G. Loomis Asquith 2 Review: Full Series Breakdown

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Series Overview

The G. Loomis Asquith 2 arrived with one specification that immediately dominated the conversation: price. With models starting north of $1,500, this is one of the most expensive production graphite fly rod series on the market. At that price, “pretty good” is not going to cut it.

Fortunately, the Asquith 2 is much better than pretty good. Across the lineup, these rods are exceptionally light in hand, powerful without feeling lifeless, and capable of generating serious line speed. Just as importantly, there is enough variation from one model to the next that the Asquith 2 doesn't feel like the same blank simply scaled from a 4wt through a 12wt.

For our in-depth review, we put the 9' 8wt through Trident's full testing process, including measured swing weight and controlled casting at multiple distances. We then cast nearly every model from the 5wt through the 12wt with multiple fly lines to see where each rod fits, which tapers work best, and which models stand out from the rest.

Below, we'll start with our complete review of the 8wt before breaking down the Asquith 2 series model by model.

Our Fly Rod Testing Methodology

The Trident Fly Fishing testing process combines a tabletop inspection with measured swing weight and controlled casting at multiple distances. We evaluate components, grip quality, workmanship, accuracy, power, recovery, and overall feel before bringing everything together in our Poseidon Score.

For our primary test, we cast the 9' 8wt with a Scientific Anglers Bonefish line at 40, 60, and 80 feet. We also paid particular attention to the 30- to 50-foot range, where many real-world shots at Bonefish, Redfish, and other flats species actually happen.

For the model-by-model portion of this review, we cast nearly every rod in the series with multiple appropriate fly lines. Those sections are less about standardized scoring and more about identifying the personality of each model, the lines that make it perform best, and the fishing situations where we would actually use it.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Exceptionally lightweight and responsive across much of the series
• Excellent accuracy and feel at practical fishing distances
• Fast recovery and plenty of reserve power
• Broad lineup with several excellent freshwater, crossover, and saltwater models

Cons

• Extremely expensive
• Some models are less forgiving of imperfect timing than other premium rods
• Cork, reel seat, and small finishing details do not feel unquestionably best-in-class
• Performance gains over considerably less expensive rods are incremental, not transformational

Who It’s For

The Asquith 2 is primarily for experienced anglers who want a very light, fast-action rod and have the casting skill to take advantage of it. These rods generally reward good timing and an efficient casting stroke rather than masking mistakes with an overly forgiving blank.

That said, the personality of the series changes considerably as you move through the lineup. The 5wt and 6wt are capable trout rods with more feel than you might expect from the Asquith name, while the 7wt is an especially interesting crossover option for Carp, Steelhead, Atlantic Salmon, bass, Alaska, and even Bonefish. On the saltwater side, the 8wt is a fast flats rod, the 9wt offers an excellent balance of feel and power, and the heavier models provide the backbone needed for Tarpon, GTs, Roosterfish, and other serious saltwater species.

This is not our first recommendation for a developing caster or a value-focused buyer. There are excellent fly rods available for substantially less money, and some anglers may actually cast those rods better. The case for an Asquith 2 becomes strongest when low swing weight, accuracy, and small performance gains genuinely matter to you.

Outfit

G. Loomis Asquith 2 9’ 8wt Fly Rod

Mako 9500 Fly Reel

SA Magnitude Bonefish Fly Line

Fit & Finish

The Asquith 2 uses G. Loomis’ Spiral X Core construction, with blanks rolled in Japan and rods built in Woodland, Washington. On the 8-weight, the build starts with a modest fighting butt and a double uplocking anodized aluminum reel seat with CI4+ inserts. The upper hood is custom shaped and fits naturally in the hand, although the lower locking band is not keyed and can rotate freely. That is perfectly functional, but it is also common on rods costing a fraction of this one.

The full-wells grip has the familiar G. Loomis profile, with a relatively narrow diameter below the swell. The shape will be a matter of preference. Cork quality is very good, although not the cleanest we have seen from premium builders such as Winston.

The blank is so dark that it reads as black in most light, with subtle gray-blue wraps and faint signs of the Spiral X construction visible up close. Two titanium SiC stripping guides lead into PVD Recoil snake guides, creating a light, corrosion-resistant guide train suited to saltwater use.

Overall workmanship is excellent, but the Asquith 2 does not sweep every category. The lack of alignment dots is a small omission, yet on a $1,635 rod even the small omissions become easier to notice. At this price, you are allowed to be picky. In fact, you have paid for the privilege.

