Loomis Rods

[Mille Lacs Guy]

I'm thinking of buying either a Loomis GL2 or GL3 7' Medium spinning rod for casting cranks. I'm wondering what experiences people have had with Loomis Rods in general. I'm also looking at St. Croix and Fenwick rods. Which brand of the ones listed should I buy? I currently am using mainly fenwick hmg rods and friends have told me G Loomis or St. Croix is the way to go. Any comments would be appreciated. Thanks, Mille Lacs Guy.

[REW]

Certainly G Loomis make some of the very best rods around.
Their line is as follows:
Gl2,GL3, IMX, and GLX.
They are also making very specific rods for specific purposes.

For casting cranks, you need a rod that is a bit on the liber side, with a fairly soft tip, so that you can see the bits, and not have the fish throw the hook.

G Loomis makes a crankbait rod -- which has a specific composition to make cranks work perfectly.

However, several of the gl2 and gl3 models also work quite well. Although their are models in the IMX and GLX lines which will throw cranks wonderfully well, and allow you to feel every tick and bump -- you really have no need to spend so much money.

Actually for crank bait fishing -- you might even consider some of the less expensive fiberglass rods. Dave Fritts of bassing fame makes a rod that is sold in Bass pro -- that was made expressly for throwing cranks. It is basically a fiberglass rod -- with the perfect action.

Spend your money on where you need it -- but if you are going to get a crank bait rod -- try to get one expressly for crank baits. Typically you don't want a rod that is made of high modulus graphite for this particular application.

Good luck in your search.

Take care

REW

[YarCraftsman]

Hey Mille Lacs Guy -

Personally, I believe that on a dollar-for-dollar basis you cannot beat St. Croix. Loomis certainly makes a fine rod, but side by side I can't tell the difference between it and my St. Croix. When you consider that the Loomis costs twice as much, I think the choice is obvious.

By the way, I once owned a Fenwick walleye class rod, and was very disappointed.

Good Luck,

YarCraftsman

[Minnkotaguy(Mn)]

I have a 7'6 GL2. I wouldn't trade that rod for the world. G loomis rods will always cost more, but they are worth every penny. No other rods even compare to G loomis rods. I have caught over 400 or 500 bass on my loomis, it's still going strong! The rods are tough as nails.

[Jon]

Another way to go if you're thinking of going G Loomis is custom. For about the same cost you can go to Thorne Bros. in Fridley, Mn and they will build you a rod to your exact needs and specs. They use G Loomis blanks, better rod seats, better cork and better and more Fuji guides. If you are at the sportshow stop in and talk to them you won't be dissapointed. Good Luck

[Gizmo]

We all have our preferences in what we like in a rod and with the price of fishing rods these days, I would look for a dealer or friend willing to send out loaner rods for a demo or order from a place that has a satisfaction guaranteed policy.
I have a Loomis GL2-722 that occupies the bottom of my boat's rod locker. On top of the GL2 I have a St. Croix, a Hagen's and a beat-up Berkley. The Berkley is good for casting cranks because it throws a crank far with little effort. The GL2 has been demoted to guests use because it is a dead, unresponsive rod to me and it doesn't do anything particularly well whether it be jigging, Lindy rigging, bottom bouncers, trolling or casting cranks. I may try another Loomis rod someday but it will not be a GL2.

[Bob G.]

Just for another choice, Sage once again is producing spinning rods. Arguably as good or
some would say a better feel than Loomis (depends
on the model) and I believe it would have an
unconditional lifetime warranty (their flyrods do). Nice stuff.

[Tim]

I have two loomis rods, one spinning and one casting. They are the best on the market and worth the money. They are very sensitive and durable.

[weyes1]

Save some money and go with the St. Croix. Better value for the buck. The Avid series is comparable to the GL3 at a lower price tag. Sensitivity is advantage St. Croix, not much difference in weight. I just ordered two of the St. Croix Legend Elites. Top of the line and a better warrantee that G Loomis.
Just my opinions.
Weyes1