whats up with GLOOMIS?

[cmb]

does annyone know whats up with GLOOMIS?
I just found out a gl3 blank that I ordered from a supplier would be backordered so I went to another rodbuilding supply website and found this message:

AS OF 3/1/01 G-LOOMIS HAS DISCONTINUED BLANK PRODUCTION,
PLEASE CALL FOR AVAILABILITY OF REMAINING STOCK.

is the company in trouble? or what? does anny one have anny details?

[WAZ]

They are not in trouble from what I hear. My Rod builder told me they will not be selling blanks any longer to custom rod builders nor anyone else. They will just sell stock factory produced rods. Supposedly it was not a profitable venture.

[Mattman]

Because of their unability to deliver they have decided to reorganize a bit. They were spreading themselves too thin. They are going to offer fewer models so that long delays and backorders can be avoided. It looks as though their plan will be good for Loomis buyers in the long run. But until production can catch up, items will be harder to get.

[Mattman]

Some stuff I copy/pasted from RodGuild's message board:

I, along with 5 other distributors just got back from a two day meeting with G. Loomis.

G. LOOMIS BLANKS ARE ALIVE AND WELL!!!!

We worked very hard over a day and a half determining the most important blanks that our customers want for custom rod building and came up with a great list of about 150 models. These models are going to be in a new series of first through fourth generation blanks. Quality control is promised to be high and blanks are going to be cosmetically appealing to the builder.

IMX fly blanks are back due to the extreme high demand. They will be available in three piece only. Your favorite models are all being made as part of the line. More specifics will be announced later by Loomis.

The new models will be available about November 10th or so from 6 distributors around the United States.

Until the new program is available, current models will be handled by these 6 distributors. Production by Loomis is at an all time high for both blanks and rods, they are working to relieve the backorder situation as soon as possible. Some low demand blanks will take longer than others simply because of production methods. Be patient and they will arrive.

One very strong message by the staff at G. Loomis for us to pass on to all custom rod builders is that they care a lot about their custom rod customers and will be here for us.





The meeting we had at Loomis was one of a very postive out-look for their blanks. I left with a re-assurance of a positive approach towards the future of Loomis blanks. They will be working hard to catch up on back orders and provide exciting new product for the up-coming months ahead. At some point they did loose focus, but have give us their word to scratch the past and on with the new re-birth and turn around mission. They spoke of not wanting out of the blank business, but just simply got side tracked and lost focus, but will turn things around. I am actually feeling better about this situation, than I have for many past years. It will take a little time to turn things in the 360 degree, about face direction, but all holds well for time to come. A VERY, VERY, POSITVE attitude from all of their driving force at Loomis. I will be glad to discuss what actually all will take place, if you would like to call me at 931-684-6164 and we can chew the fat. Thanks to all of you that have been loyal to us and the Loomis brand. The future is bright!! Do not hesitate to call and will gladly discuss what will transpire.

[Bob G2]

Matt, thank you for the inside track. You mentioned that G.Loomis is coming out with IMX fly rods in 3 pieces. I also note that alot of Sage's fly rods went to 3 piece. Do you know if the manufacturers are finding less breakage going to a 3 piece blank. I heard the rationale was that it supposedly removed the weak point (ferrule) from the apex of the curve(bend in the rod)
Can you expound on this?? Thanks.

[Mattman]

Bob - I've heard that too but I really don't know if thats the case for sure. Sorry I don't know more.

[cmb]

thanks for the great info, I'll have to wait & see if I get the blank

[cmb]

thanks for the great info, I'll have to wait & see if I get the blank

[Mattman]

Guys - I was intrigued enough to post the question on a rod building board and this was the answer I got from Tom Kirkman, who is the editor of RodMaker magazine and author of at least one rod building book:

It's just a matter of convenience. A three piece rod breaks down into smaller pieces than a 2 piece and is thus easier to transport. A 4 piece rod breaks down into even smaller pieces, but requires more manufacturing effort as it takes an extra rod section and an extra ferrule. Many companies have decided that 3 piece rods break down small enough for travel and no longer make 4 piece rods.

[Waz]

Just got off the phone with my rod builder. He says that for three years loomis could not figure out what direction they wanted to go in. Finally they put the word out that they were not in the blank business any longer. This fella makes a living providing his customers with the best rods that he can build. This isn't a hobby it is a job for him. When Loomis finally said they would not supply rod builders with blanks he had to find other suppliers. Loomis is not the only fish in the sea. Now he is working with other manufactures. Loomis just lost my business. I've got about 10 custom Loomis rods. I just purchased my 1st St. Croix. Thank you very much you pencil pushers at Loomis.

[Fuzzy]

Don't forget Shimano owns GLoomis now. The future will be dictated by future marketing plans.

[Fishin` Pole]

I`m sorry, but when I find it necessary to spend the kind of money that they want for a rod, I`ll take up gardening. I don`t have to spend over 100 dollars to feel a walleye hit a jig. I caught more fish back in the days of glass rods. I know what a strike feels like. Get what you pay for my butt! Status is what you get. Pole

[Dave in Mpls]

We're all real proud of ya, fishin' Pole

[Gary]

Pole:You are the man!