Flex & Feel

The Asquith 2 is a fast-action rod with quick recovery and substantial reserve power, but it is not a joyless broomstick. The tip provides enough feedback to make short casts feel connected, while the mid and butt sections generate the line speed needed for wind and distance.

Its measured swing weight of 78 gm² is very light for a 9-foot 8-weight. The lightest rods in the category come in around 71 to 72 gm², so the Asquith 2 does not rewrite the laws of physics, but it feels lively and easy to move. That matters during a full day on the bow, when an extra false cast here and there eventually adds up.

30 to 40 feet: This was the most pleasant surprise. Many fast saltwater rods feel vague in close, but the Asquith 2 loads readily and provides excellent feedback and accuracy. It is easy to pick up, make one or two clean false casts, and place the fly where it needs to go.

50 to 60 feet: The rod remains accurate and powerful, although it starts asking more from the caster. Good casts produce very good results. Slightly mistimed casts produce slightly untidy ones. After a short adjustment period, we were making repeatable, accurate presentations, but this was not the rod’s most forgiving range.

80 feet: There is plenty of power here, and an expert caster can make long, accurate shots. The Asquith 2 does not cover up errors, however. Clean timing, a solid stop, and proper load are rewarded; rushed or loose casts are not. Think of it as a very capable dance partner that expects you to know the steps.

Across the casting course, our favorite range remained roughly 30 to 50 feet. That is convenient because it also happens to cover many of the shots anglers actually encounter while fishing the flats.

Warranty

G. Loomis Fly Rod Warranty

Value

Price: Sarting at $1,570.00

Current prices range from $1,570 for the 4- through 6-weight models to $1,750 for the 10- through 12-weights. There is no clever way to describe those numbers. The Asquith 2 is expensive.

The 8-weight is also difficult to justify on performance alone. Rods such as the Scott Sector, Thomas & Thomas Exocett 88, and G. Loomis NRX+ offer excellent saltwater performance for considerably less, and some anglers will find them easier to cast. The Asquith 2 does not cast twice as well as a premium rod costing roughly half as much.

Value becomes more persuasive in the 10- and 11-weight models. For anglers targeting giant trevally, large tarpon, and other fish that demand heavy tackle, reducing swing weight without giving up power can make a meaningful difference. If the Asquith 2 gives you more confidence when a single difficult shot can define an expensive trip, the premium may feel justified.

Model-by-Model Casting Notes

We cast nearly every rod in the Asquith 2 series with multiple fly lines to get a better sense of how the individual models differ. As always, fly rod feel is subjective, and line choice can dramatically change the way a rod behaves. These are the combinations that worked best for our casting styles and the applications where we think each model makes the most sense.

Freshwater Series

9' 4wt

Coming Soon.

9' 5wt

The 9' 5wt Asquith 2 is a smooth, lightweight trout rod that feels best with a relatively traditional all-around taper. Scientific Anglers MPX gives the rod an easy-loading feel at close and middle distances, with excellent accuracy and very little effort required to get the blank working. Once you push beyond about 60 feet, however, the extra weight of MPX begins to feel like more than this rod really needs.

RIO Gold was our favorite pairing. It gives the Asquith 2 a controlled, responsive feel from 30 to 50 feet and works especially well with a moderate to slightly quicker casting stroke. The rod remains light in hand, tracks cleanly, and delivers the kind of accuracy we would want for technical dry-fly fishing and droppers. Scientific Anglers Trout GP should also be an excellent match for anglers looking for a similar all-around trout setup.

This is a particularly good 5wt for medium-sized rivers where dry flies, dry-dropper rigs, and lighter nymphing make up most of the day.

Lines: RIO Gold, Scientific Anglers Trout GP

Best Uses: All-around trout fishing, dries, dry-dropper rigs, light nymphing, light streamers

9' 6wt

The 9' 6wt is a crisp, accurate rod with enough versatility to cover everything from western trout fishing to Carp and warmwater applications. RIO Gold gives the rod a slightly more traditional feel and rewards a longer, more aggressive casting stroke. With this pairing, we found the 6wt exceptionally accurate, with plenty of feedback through the stroke and enough power to deliver hoppers, larger dries, and light streamers from a drift boat.

