Hey Rapalaeye...

[Otter]

Whatever happened on that "heavy" GLoomis rod you had?

[Rapaleye]

Otter, I just didn't finish the thread, I thought people were sick of me whining about a Loomis rod. Heck if a person is lucky enough to own one, one should be thankful. Well I am glad to have one.
Here is what I heard back from Loomis. Their rods are indeed heavier now. The reasons he gave me were: new guide system, variability in the handle material and some slight variation in the blank weights. He said that the IMX is still lighter then the GL3, and GL2, but as a group the SJR721's are heavier. The thing I really questioned him on was, is there any chance it was a GL3 blank by mistake. He assured me that in their manufacturing process it is virtually impossible for the wrong blank to be used. I take him at his word. That was my main concern was did I get what I paid for.
My final conclusion is that I believe that Loomis is probably making the blanks a little thicker (to lower the chance for breakage) and that is where the weight is coming from. The guy at Loomis wouldn't admit that the blanks are thicker but I find it hard to belive that rod could increase 35% in weight just from a different set of guides. I am sure is this still the same modulus graphite so it should still be very sensitive. Blank thickness will affect the sensitivity but hopefully only marginally. The guy did say that they won't be printing the rod weights in the catalog in the future. I took that to mean all rod have gone up in weight and they don't want people doing a comparrison with St. Croix etc. I hope they don't ruin a good product.
I am happy with what I have and can't wait to use it.
Jim

[The Critic]

I think you are exactly right about Loomis going to a less breakable blank. I am sure the cost of replacements was not beneficial to the company. There will be a much less chance for breakage now. Wait till this news gets around the fishing world. Everyone will be lining up at the St. Croix door as they will have no competion for the lightest rod available. Big mistake from Loomis in my opinion. I guess the Shimano rod company has had some influence here.

[stewart]

When the lifetime guarantees first came out I remember reading editorials about how product development might be affected in the future. Looks like some of the effects are starting to be felt?

[Otter]

Rapalaeye,
I don't think anyone thought you were whining. When a rod comes in substatially heavier than you expected, it's only natural to try to figure out why. Boy, I think think I'll start sleeping with my old Gloomis rods if the new ones are that much heavier!
Otter

[WAeyes]

Hey Rapalaeye,

I didn't think you were whining either. You have a legitimate beef here. Paying top dollar for a rod that weighs a full 1/3 more than what you thought is a huge issue.

G-Loomis or not I think I would be sending the rod back if you feel you were mislead. It sounds like you were to me.

If you knew what you know right now, would you still buy that rod?