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We're proud to introduce the NEW Contact III+ to our lineup. Sit down for a Q&A with our rod designers to learn more about the new rod, what makes it different from the Contact II, and more.
What lead to the development of the Contact III+?
We developed new composite materials that eliminate the fiberglass scrim typical of most fly rods, so it’s pure carbon fiber plus resin. This allowed us to redesign the Contact II tapers, resulting in a blank that is stronger and lighter, with improved recovery speed and damping. These new materials allow for a thin-walled blank construction that reduces weight and diameter throughout the rod.
How does the action compare to the Contact II?
We wanted to build on the success of the Contact II, so the action and flex profiles of the various models are very similar to their predecessors. An angler moving to the new rod will find it a familiar, but enhanced, experience.
The 1002 and 1092 models specifically have been modified in order to be more versatile for smaller flies and lighter rigs. The 1123 has been replaced with an 1153, offering a longer, light weight rod with increased sensitivity that is incredibly advantageous in competition or long line euro nymphing scenarios. All of the Contact III+ rods retain a strong backbone, allowing them to adequately hook, control, and land large fish.
How do these design advancements show up on the water?
The blank is lighter and has a smaller cross section. Both of these are important for any fly rod, and especially so in the longer rods that are typical of this series. The smaller profile cuts air resistance when casting and minimizes the effect of wind on the rod during the drift.
The new composite materials in the Contact III+ have a faster recovery speed, allowing the flexed rod to return to its static position more quickly. What this means is that there is a more efficient transfer of potential energy from the flexed blank on the cast. The effect on the water is a longer cast, or the same cast with less effort.
The faster recovery speed is complimented by improved damping, so that when the rod returns to its static position there is little or no tip bounce, allowing for an instant connection to your flies at the beginning of the drift.
The rods come with two tips, can you tell us more about that?
All models except for the 6wt come with both a traditional tubular tip and a new solid carbon tip. This not only gives the angler a spare tip, but opens up some great options in performance and approach.
The solid tip loads more readily on the cast, and is extremely sensitive on the drift allowing for enhanced bite detection on the most subtle takes. This makes the solid option best for micro leaders and very small, light flies, for example light dry dropper techniques. The solid tip can handle the smallest level fly lines and enables unrivaled tippet protection. Comp anglers especially will appreciate less lost fish when fishing in close proximity.
The tubular tip is better for heavier flies, including jig streamers, and better supports a WF fly line when casting dry flies or dry dropper techniques. If the angler desires to use the rod tip to provide action to the fly throughout a drift, the tubular tip best supports this approach.
Is there anything new in the components for the Contact III+?
Yes, there are several improvements.
First, all the single-foot guides are a new design, and are the lightest guide we have developed. Also, the first guide down from the tip top is a traditional, double foot “snake” configuration, reducing tangles with the line or leader.
In addition, the entire guide spacing has been updated to add guides to the lower part of the rod, resulting in less line sag. The stripping guide has been further lowered on the rods to allow for even less sag between the line hand and first guide. The stripping guide is of a higher frame profile, providing a more acute angle, less sway and bow from the line coming off the reel to your line hand, thus reducing drag and friction.
The 10’ 9” models and longer will include smaller guides to improve line control with level euro lines or mono. The 10’ models will retain the larger guide sizes to accommodate traditional WF fly lines.
An additional lock nut has been added on the reel seat to ensure a more secure, vibration resistant lock.
What’s the bottom line?
Taken together, changes to the blank construction and guides have led to a new level of casting precision and enhanced strike detection, with reduced angler fatigue and more landed fish.