APEX Graphene | 9' 5wt

GRAPHENE ? Graphene was discovered in 2004 by Andre Geim and Konstantin Novoselov  at the University of Manchester. The discovery won them a Nobel Prize in physics in 2010. Graphene is a carbon allotrope that is a single molecule thick, arranged in a honeycomb lattice. Graphene is light in mass and stronger than diamond. It is 100X stronger than steel of the equivalent mass. It is the next big innovation and a true revolution when it comes to fly rods. It allows us to build a blank that is lighter, significantly stronger and with an almost immediate recovery rate. This is the APEX.  GRAPHENE REVOLUTION Reel Fly Fishing is the first South African fly fishing company to utilise graphene in their fly rods. We began working in February 2019 on the next big leap in fly rod technology, this ultimately lead us to Graphene. Graphene provides a host of immediate benefits in the design of a fly rods recovery rate, action profile and physical weight.   For years fly rods have been getting faster to the point where you need extremely overweighted lines just to load them accordingly to maximise the stiff blanks action profile. Making a fly rod stiffer generally results in a better recovery rate at the detriment to feel and casting ease. Graphene changes all this due to the molecular structure of bonds (its elasticity) within the material. The Apex 9′ 5wt is a fast profiled fly rod but an extremely manageable action that provides immediate feedback to the angler at all stages of the load, cast and pickup. The physical sensation the APEX provides translates into a very easy casting rod that is pin point accurate at all distances. RECOVERY RATE One of the key advantages of the APEX has over graphite rods is its dramatically improved recovery rate to a stage that is rated as ultra-fast recovery. This almost instant return to rest state is what provides so much feedback and power without needing to have that extra stiffness like graphite rods. A more flexible action results in vastly improved tippet protection even on a 9′ fly rod. STRENGTH IN GRAPHENE Graphene is strong, in fact its the strongest molecule ever discovered. Strength to weight ratio plays a key role in producing a blank that is light in hand but can be pushed to its limits. Graphene has allowed us to produce a blank that is thinner, lighter and stronger than a graphite equivalent. Our Apex 5wt 9′ in hand feels much more like a 4wt and has the swing weight to match. Reel Fly Fishing is so proud to be able to offer South African fly anglers the opportunity to experience a graphene fly rod with the APEX 9′ 5wt. We have designed, tested and produced a truly next generation fly rod.  Further reading on graphene can be found here CRAFTMANSHIP Higher production run stock fly rods aren’t always known for their quality in craftsmanship. Single coat rod epoxies are fast and cost efficient, but often leave the blank with heavier imperfect finishes. The APEX 9′ 5wt is constructed with innovative components and quality techniques that keep wraps light, flat, and uniform.   GRAPHENE The APEX 9′ 5wt is the first graphene powered fly rod for a South African fly fishing brand. Reel Fly Fishing is at the forefront of fly rod technology.  DETAILS Our focus with the APEX range was to produce a high end fly rod that would not only go toe to toe with fly rods twice as expensive, but better them. Our obsession with quality centric components and attention to detail shines through in every aspect of the APEX Fly Rod.  DESIGNED TO STAND OUT No other local fly rod features as many bespoke components as the APEX. A uniquely taped and shaped snub nosed grip fits snuggly around our skeletal graphene inspired reel seat. The thinly designed rod tube and neatly packaged rod bag are a stylish addition to the APEX experience. SPECIFICATIONS Line Weight – 5 Length – 9 foot Action – Fast Fighting Butt – Small Crushed Cork Sections – 4 Physical Weight – 97 grams Black – Graphene Powered Finish – Raw unsanded blank with unidirectional weave Reel Seat – Double Up-locking With Graphene Themed Components And Skeletal Design Alignment Dots – Graphene Molecule Inspired Guides – High End HTIP Korean Ti-Grey Guides And Strippers Rod Tube – Extra Thin 50mm Cordura Tube Rod Bag – High Quality Black Cotton With Two Draw Strings Designed, Developed and Tested in South Africa By Shaun At Reel Fly Fishing