Whether you’re casting from the bricks, spinning in the surf, or dropping vertically offshore, the new Loomis & Franklin Rugged is built saltwater tough. Maxed out for durability, the body and rotor are constructed from high-strength die-cast aluminium that won’t flex. To complement that rock-solid construction, the CNC self-locking handle screws directly into the main gear for a direct-drive system with zero play, giving you ultimate cranking power exactly when you need it. And with a premium metal handle knob, you get a solid, comfortable grip. Internally, it’s a smooth operator. Eight stainless steel bearings deliver ultra-smooth retrieves, while a precision-milled spool keeps the weight down. When it’s time to put the brakes on a big fish, the beefed-up drag boasts a massive 22 kilograms of stopping power, delivered by premium carbon drag washers. And no matter how you fish, there’s a model to suit your application. The Rugged is available in a 5500 and 6500 sizes.