Loomis Rods

[drieks]

WHERE HAVE YOU FOUND THE BEST PRICES ON LOOMIS RODS?

[eye crosser]

Loomis rods are protected pricing items,the dealers must sell the rods at the retail price or chance losing their right to sell them!!

Good Luck&Whack Some Giants!!!

[ETT]

Loomis rods are to be fair traded. That is to say that all dealers agree to sell the rods at the suggested retail price. To disregard this agreement is reason for losing the dealership. So... long story short, if you find a good deal on Loomis the dealer is violating their written agreement with Loomis and frankly I'm not sure that's the kind of people I want to deal with.

That said, dealers do sometimes have pro staff rods, samples or other discountable rods on hand. Good luck

[Tommy Mac]

As stated in the above posts, prices are pretty much untouchable. I know that you can sometimes get a heck of a good deal on a reel with the purchase at many stores. One of the best places I know for advice on which one might be right for you is Ben's Bait in Grand Rapids. If you happen to live near Rapids he also has demo's you can try. Hope this helps. TM.

[LT]

Try Le Baron in Canada,www.lebaron.ca.Example IMX 5'4" 6-12lb is $189.00 Canadian.

[cisco]

Look at the info posted here. Is this the place where I see so often the statement, "You get what you pay for."? Evidently Loomis doesn't subscribe to free market theory -- or trust the price mechanism. But, hey, if you can get away with price fixing, why not?

I own probably a dozen different brands of rods. I'm glad not one is a Loomis.

Incidentally, if you get what you pay for, Wisconsin folks should go to Minnesota for more expensive gasoline. My four days in Wis last week saw lower prices in NW, Central, and even the SE corner of the state. Guess what-- the vehicle ran just as good on the cheaper gas as on the expensive gas.

In our price-fixed and non-market controlled economy you DO NOT get what you pay for, if by that you mean higher price = better goods, services.

[Homer]

I don't see the problem here. No one is forcing people to buy Loomis rods. They set the price that they want their rods sold for and, apparently, enough people feel that the rods provide good value at that price to keep both sides happy. If they were controlling competitor's prices, then I'd be mad.

[Sport]

Being a G-Loomis owner myself, I think the rod is overrated for it's price. I was able to purchase a couple Loomis's for $100 off due to having a flaw (scratch on one and nick in handle on the other) at a boat show. If I buy a new rod it will probably be a St Croix, Cabela's or Scheels Outfitter(loomis blanks I think). This topic was discussed in earlier posts, Loomis is a fantastic rod, is it worth $100+ over other rods? That depends on your budget and importance of owning the "name". It is a great rod...I personally would rather buy 2 other rods for the price of one of these...

[Ric]

Price fixing would be if Galyan's and Cabela's fixed the price on items, not the manufacturer. If you don't think you get what you pay for, don't buy it. However, everyone I know that has multiple Loomis rods knows that they have gotten their monies worth. I honestly think that you fail to understand democracy if you don't think that an individual manufacturer can determine the price that they sell their product for. Everytime I go to the grocery store I see and buy products where the manufacturer has put the price on the packaging. In nearly every instance the actual price is the same as the price on the package.

[eye crosser]

The only only problem with your statement is are they worth 100.00 more!!! Now I see every company trying to market a rod at the Loomis Imx price point!!! I have all the so-called best rods out there an I can't find one I like better than the Loomis!
I think that there are some nice rods available for us today, but I'll stay with the leader until I find something that I feel compaires to what I have!


Whack Some Giants!!!

[IaCraig]

I won't give out names to keep them from getting reported to Loomis, but I know of store(s) that will sell you Loomis Rods for 10% over dealer cost in an attempt to keep your business local. I see nothing wrong with the small dealer cutting his profit margin on some big name items in an attempt to keep his customer base from all flocking to the big stores like Cabela's or Bass Pro everytime they have $$$$ burning a hole in their pocket.

Sure I spend lots of money at Cabela's, but I shop local shops 1st. (no I do not own a sporting goods store)


IaCraig

[cisco]

Ric -- You endorse price fixing, and you say I don't understand democracy? Is Loomis policy consistent with a "free market"?

Someone else said it -- if you want to buy a "name" go ahead. But don't say it's better. Lincoln Navigator is a lot more expensive than Ford Expedition. Yet, except for trim, they use interchangeable parts. Lincoln buyers are paying for a name -- if that's what's meant by "getting what you pay for," then I can understand that. But, price equals quality is not a reality in our economy.

