Scott Xanthoulakis recently had the opportunity to test the new Primal Revel CS 10' 6wt fly rod at Millbrook Lakes, known for its pristine waters and challenging fishing conditions. "It wasn't long before a beautiful tiger trout came to hand," Xanthoulakis remarked, recalling his initial experience with the rod. His immediate reaction was one of surprise at the rod's featherlight feel, which he noted was notably lighter than many other rods in a similar price range.
The lightness of the Revel CS can be attributed to its innovative design, which includes a high modulus blank rated at 55MSI, paired with a carbon scrim instead of the traditional glass scrim, and lightweight guides. "I'm no tech head, but to me it just feels super light!" said Xanthoulakis, highlighting the user-friendly nature of the rod without getting bogged down in technical jargon.
Fly rods in the 10-foot category are often perceived as cumbersome, yet the Revel CS breaks this stereotype with its powerful and responsive action. "Casting in a stiff breeze, I was pleasantly surprised with how powerful and responsive the rod is," he noted. The action, described as butter smooth, allows for quick tip recovery facilitated by a technique called longitudinal fibre alignment, which effectively transfers power down the blank. "You can really feel the power and see it in its accuracy," he added, giving credit to the rod's designer, Rene, for this outstanding product.
Beyond functionality, the Primal Revel CS boasts a sleek appearance with its new white graphics and a distinctive burled green/chocolate reel seat. Xanthoulakis pointed out the natural finish of the blank, stating, "It looks great but also means nobody has been grinding away at the blank wall with a sander!" He emphasized the importance of even wall thicknesses in fly rods to prevent weak spots, which could lead to breaks during use.
The rod is particularly favored by Xanthoulakis for its performance on lakes and large rivers, where longer rods are advantageous. "I love a 10-foot rod on the lakes and big rivers due to its ability to keep the line above tussocks and off the water when deep wading," he explained. This design feature is especially beneficial in rivers like the Goulburn, where he guides, allowing easy mending and control over the line while fishing.
In addition to performance, the Revel CS's convenience is unmatched, as it is designed as a four-piece rod, making it easy to travel with. "It comes with a cloth rod bag and a Codura rod tube keeping everything nice and safe," he added. Should the worst happen, such as a breakage, Xanthoulakis mentioned ease of repair, praising Primal's New Zealand base for their accessible service: "I know from past experience that repairs are really easy."
The Revel CS represents an impressive balance of quality and cost in a market where prices are often inflated. Xanthoulakis believes that it is a steal for the value it delivers, stating, "I reckon in this day and age of fly rod prices it's criminal how little they charge for a rod of this quality. Get down to your local fly shop and take advantage of a real bargain!" As he looks ahead to using the 7’6 #3 model for summer dry fly fishing, the enthusiasm for this product is palpable.
In conclusion, the Primal Revel CS 10' #6 fly rod emerges as a standout option for both aspiring and seasoned anglers. Its lightweight design, superior responsiveness, and overall performance make it a compelling choice for various fishing conditions, promising to elevate the fishing experience.
Scott Xanthoulakis, the author, owns and operates Wilderness Fly Fishing and serves as a guide at Millbrook Lakes.