Scientific Anglers MPX changes the personality of the rod somewhat. The heavier taper loads the blank more easily at middle distances and makes it very simple to generate line speed without much effort. While I preferred the feel of RIO Gold with a more deliberate casting stroke, MPX will likely be the easier and more intuitive pairing for many anglers.

This is an excellent utility 6wt for western freestone rivers, Carp, Smallmouth Bass, and anglers who regularly fish larger flies or heavier rigs but still want a rod that feels light and precise.

Lines: Scientific Anglers MPX, RIO Gold

Best Uses: Freestone float fishing, terrestrials, poppers, streamers, indicator nymphing, Carp

9' 7wt

The 9' 7wt is one of the more versatile crossover rods in the Asquith 2 lineup. It is powerful and impressively light in hand, but it does not respond particularly well to extremely aggressive fly lines. SA Titan felt like too much for the blank, dulling accuracy and overpowering some of the rod's otherwise excellent feel.

SA MPX was a much better match. It gives the rod enough mass to load comfortably while preserving its speed and accuracy. We could even see anglers going slightly lighter with a more traditional freshwater taper depending on their casting style.

Our favorite pairing, however, was Scientific Anglers Bonefish. With this line, the rod feels light and lively throughout the casting stroke while remaining accurate at short, medium, and longer distances. It highlights what makes this 7wt interesting: there is enough power for wind, streamers, bass bugs, and light saltwater work without making the rod feel cumbersome.

For anglers looking for one premium 7wt that can move between freshwater and saltwater, this is a compelling option. It would be equally at home chasing Carp, Great Lakes Steelhead, Atlantic Salmon, Smallmouth Bass, Bonefish, or beefy Alaskan Trout.

Lines: Scientific Anglers MPX, Scientific Anglers Bonefish

Best Uses: Smallmouth Bass, Great Lakes Steelhead, Atlantic Salmon, Bonefish, streamers, poppers, mice, wogs, Alaska

Saltwater Series

9' 8wt

The 9' 8wt was our primary test rod, so you can find our complete casting notes in the in-depth review above. In short, this is a distinctly fast saltwater rod that feels best in the hands of a caster who is willing to put some energy into the stroke.

SA Bonefish keeps the rod light and quick, particularly at shorter distances. With more line out, the blank begins to soften somewhat, creating an interesting combination of speed in close and a more forgiving feel beyond about 45 feet.

SA Infinity Salt makes the rod easier to load at short and middle distances and is a useful option when making quick shots or dealing with wind. Once the entire head is outside the guides, however, the additional mass begins to feel like a lot for the blank.

We see this primarily as a Bonefish rod, with enough versatility for Redfish and lighter Striper applications where anglers want a fast, lightweight saltwater setup.

Lines: Scientific Anglers Bonefish, Scientific Anglers Infinity Salt

Best Uses: Bonefish, Redfish, schoolie Stripers

9' 9wt

The 9' 9wt was one of our favorite rods in the entire Asquith 2 lineup. Compared with the heavier 10wt and 11wt models, this rod has a noticeably softer and more approachable feel while remaining exceptionally lightweight, powerful, and accurate.

Scientific Anglers Grand Slam is an excellent pairing. The rod loads easily at the important 50- to 70-foot distances encountered on the flats and provides plenty of feedback throughout the casting stroke. It does not require an overly aggressive stroke to perform well, and in fact, trying to overpower the rod can make it feel slightly less composed.

RIO Flats Pro was equally impressive. This combination feels crisp, powerful, and extremely accurate while maintaining the lightweight character that makes the 9wt so enjoyable to cast.

For Permit anglers in particular, this model hits an excellent balance. It has enough backbone for wind and larger flies but still offers the precision and feel needed when a difficult shot suddenly presents itself. It would also be an outstanding choice for larger Bonefish, Triggerfish, Baby Tarpon, Redfish, and Snook.

Lines: RIO Flats Pro, Scientific Anglers Grand Slam, Scientific Anglers Infinity Salt

Best Uses: Permit, Bonefish, Triggerfish, Baby Tarpon, Redfish, Snook

9' 10wt

The 9' 10wt is a powerful saltwater rod capable of handling both aggressive fly lines and demanding conditions. It has plenty of reserve power for long casts in the wind and enough backbone to deliver larger-profile baitfish patterns, yet it remains relatively light for a rod in this weight class.

