Review | Primal Revel CS 9’ #6 Fly Rod
Mostly the excitement of rod reviews comes from the top end, the creme of the crop but you can put them all down with their $2000 price tags and marvel at what is a new era. Usually picking up mid range rods I'll have my particularly optimistic view and I'll pick out any good bits I can while blindly overlooking mediocre finishes, naff gimmicks or careless generic componentry. However, pulling this rod out of its humble case I had to wonder if I'd been sent the right thing? It just smacked of high quality. It was love at first sight! Now before this review turns to smut I better get myself back on track.
This rod feels like someone finally decided to make a Scott rod that the other 99% can afford and at $400 we should expect to see these flying off the shelves! This is the most thoughtful and sincerely designed rod for under $800 I have ever seen. It certainly feels like a new era has arrived with the Revel CS. A cordura fabric rod tube. Already got my vote, save that clanging and banging of aluminium in the back of the car. Not sure what to expect, I slid the pieces from the sleeve and it instantly caught my eye. I went from “Here's another fly rod” to “Well hello, sweetheart!” I then spent an honest little while inspecting all the details.
The internal ferrules, and the carbon scrim are two things that give this rod high quality feel and a mesmerising look of purpose. The reel seat is solid and sleek, matt black and orange, very nicely designed, a theme that runs through the whole rod. The locking nut wizzes up the thread like a top shelf stick. The full wells grip, overall proportions and look is something you can be proud to hold in your hands with when catching up with your mates.
After a night of pondering how this great looking piece of gear will handle, the sun was up. I lined it with an Airflo Bandit fly line and a Ross Animas reel and took to the stream for a cast. Yep, not just a pretty face. Light as ultraviolet and punchy as mantis shrimp. The old Revel performed above its category and the new Revel CS honestly performs in the top category. There's great feel through the cast on the rod and it has sudden and intentional recoil allowing for that crisp stop before delivering the line to wherever it needs to go. It's something that has to be felt to be believed. I had to keep in mind the price tag of this rod because I kept forgetting and I'm honestly surprised at how affordable it is. I'd happily back it against any top shelf product on the market for aesthetics and performance. I love this rod and am definitely putting it to the front of the rod rack for this trout season. Bravo Primal!
Angus Reynolds
About the author
Angus Reynolds
Director and head guide of Haul Fly Fishing Australia.
Angus is a dedicated fly fisherman and guiding is one of his favourite aspects of fishing. The challenges and shared moments with all walks of life keep him going. Based in Tumut he spends his days guiding and when not guiding he's off fishing and looking for the next adventure or hassling the local bakery for delicious treats.