[Ric]

No, no, no. Having Loomis set their prices isn't price fixing. Price fixing would if everyone that carries Loomis rods said we will only sell them for "x" amount of dollars. I think we will have to agree to disagree on getting what you pay for. In my opinion, the IMX and GLX rods are more sensitive than any other on the market. I believe it is worth the extra money for more sensitivity. The same can be said for people who want the extra trim in their "Expeditions." They can be justify paying for the luxuries and different suspension that the Navigator provides. But, a loaded Expedition vs. a somewhat base Navigator that have comparable trim and equipment are not that much different in price. A Manny's steak and a Applebee's steak both come from a cow, and will fill you up, but the quality doesn't compare which is how I feel about Loomis rods. Again, it is a matter of justifying the cost vs. what you get for your money. I'm a Manny's guy and your an Applebee's guy.

[fisher]

I had a rod builder make me two GLX rods and they costed me about 180 bucks each for a sjr782 & sjr722.BUT that was 1 1/2 years ago and they quit selling blanks to him. So I probably will never own another Loomis although I do like the rods alot they are not worth $325 bucks.

But there is good news! I just had him build me two St Croix Elite series rods that Cabelas has priced for $300 apiece.
He is crafting mine for $140 each, they won't have the $80 guides but they are fuji hardloys and that'll work for me.

[Fin Addict]

While prices on Loomis rods are essentially fixed, that doesn't mean you can't deal on other items purchased at the same time. See if you can get a discount on the reel, line, baits etc. if you buy the rod at the same time.

[cisco]

You earlier questioned my ability to understand democracy, now you assert that I have a preference for Applebee's. Can't you stick with the contents of the post without getting personal?

The price is fixed by Loomis if, as was stated above, they will not let vendors sell at reduced prices. Price fixing is not free market. Capitalism is supposed to be free market. The price mechanism does not apply if suppliers fix and keep artificial prices. As to the cow analogy, we move into an area of inelastic demand -- a condition that also mitigates against a price mechanism. If the price of beef were to drop in half, would you eat twice as much in a year? And frankly, for my poor taste buds, a Timber Lodge steak will do very nicely at a price well below Manny's. As with the now history Charlies, upscale places tend to hold on to reputations long after it's deserved. A possible Twin Cities exception might be Jax.

[MN--Hook Setter]

What you say is one way to look at it but I tend to look at it this way--GLoomis by saying this is the price that your going to pay also doesnt allow for substantial mark-ups. I can buy a rod direct from the factory for $185 or buy one from Joes sporting goods for the same price. You follow me???

[cmb]

the basic mechanical components are the same, yet they are definitly different products. there are many more differences than "just trim". what you are saying is that a walleye and a pearch are the same becuase they share the same basic components( heart, gills,...) They are both in the Perch family, but they are absolutly diferent species arent they? all Manufacturers set their prices, the free market decides if these prices are reasonable. It is often in the best interest of all parties to sell a product at its intended price. by controling who sells a premium brand product the customer wins- they can ensure better customer service.... Do grocery manufactures or auto makers "fix" their prices? NO they ask a price they feel is the best compromise betwene sales volume and per item profit. all manufacturers/marketers of any product do the same.

the concept of adhering to a manufacturers suggested retail price is designed to protect the small retailers, who can't cut-eliminate their profit on a product to compete with the large or mega retailers and mail-order-houses, that sell the volumes that make it posible. I have been on several sides of this issue. there is alot to be said for a company who keeps it's product a premium product and attempts to market it in a fair and professional maner. they are looking at the longterm when so many look only short term and at the quick $$

[Ric]

There was absolutely nothing personal in what I wrote and if you think that I apoligize. Maybe Applebees wasn't the best choice but you said yourself you would just as well eat at Timberlodge. Regardless, it was an analogy to suggest that I can see the value in Loomis or Mannys or whatever, you can't, which doesn't imply anything negative at all. Maybe you have other interests, or save more wisely, it doesn't matter.

I still fail to understand how Loomis setting the prices for their rods breaches free-market economy. Free-Market Economy is economic system in which individuals, rather than government, make the majority of decisions regarding economic activities and transactions. The antitrust laws give a manufacturer latitude to adopt a policy regarding a desired level of resale prices and to deal only with retailers who independently agree to that policy. A manufacturer also is permitted to stop dealing with a retailer who breaches the manufacturer’s resale price maintenance policy. That is, the manufacturer can adopt the policy on a "take it or leave it" basis. Apparently, the government feels that this isn't price fixing, which in turn would mean that it still subscribes to free-market, and since free-market is the basic principle of democracy and capitalism, I still content that you don't understand it completely. Again this is not a personal attack, I don't understand quantum physics but it doesn't make me less of a person for it.

[cisco]

One last try.

Non-market controls can be and are exerted by forces other than government. Economic systems can and do function independent of specific forms of government. A government can limit production. That's a non-market control. But, corporations can also limit production. That, too, becomes a non-market control.

No matter how you slice it, the Loomis policy is NOT free market. It is price fixing. Oil companies do it -- public utilities do it -- and monopolies do it.

