experience a wide rainbow manufactures. Your explanations and comparisons help us in our own pursuit increased pleasure.

just jim

[gudmundurp]

Great review but this overseas build vs usa made bullshit cracks me up. Made in America is not a insurance for anything these days, ... exept job for americans, wich is inrelevant in this comparison.

[pam]

I wish Sage and Winston made a more technically advanced, superior casting rod, like they used to. They still have superior craftmanship, IMO, but what good is that if they perform like doodoo in comparison to these rods.