Geir Hansen from Norway has had the main responsibility for the development of these rods, which is reflected in the name GWT, Geir With Team. Geir is well known for his achievements in the sport of fly casting, with several world records and gold medals in World Championships in Spey casting.
These rods are characterized by a slightly stronger tip section and a softer butt section compared to the original Nam rods. This more traditional design gives the rods a distinct action, but in a modern package. By “modern” we mean light and fast. Even though these rods bend deeply, their recovery speed is blisteringly fast, which gives them a unique feel, in our view.
The feel of a rod is always difficult to describe, so it really needs to be experienced. Whether this unique feel is a result of the rod design or the new used material is hard to say, most likely it is a combination of both.
Because these rods bend very evenly throughout the blank, they can handle a wide variety of line lengths and weights. If you want the rod to feel faster, choose a lighter line. If you prefer a deeper bend, use a shorter line with more weight in the belly or increase the total line weight. Always remember that lines that are too heavy will reduce line speed and increase strain on your body.
12’6 #7 4pcs: This rod is characterized by being surprisingly light in hand while still having great casting potential. It feels fast, but with a smooth flex all the way down into the cork. The rod can cast a wide range of line weights from 32 gram ±4 gram, which is 28–36 grams with a tip. Our preferred choice would be 32 grams, but during development we kept in mind that many anglers prefer heavier lines, so that will not be a problem either.
13’6 #8 4pcs: A fantastic responsive, light and vigorous rod with a “soul.” Try the rod with our Nam GWT 8/9 line at 36 grams and we almost guarantee it will be hard to end the fishing trip, one just wants to make one more cast for the pleasure of it. The bestseller?!
14’6 #9/10 4pcs: The all-rounder that can be used for everything from early-season fishing with sinking lines, to the lighter summer fishing. Try the Nam GWT 9/10 line at 40 grams for long casts, but when the river drops to summer levels, a Nam GWT 8/9 line at 36 grams with a slightly longer leader will also work perfectly. Must be tried!
15’ #10 4pcs: The idea behind this rod, it should handle all conditions during salmon fishing without exhausting the angler. We achieved this by classifying it as a #10 so that lines around 44 grams are enough to properly load the rod. Even though the rod has a powerful tip section and large power reserves, the rod only weighs 232 grams, which is extremely light for a powerful 15-footer. Because of the deep action, the large power reserves in the butt section are easily accessed and with a crisp stop it is a joy to see the speed of the shooting line, as it accelerates out through the guides.
15’6 #10/11 4pcs: The first prototype was approved after just a half cast and was together with the 12’6 rod the fastest rod to be approved for production. The rod immediately checked all the boxes for everyone on the team. Many people will probably want to double-check the length of the rod, because it does not feel like a rod over 15 feet. It may be the rod in the series with the deepest bend, but the recovery speed is extremely fast, making it very easy to achieve high line speed. We believe all lines from about 44 grams and up will suit the rod. Our first choice may be our Nam GWT 48-gram line, but we wouldn’t be surprised if many anglers prefer the 44-gram line in some conditions.