This is not physics, it's basic economics. Free market is not democracy. You can have a democratic political system (e.g. Sweden) with a largely command economic system (socialism). I do understand -- I cannot seem to "sell" you.

[Ron]

Cisco,

As my new year's resolution I vowed not get involved in any WC range wars, but I've been reading the go-around on restraint of trade and would just like to say this: Let's say you own Cisco's Tackle Store and carry GLoomis rods. I come in and spend two hours of your time one day checking flex, sensitivity and every other test know to man. Then, I go down the street and buy a rod from Doofus Mart for $75 less. The saleperson doesn't know one end of the rod from the other, but doesn't have to, because I learned everything that I needed to know from a professional - you!

On FoxSportsWest this past weekend I watched a program on GLoomis
rods and how they are built. I was totally shocked by how much hand work goes into the building of each rod - almost zip in the way of
cookie cutter automation. They check, re-check and don't let it go
down the line if it isn't right. I guess that's why each night I kiss my wife, my dog and my SJR722GLX.

[EYE CROSSER]

O.K no rod is worth 300 bucks, we buy them!!Seems everyone wants or needs a speical deal on everything these days!!
The day is coming when our shopping choices will be a price-line .com place where it's like a large chain store selling us stuff!
I don't want to lose all the local dealers,one on one an you can get good info. instead of the community hole info I always seem to here at the "BIG GUYS" store!
I will continue to buy Loomis rods because, I can afford to an they are the best I have ever fished!!

just MY 2 cents worth!!! GOOD LUCK & WHACK SOME GIANTS

[MNVET]

Thanks Ron, I needed that. I didn't think Cisco could get so anal about something unless Steve, the Indiana vet was involved. To you Cisco, get off your mountain of economic psychobabble and go buy a G-Loomis rod. It will do wonders for that jealousy problem you have.

[Ron]

MNVET,

I have enjoyed many of Cisco's posts in the past, but I guess that we can all get a burr under our saddle at one time or another. I know I can!


Ron

[Frank from TBay]

Interesting reading. I view it in a simple way. If you want to buy the rod buy it. If the company has a set price that they demand the rod be sold at it does not mean they sell the rod to the retailer at the same price. That way a retailer can sweeten the deal with other product. If you disagree with the policy move on. Actually I kind of like the one price idea. That way you would be buying product on the service you receive. Please do not flame me for my economics.......I'm from Canada.:-).

[Ric]

Again, I think we will have to agree to disagree. I can see your point that Loomis fixes the prices of their rods which clearly has advantages and disadvantages to the consumer. However, this does not fall under the definition of price fixing legally. This is exactly why it is legal for Saturn not to negotiate prices. Since it does not fall under the legal definition I fail to see a problem. And, I still believe that if you try a GLX Loomis for a summer you see the benefits of a lighter, more sensitive rod will outweigh the perception of the added cost being based on a brand name.

[Ralph Nader]

I suggest that we take the "top" 5 rods, mix them in with some good "standard" rods remove all markings and rate them. We would get some "top" anglers to do a consumers report on them. I think that such a test would be an eyeopener. Many people buying high end rods are being deceived on performance. I commonly kick the butts of fisherman using high end rods with middle of the road equipment. I compare this to a guy with a .25 min of angle rifle with the best loads in the world and his skill level is so poor that he should not be in the field. Spending more money on equipment does not make a poor fisherman any better. It only makes him more arrogant. I think the test of rods would be great.
Check out my website www.ralpnader.com. We accept visa.

[Ron]

I hope you enjoy fishing with your Ugly Stick.

[Ralph Nader]

Ron Bud......If you have Ugly Stick as middle of the road I would love to hear what your high end stuff is.:-).

[Ron]

Read a bit higher in the postings. I have a GLoomis SJR722GLX, but I can't imagine Ralph Nader having anything other than an Ugly Stick - after all, you can't break them - no matter how much you want to!!!

[Then use your name]

I don't think anyone here has ever said that you give a poor fisherman a Loomis and he will immediately become a better fisherman. Maybe you have beat someone who uses higher end rods, big deal. I would speculate that people who use higher end rods have beat you as well. I can also guarantee that most people who frequent this site would "wax" me in a tournament even though I own alot of high end rods. However, I have a very good selection of rods from many different manufacturers. I know for a fact that my GLX is more sensitive than any other rod I own. Whether it is worth the extra money is purely a personal decision, and for many applications I don't see the value in one of the higher end rods. I am also quite sure that if you could have ten rods for free that they would be Loomis or another "high end rod." My experience has been that most of the people who knock the more expensive rods cannot simply afford them or haven't spent the time using them. I criticized my Pinpoint before I could afford one and still before I spent the time to learn how it actually works. Does owning one make you a better fisherman, no but any little advantage helps!

