Loop Cross S1 MC/MF Fly Rod Review

Dec 10, 2018 · 3 min read

Maybe you’ve heard of the Loop brand, maybe you haven’t. Loop is a huge tackle company that dominates mostly European markets. Their presence is becoming more and more popular in the U.S., and their new fly rod, the Cross S1, is a large reason why. This rod comes in two different rod actions. We cast the MC/MF version (Mid Curve/ Medium Fast) and enjoyed it a lot. This is a phenomenal trout rod from Loop and we’re very excited about it. Read on to find out why.
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Outfit

- Loop Cross S1 MC/MF 9’ 5wt Fly Rod

- Lamson Litespeed Fly Reel
- Scientific Anglers Mastery MPX

Fit and Finish

The Cross S1 features an anodized aluminum reel seat that is asymmetrical to allow easy reel attachment. The reel seat is also skeletonized, a classic Loop feature that reduces weight and increases the cosmetic appeal of the rod. Working up the rod, the reel seat blends nicely into a reversed half wells grip made with top-notch cork. The grip on the Cross S1 is extremely comfortable and functional. Loop’s blank is made with 3M resin, a popular technology in the fly fishing industry today. The rod also has alignment dots and top-notch recoil stripping and snake guides.

Weight

The Loop Cross S1 weighs in at a respectable 3.28 ounces. This rod isn’t the lightest 5wt out there, but it’s not the heaviest, either.

Distance

At 60 feet, the Loop Cross S1 MF loses a bit of power. This is not incredibly surprising, as the rod is built with a mid-curve and medium-fast action design. Although it loses power, the rod is still very accurate at 60 feet but takes a little getting used to. Consequently, Like other rods we’ve reviewed in the past, a slower casting stroke is required to land a fly where you want it at distance with the Cross S1. Rod strength isn’t superb at this distance, but a capable angler can land a fly on target nearly every time.

Accuracy

The Cross S1 is very accurate at 30 and 45 feet. As a medium-fast rod, accuracy at these shorter distances is expected. The Cross S1 MC/MF is made for accuracy and feel inside 60 feet. If you want a rod that will make accurate casts with ease at 60 feet, the fast-action model is a better option. That’s not to say the Cross S1 MC/MF can’t make long casts accurately. The rod just seemed to do better at middle/short trout distances.

Flex and Feel

The rod’s design means the Cross S1 has tons of feel and feedback at short/middle distances. The 3M resin blank makes this rod extremely caster friendly at these important trout distances, and the Cross S1 is really a pleasure to cast in close. The rod loses some strength and power at longer distances but remains a capable tool. Overall, we love the feel of Loop’s Cross S1 and we think the mid-curve/ medium-fast blank is a large reason this rod is such a pleasure to cast.

Line Choice

Scientific Anglers Amplitude MPX fly line worked the best on the Cross S1.

Warranty

Loop Lifetime Warranty

Price

$795

Conclusion

If you’ve never heard of Loop Tackle Design, you may want to try out some of their products. Specifically, the Cross S1 is a highly versatile Trout rod from Loop and is a testament to their attention to detail and state-of-the-art technology. The MC/MF version that we cast was incredibly smooth with tons of feedback in close, and enough strength to target the occasional fish at longer distances. As a result, the Loop brand is becoming more popular here in the states, and it’s easy to see why.

Pros

Great MC/MF build provides loads of feel and feedback
High-end componentry and top-notch design

Cons

Loses some power at longer trout distances

Written by

Chandler Crans

Chandler Crans is a fly fishing expert and a former guide in Alaska. Whether he's reviewing the latest rods and reels, writing about where to fish, or helping a first-time angler pick the right fly line, Chandler combines real guiding experience with deep product knowledge and a genuine love of being on the water.

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