G. Loomis Rods

[Bronco]

This may seem like a rookie question, but I could use some info. I recently purchased a new G. Loomis walleye spinning rod and would like to spool the reel with Fireline. The store didn't give me any warranty info- will the Fireline damage the rod guides. I think the salesman said not to use Spiderwire, but I can not remember him saying anything about Fireline. If anyone possibility of rod guide damage from line abrasion from Fireline I would appreciate it. Thanks

Bronco

[DaveQ]

100% NO PROBLEM I love my fire line!!5th season. Gloomis and Fenwick rods.

[Mr.Pike]

I'll second that reply. No damage to guides whatsoever. ONLY TO FISHES LIP- LOL Awsome line
<;{{{{{<<( Mr.Pike

[John N]

Bronco, after using 20# fireline for 3 or 4 years with a Loomis IMX MH 6.5' baitcaster, and 6# or 10# fireline for the same length of time with a 6' IMX spinner, haven't noticed a bit of abrasion. However, it sure sounds awful going throught the guides. I've just gotten used to the fireline sound. With all that noise, I've wondered if there is some abrasion taking place, but again, none found. Mono, on the other hand, is dead quiet. But I far prefer fireline, so that's what I use. Interestingly, I picked up 3 or 4 Bass Pro Extreme sticks last year, both spinners and baitcasters, and the fireline is quiet going through those guides. No abrasion there either. Good fishing, John.

[Troy L]

I have a GL 3 and sent it back to get repaired. They said that it is normal ware and they would fix it for 45 bucks. What a joke. Lommis rods are over priced and they don't stand behing there rods. Take it back and buy a St.Croix(10 times the pole) My rod guides wore because of fire line.

[Grant]

Great question. The salesperson was correct in telling you not to use spider wire. It is far too abrasive to use with that high quality rod. As for fire line... it is a very soft line which will not damage your guides. CAUTION: fire line has no stretch, so always fish it with a light drag. Setting the hook on a snag or large fish may result in breaking your rod if you don't allow the drag to absorb the shock. I know from experience :) The only time I use fire line for walleyes is jigging water over 20 foot deep or trolling crankbaits that you want to achieve the maximium depth for that particular lure. Good Luck

[Grant]

Sorry you feel that way. I have been fishing and selling GLoomis rods for 10 years and though I love St. Croix Rods and own 13 of them, I truly believe that you can not beat the quality of a G-loomis rod. Their IMX and GLX series rods are awsome, the only problem is that because they are so light, the wall thickness on the blank is thin. Thus any nicks, cracks, scratches, bumps, or all around rugged situation results in damaging the rod and causing a break. If I am going to fish somewhere where my rods will get knocked around or ruffed up i stick with my GL2's or GL3's, or St. Croixs. As for fire line causing damage to your guides, never heard of it.
FISH ON!

[REW]

Many guides of the hardalloy and less will abrade with the fire line or spiderwire lines.
However, the bulk of this abrasion occurs on the tip.
That is why many manufacturers are using silicon carbide tips for the rods. Silicon carbide is not affected by any of the super lines. Fireline or spiderwire.

If you get any of the upper end St. Croix, G. Loomis, Cabellas, or Bass Pro rods, and Pinnicle, you see that they are advertised as having silicon carbide guides or equivalent. If they have these type guides you can rest assured, that you will not groove the guides from any line that you are liable to use.

If you are custom building a rod -- a common technique is to use hardalloy guides for all guides but the tip. Then use a silicon carbide tip and 90% of grooving problems are avoided except in the very heaviest use and line.

Because of the heavy use of Musky rods, and heavy line load -- many folks use silicon carbide guides all the way through to facilite minimum guide wear.

Take care

REW

[Gunga Din]

Can you tell at-a-glance whether your Loomis or other high-end rod has a silicon-carbide tip? Are there any visually distinguishable or identifiable traits? Thanks REW!

[REW]

Generally you can.

If you look at a GLoomix GLX -- they all have silicon carbide guides.
If you look at a St. Croix Avid or SCV legend elite rods, they all have silicon carbide guides.

You will notice that the guides themselves have inserts that are very very shiny. The standard hardalloy ceramic guides have a much duller look to them.

Take care

REW