[River_eye]

LAST EDITED ON Jan-31-01 AT 10:56PM (CST)[p]But you do understand that if nobody wanted to pay the factory set price for Loomis rods, then Loomis would have to lower the prices or go out of business. It would be the same type of effect if more people wanted them then they could possibly produce, they would raise their prices till the demand fell off to somthing they could handle.

These factors still make it a free market.

You are right in that other factors can control a market other than government. Say, if all rod companies got together and decided to make each rod minimum $100, then that would be called price fixing. Just like the oil companies agree upon prices of Gas.

You can still get a comparable product from many manufacturers at a much cheaper price, it is the consumer that decides that a rod that is a little bit better is worth that much more.

River eye

[Bob G2]

Welp, in context, I have to side with old Cisco on this one.
The debate over whether this represents legal price fixing or being able to buy it for cheaper at CowsRUs seems to be beside
the point. I think what we can all agree on is that when you go to buy a G-Loomis rod, you are going to pay the same, no matter
where you buy it. AND, if you (figuratively, as a G-Loomis
vendor), try to sell it cheaper than the guy down the road,...
G-Loomis will see to it that you don't sell their rods for much
longer.

Now, whether you want to call it price fixing, mafia extortion,
or a communist conspiracy to overthrow Western economics, doesn't seem to matter much with the price of eggs,...or G-Loomis rods, does it?

It only matters if we feel like paying the proverbial piper or not.

Want to be part of the exclusive cadre of G-Loomis owners? You
will need to decide whether the you want to pay the big, perhaps the biggest ticket.

And G-Loomis is not the only manufacturer using this type of marketing strategy of what can be described as:
biggest price=best product.
And certainly, alot of fishermen are agreeing with them.

[cisco]

And where do I purchase the "let's get personal pills?"

anal -- jealous -- psychobable -- problem

It's really neat how some folks stay with an issue so dispassionately. Psychoanalytic theory must be quite simple if analyses of personalities can be made so casually.

I wish we could conduct the typical supermarket Coke/Pepsi taste test. It's beside the point (price fixing was the issue), but let's take a Fenwick, or Cabela's, or St. Croix for one test, then compare with Loomis. How many angler sensitive hands would discern the difference?

[cisco]

Bob G2 -- what you've described is also a pattern of operation used quite effectively by organized crime (use whatever title preferred) to lock up vending machines and juke boxes in the Upper Midwest. Another free market activity.

[cisco]

Hooray, and amen.

I once had a gift certificate for a hand tailored dress shirt. It would have cost me $400. It did, indeed, fit slightly better, but did not last or look any better than a $40 Van Husen or a $30 Arrow.

[eriedude]

anytime a manufacturer sets the RETAIL price and demands that their product be sold at that price it is a violation of the fair trade laws established in the mid 1950's. most manufacturers who price control have a minimum retail price set and will reprimand or pull their dealership if the retailer tags or advertises said products at a lower price.but not a higher price, of course. so its not actually price fixing. ive found that most local shops will deal with you if your reasonable as they do have some margin to work with. ive puchased avids for 125.00 and 130.00. i have friends who ve purchased loomis rods for 20 to 25 dollars off. but we always seem to spend our savings on something else in the shops, lol.

[Ralph Nader]

Words of wisdom. This is what made America great.

[Bob G2]

Cisco, does this mean that if a poor bait shop owner sells Loomis's for under the going rate, they may get their kneecaps
broken??

Kind of makes you wonder what else G. Loomis is into? (LOL)

[Your wrong]

What Loomis is doing does nothing to break any laws? In addition to being an avid fisherman, I am a lawyer. I don't own a Loomis, so I can't comment on their quality, but your absolutely wrong if you think they are prixe fixing under the legal definition.

[Abe]

RON---As long as you keep the kissing in
that order,I think you will live to fish
another day/////abe

[ddt]

HELLO===== Where did everyone go??
This was just getting good. Spring please
hurry,I started to enjoy this S=====.ddt

[SUPERTROLLER]

Hey, come on now. Since when is an Ugly Stik the measure of worth in a rod? I have 5 Ugly Stik's of various length's and actions and all of them catch fish. I do not feel handicapped when using one of these rods. They have the feel and action I like for the purpose's I use them for. For you to imply that they are only used because they are virtually indestructable does not tell the whole story. They are also a great value for those of us that do not have to impress others with our high priced equipment and are still able to stay on speaking terms with the wife. I feel you're taking an unnecessary shot at a great family of rods and basing your comments only on the price and not the value and performance. If I'm way off base and read something in to your posting that was un-intended then I apoligize right now and I'm sorry. It just seems that you're dismissing my favorite rods based upon their cost being too low to possibly be any good.