[jimbo]

Mattman where is the rod building board? Thanks Jimbo

[Dave]

From what I understand from GLoomis Canada, blanks will be available for purchase from the distributors not from the factory like previous. Straight from the horses mouth.

I hope this helps.

[Mattman]

Several people have replied to my 3 piece question personally through email because they don't want to start a "thing". These are great boards for the rod builder.

http://www.rodguild.com/bbs/list.php?f=1

http://www.flyshop.com/Centers/Rodbuilding/ then click on rod building board

[Mattman]

Bob - I've gotten three replies to that question via email. None of them wanted to start a peeing contest on the board and all of them stated that they really liked getting the ferrule out of the middle of the rod. They all felt that action was improved by that.

[cmb]

I don't know about other small scale rod builders, but I don't put the brand name sticker on my rods. I like these and the St Croix blanks becuase they are top quality, not becuase of a fancy or popular brand name! If I am going to invest the time and effort into creating a custom build rod I will do so using the best quality components that I can-it doesn't make sense to custom build a product that is comprable to the slew of $20-40 rods avalable at the mass retailers!

[Mattman]

You called it CMB! I'm spending a lot of time building my rods. So they are going to have the nicest cork, reel seat and guides. Not to mention the blank. Right now I'm working on a Loomis Muskie blank. I'll have $95 into it and the comperable Loomis factory rod is well over $200. And mine is a lot nicer!

[paul]

Hey Pole

Maybe they should call you rod instead. I stongly believe that Loomis is the best rod you can buy. I know there are other very good brands like St. Croix legend elite series and fenwicks. Also some builders like all-star and castaway are right up there. I agree you can feel a walleye hit. When it is a finicky bite you are not going to get the sensitivity in a fourty dollar rod. When a fish will just pick it up and mouth it you won't feel that, i will. It probably doesn't matter to you because you didn't even notice them. I not trying to start a war, i'm just stating my opinion.

[Wayne]

I have to agree with Paul it do'es make a difference.My wife just started fishing,so I went out and bought her a lower end Fenwick($50)I told her to drop the line down till it touched bottom occasionally lifting it up and when you get a bite give the fish some line and set the hook.After complaining of not touching bottom and reeling up with the bait missing.She eventually tangled it up beyond repair.I did'nt feel much like re-rigging so (against my better judgement at the time)I let her use one of my Loomis rigs.The first words out of her mouth where "now I can feel what your talking about"She immediately commented on feeling every rock,weed,nook & cranny on the bottom of the lake,and more importantly every little nibble.She went on to catch 14 nice walleyes that afternoon.She is absolutlly hooked on walleye fishing.She now refers to that rod as her rod and she can have it.(new Loomis IMX =$240,lifetime of fishing with my wife=priceless).I enjoyed listening to her brag to her friends that she outfished her husband.That rod was worth every penny.

[Fishin` Pole]

That`s OK Paul, I was just spreading a little spring manure around. I fish with the best that I can afford. I can`t afford to spend over 100 bucks for a rod no matter how good it is. Would a G-Loomis make me a better fisherman? I doubt it. I have some Fenwicks and some St. Croixs as well as Daiwa, Quantum and others.....I don`t think the equipment makes the angler. Case in point....last year at a boat landing in Vilas County, I saw a guy with 2 G-Loomis rods rigged with slip bobbers.....are those rods going to make a difference in his success? I think not. A less expensive rod in the hands of a good fisherman will catch more fish than an expensive rod in the hands of a dummy. So says The Pole

[Wayne]

Pole I both agree and disagree with your post.A less expensive rod in the hands of a good fisherman(the good fisherman knows what it is he's feeling for) will likely catch more fish than an expensive rod in the hands of a less experienced fisherman.But a better quality rod will help the less experienced fisherman become better,if your having trouble feeling the bottom or feeling fish your not going to catch many.The same thing holds true for a good fisherman,if you can't feel it you can't catch it.You may be missing fish you did'nt know where there.When you look at the big picture(cost of boat & motor,trailer,graph,gps,bow mount trolling motor,bait,hotels,etc etc)spending a little more for a good rod is minor and probably a lifetime investment.Yes a $200 rod won't help a bobber fisherman feel more bites but in most other applications it will.When you go golfing do you only carry just one club?A fishing rod is a tool,theres a proper one for every job.Bottom line equipment dos,nt make the angler,good equipment makes the angler better.

[paul]

I agree a loomis for a bobber rod doesn't make sense, if that is all i did i would not own a loomis. For rigging, light jigs, and others were the bite can be very light i think a loomis is needed. I can't really afford loomis either. I am a twenty year old college student. I can't justify fishing with out a loomis in some techniques. I have other rods. I only have five Loomis rods. I use other brands because lack of money. For throwing spinnerbaits i didn't think i need a loomis. I've gotten by just fine. Your right it doesn't make you a better fisherman, but it enhances your skill. If you can't find fish a loomis won't help. In a competetive field i like to try and get every advantage possbible. If I can feel everything on the bottom, and can visualize what is down there that makes me a little better.