Introduction: Are you looking for a new Skagit line, and are you tired of loop-to-loop connections, getting stuck, and bumping its way to the top eye? Then the RIO Integrated Skagit Max Power might be the line you are looking for.
Build Quality: The line features a 20ft (6.1m) head and a quite aggressive taper.
The line is purpose-built to smoothly cast and effectively turnover large flies and heavy sink tips. The line is engineered with RIO’s Low-Stretch Core and RIO’s SlickCast coating.
The standout highlight, however, is what RIO refers to as an integrated line. Essentially, this entails a seamless fusion of the running line and head, akin to a WF line used on one-handed rods. The feel of the line and coating is top-notch, as expected from RIO.
Performance and Use: So, how does it perform? I’ve had the opportunity to fish with this line on three different rods (all mentioned below), and it operates with remarkable ease. Being a Skagit line, one shouldn’t anticipate the graceful, silky delivery of flies. Instead, it’s more akin to an old freight train – a bit rugged and untidy at times. Nonetheless, it will get the job done, regardless of the conditions.
Personally, I chose this line to bid farewell to the hassle of loop-to-loop connections and to attain better control over the head’s length during casting.
Here in Denmark, we pursue Salmon from the bank rather than wading, so having the capability to manipulate the head’s length is a significant advantage.
Occasionally, it’s very helpful to strip an additional 6-7ft (2m) below the top eye. For instance, when using a heavy sink tip while standing relatively low in comparison to the water column, stripping that additional 7ft greatly facilitates lifting the sink tip and positioning the line correctly for the subsequent cast.
An additional benefit of the aggressive taper and short head is the minimal space required for casting. With the RIO Integrated Skagit Max Power, you don’t need a lot of space or casting technique; it will turn over your flies and leader effectively.
I’ve noticed that the line’s aggressiveness can be a bit overpowering in certain situations, particularly when used with my Sage Igniter 12’6” #7. Therefore, depending on the rod, you might need to moderate your stroke length and employ a gentler casting approach.
If you are planning on only using a #7, I would consider picking a slightly lighter line class, such as the #6/7 – 475gr.
Tested on
- Sage Method 12’6” #8
- Sage Igniter 12’6” #7
- Thomas & Thomas DNA 12’9” #8- 4XF (Review)
Price and Value: The line is $100, and it is competitively priced compared to its counterparts. Scientific Anglers offers their Spey Lite Integrated Skagit line at the same price point. However, that line comes with slightly different specifications and covers a range from 180gr to 420gr.
Regarding the value for money, of course, it depends on your existing gear. The line itself might not revolutionize your setup. However, if you appreciate the fact that it’s an integrated line, then there are limited, if any, options available in the 525gr range.
Conclusion: The RIO Integrated Skagit Max Power #7/525gr is a great line that will kick like a horse and boost your inner belief that you must be a casting champion while watching the salmon-colored head flying over the river. It is great in tight areas or where wading is not possible. Larger flies or heavy sink tips are not a problem, and I can easily imagine myself fishing this in larger rivers with fast current.