Loomis reel seats

[Cambo]

I just got my first Loomis and my reels don't seem to fit correctly on the rod. Has anyone else had this problem?
I have been told that a St. Croix might be a better option. Opinions?

[WAeyes]

I noticed the same problem with a couple different Loomis reel seats. My Shimano spinning reels do not fit well. If I get a Loomis rod I will probably have to get a custom reel seat made for it. I like the twist-grip reel seat, but Loomis does not offer it.

[Fuzzy]

And ain't it amazing that Shimano has owned GLoomis for two years now? Makes one think. Had my Loomis's custom made several years ago, so haven't had that problem but have heard several others complain.
I mean there aren't many combo's that can compete with the 641/641 or 721/722 and a Symetre/Stradic for vertical jigging rivers - re: In-Fish Walleye-Insider circa 1997-8.

Bummer man - call and complain big time.

[stewart]

REW made the suggestion a while ago that you could take a grinder to shape the reel base to some degree to get them to fit.

[Ron]

I just bought a 722GLX. Since REW had posted that Shimano reels didn't seat properly, I bought a Pinnacle, but had the same problem. When the back of the reel was in position, the front was about 1/16" high. Since I wanted to get the expensive puppy on the water, I pushed the front reel anchor toward the shaft of the rod and screwed the adjustment ring on. Hopefully this compressed the cork where it was high. I have used it for several weeks with no problem. It is absolutely fantastic in all other regards, but I would surely think they would think they would address this problem.

[REW]

You aren't alone.
G. Loomis, uses a reel seat that was designed many years ago, and is made specifically for them. Unfortunately, as some of the different reels have come on line - they haven't modified their reel seats to take advantage of some of these new designs.

Many of the reel manufacturers use some type of molded plastic or graphite reel seats - but in most cases that have it right. i.e. they look at a very large cross sections of reels, and insure that they can properly install the largest quantities of reels.

The problem with G. Loomis reel seats - and some brand reel seats - Shimano - of some models to be specifc -- is that some of these reel seats that don't fit -- tend to be thicker and shorter than some of their bretheren that fit ok.

Because of the thickness of these reel seats -- in general -- thicker than needed -- one can simply grind away material on the bottom of the reel mount. When the reel seat gets thin enough to fit - stop grinding.

St. Croix, for example uses both Pac bay reel seats and Fuji reel seats. Both of these styles with their stainless rings will properly seat nearly any reel.

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Another option that you might consider, if you like your G. Loomis blank is to simply return your "factory" rod for full credit. Then go to a good rod builder and have the rod builder construct a rod - using the same model blank -- but with upscale components and a more conventional Fuji or Pac bay reel seat. You can also get the latest titanium fuji concept guides installed at the same time if desired.

If you are walleye fishing -- you might check out the G. Loomis brand - walleye rods. In general, the action of the rods is excellent for walleye fishing - perhaps not the same - perhaps more sensitive than other rods in their line -- however, many folks; including me; feel that the design of the reel seat in their walleye models is a better design for Walleye fishing.

Take care

rEW

[fishin_fool]

I dont understand what everyone is talking about here. I have close to 10 GLX rods not to mention a pile of GL2 and GL3's and a couple IMX. The only reels that I have are shimano and Pinnicle. I have'nt had any problem putting a reel on any of my rods. Every Glx that I have has a Stratic on it. In fact just out of pure winter boredom I just took a brand new GLX 722 and put a Stratic on it. No problem

[REW]

If you -- historically -- check out the evolution of the Shimano reels of different sizes and ages -- you will know that the problem is.

There are and have been some models of Shimano reels -- that have been and are being made -- that the construction of the reel seat -- is considerably thicker than many other models and brands.

When, this "thicker" reel seat -- is installed in a "factory" G. Loomis - reel seat -- it simply doesn't fit.

Yes, there are many Shimano models -- in which the reel seat of the various types of G. Loomis rods - works just fine. However, there is a significant number of models -- various models, various years of manufacture -- where the G Loomis reel seat simply is not comfortable housing that particular reel.

If your reels all match your rods -- great -- and enjoy the combination.

If not - fix them - so that they do work, and then enjoy the combination.

Take care

REW