RIO Striper highlights the rod's raw power. The Asquith 2 has no trouble carrying the heavier taper and generating significant line speed, making it a strong combination for throwing large flies into a blitz or punching casts through hefty wind. Accuracy is not quite as refined with such an aggressive line, but that is less important for the situations where we would choose this setup.

RIO Flats Pro brings out a different side of the rod. The combination feels noticeably more precise and controlled while still providing plenty of power. This was our preferred all-around pairing and would make an excellent setup for Resident Tarpon, Stripers, Barracuda, Jacks, Bull Reds, and other powerful saltwater species.

Lines: RIO Flats Pro, Scientific Anglers Grand Slam, RIO Striper

Best Uses: Striped Bass, Tarpon, Redfish, Permit, Roosterfish, Barracuda, Jacks

9' 11wt

The 9' 11wt is a fast, powerful big-game rod that remains impressively crisp and manageable for its size. SA Tarpon is an excellent pairing, giving the rod a quick, responsive feel while allowing it to generate serious line speed with very little false casting.

At longer distances, the power of the blank becomes particularly apparent. With a good haul, sending 70 feet or more of line is no problem, and there is plenty of reserve power for dealing with wind and large baitfish patterns.

The rod also feels capable of handling more grain weight than a standard Tarpon taper. An aggressive GT-style line should be well within its capabilities, making this an interesting crossover rod for anglers targeting a range of plus-size saltwater species.

This is not necessarily the 11wt we would hand to a beginner, but experienced saltwater casters will appreciate its speed, power, and relatively lightweight feel.

Lines: Scientific Anglers Tarpon, RIO Tarpon

Best Uses: Tarpon, GTs, Roosterfish, large baitfish patterns

9' 12wt

The 9' 12wt is the hand cannon of the Asquith 2 lineup. From about 50 feet and beyond, this rod absolutely comes alive. It is fast, powerful, surprisingly accurate, and reasonably lightweight considering the amount of material and backbone required from a 12wt.

SA Tarpon makes the rod sing. The combination generates tremendous line speed and makes carrying long lengths of line feel remarkably easy for such a heavy outfit. There is more than enough power here for large Tarpon or GT patterns, offshore baitfish imitations, and other oversized offerings.

RIO Flats Pro also performed extremely well, particularly between about 50 and 70 feet. The entire 50-foot head weighs roughly 590 grains, yet the Asquith 2 handles that mass without feeling overwhelmed. Picking up more than 70 feet of line obviously asks a lot of any rod, but this blank has the power to manage it.

The Scientific Anglers Tarpon provides the best overall casting feel, but both pairings demonstrate just how much grain weight this rod can handle. For serious big-game saltwater anglers targeting Tarpon, Giant Trevally, billfish, or other powerful species, the 12wt is an exceptionally capable tool.

Lines: Scientific Anglers Tarpon, RIO Tarpon, RIO GT

Best Uses: Tarpon, GTs, Marlin and other big-game saltwater species

Favorite Rod

Overall, the Asquith 2 is a remarkably consistent lineup. Nearly every model we cast is accurate and lightweight for its line class, but there is still enough variation throughout the series to give individual rods their own personalities. Some models feel like highly versatile utility rods that could cover a long list of fisheries, while others are clearly built around more specialized situations.

If we had to pick one standout, however, it would be the 9' 9wt. It offers an excellent combination of feel, accuracy, and usable power without becoming overly stiff or demanding. That balance is especially valuable on windy Permit flats, where anglers need enough backbone to deliver the fly but still want feedback and precision during the cast.

The 9wt is also much more versatile than a dedicated Permit rod. From New England Stripers and Louisiana Reds to Bonefish, Triggerfish, Snook, and Baby Tarpon, we suspect this will be one of the most popular models in the Asquith 2 lineup.

Does that make the Asquith 2 worth its enormous price tag? That ultimately depends on the angler. There are rods available for substantially less money that will do the same jobs very well, and the Asquith 2 isn't going to transform anyone's casting overnight. But for skilled anglers looking for a very light, crisp, high-performance rod, there is no question that the Asquith 2 delivers.

Diminishing returns are still returns; they just arrive wearing a very expensive shirt. You can see every option in our collection of G. Loomis fly rods.

Buy it with free shipping Here

Changelog

• 9/3/26: Added model-by-model casting notes for the Asquith 2 lineup, including recommended fly line pairings, best uses, and individual performance characteristics from the 5wt through 12wt.

Questions?

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