G-Loomis

[Guest]

Looking at buying a GL2, anybody used one and are they as good as some say? Also ia the 3 much better than the 2 for the difference in money.How does Midwestrodandreel compare to G-Loomis?

[andy j]

I have never heard of the midwest rod. The Loomis are nice rods, I like their IMX and GLX series, they feel nice and are light weight. I don't like the GL2 and GL3, At these price points I prefer the St. Croix's, The Avids for that $150 price range are great rods that are light weight and have fast actions. I don't like the way the GL2 rods look also, I think they look like Zebco rods. Just my personal preferances, I have never used a GL2, just don't like the feel. Good luck AJ

[fishyguy]

I also have not heard of the Midwest rod but I have a GL2 and like it very much. I have not used many high end rods. I have one St. Croix and the G-Loomis and are used for different purposes but I think the Loomis does its job better than the St. Croix. That said, I don't think anybody is going wrong with a St. Croix either.

[Dan Wood]

I agree with AJ on this.. I'd personally go with the IMX or above if your going Loomis, otherwise the Avid is really tough to beat for the $150 price range that your looking at for a GL2 or GL3. I have a bunch of the Avids and I haven't found a better rod for that price.

If your stepping up to the GLX, the Legend Elite is the St. Croix equivalent.

[gunflint]

I purchased my first G-Loomis IMX towards the end of september. The only regret I have is that I didn't try them years ago. You can feel a minnows blood pressure rise when a walleye swims by.

If I can slip it past the budget director I'll be getting 2 more this spring.(What new rods? I've always had these!)

[Big Pine Walleye]

I too own a GL-2 and an IMX. While they are both nice--the IMX is worth the extra money! Once you own one of these rods you will wonder how you fished without it! In my opinion you cannot go wrong buying a G-Loomis!

[Guest]

I too have a GL2 and an IMX both in a spinning setup. I agree that for the price you pay for a GL2(about $145) you can get a much more sensitive rod in another brand. The IMX on the other hand is a different story. At $250 this rod caught a lot of fish for me this past summer because you dont miss a single hit from a fish...its unreal!

[rms]

Lee,

What will you be using the rod for--jigging, trolling, bobber fishing? If you are using the rod for jigging I'd go with an Avid series rod before a GL2 or GL3. If you are using the rod for rigging or bobber fishing I'd look at the GL2. There are many lengths and actions in each of the rods that are usually tied to weight of the lures you'll be using. Try to figure out which model will cover the most bases if you are limited to one or two rods. A good starting point would be the Avid in a 6'6" medium light fast. Nice rod for pitching jigs, vertical jigging, an ok action for casting small crank baits, and is still soft enough for bobber fishing or lindy rigging. Good luck!

[ChuckN]

Lee,

I don't know how Midwest Rods compare to a Loomis, but I can tell you that if their summer rods are anything like the ice fishing rods I have, I would buy a Midwest over a Loomis any day (and for a lot less $$).

Midwest will custom make any rod you like and shipping is free for items over $25, and a 2 year warranty on their rods! They also make wood handles to your liking, and I know from experience that wood handles are sweet for sensitivity.

They are located near the Twin Cities and I'm sure they'd help you find what you are looking for.

They are a site sponsor, so check them out.

http://www.midwestrodandreel.com

[Tail Chaser]

I bought a 6'6" GL2 spinning rod a few years ago. Honestly, I'm not over-impressed with it. I like the sensitivity in my Lighting Rod or Avid better. The IMX's are very nice too.

[doser]

I own a G-Loomis for my spinning reel I like it, but I also think I like my lightning rod a little better. $35 compared to $190. Lee H wondering if I know you ? I also live in Arlington. Not sure what your real name is. I noticed your retired.

[rangr]

Lee, I can atest to the sensitivity to both rods. I have two G-loomis rods in the walleye series and both are great rods I also have three midwest rods and the sensitivity is just as good. As far as weight they are very light rods. The other thing is you can pick what you want for a handle,eyes,thread color and the exact blank you want. If you can wait they will be at the St Paul Sportshow in Jan. There is nothing like a custom built rod.

[JHansel7]

a company called Rogue, out of Oregon, G-Loomis and Rogue are the same company, one of the loomis brothers actually started rogue, and it is the same exact rods, just cheaper price, just something to check into. i bought one last year and love it

[Guest]

Doser: Is your dad Leon or Harris? Ill give you a clue, sons name is Clint, got it figured out otherwise more clues.

[Fishook]

I purchased a G-loomis IMX (SJR782) 6'6" - one piece - Fast Action (1/8 - 3/8 oz.) rod 4 years ago and this is one piece of equipment Walleyes fear!! I can count on one hand the number of fish I have missed with this rod; it is a solid hook setting machine. You will be able to tell when your leech/minnow pass gas. You can really work the bottom and feel every nook and cranny with an IMX. I would bet the St. Croix rods are just as good but I only own a lower grade model (Premier) which works OK. Bottom line: If you have the dollars available you will not be disappointed in an IMX.

[mcbobby]

I have had one rod built by midwest rod&reel and am currently having them build me another. I also own a g-loomis(gl2) which I bought 2 years ago and I must admit, have been somewhat disappointed with the G-loomis. I had previously owned a G-Loomis which I had bought 6-7 yrs ago and it was an awesome rod...but unfortunately that got busted and hence went and bought another. The G-Loomis I own now is no where near the old one I had. I since have come to find out that G-Loomis was acquired by Berkley, and it is my opinion that their rods aren't has good as they once were.

On the other hand, you will not be disappointed with a rod from midwest rod and reel. They build custom rods, meaning you go over to their place and pick out the rod blank, grip type, eye type, thread color...etc. They give you a lot of great ideas as both the owners of the operation are excellent fisherman who know what they are talking about.

The first rod I had built was a 6'6 medium action st. croix for bassing. The rod has great feel and balance, and I know I have caught more fish with it.

The rod I am having them build me now is a 6 foot medium-light batson. Bill (one of the owners) gave me the idea of only putting a grip on the rod and only about an inch of cork on the butt end of the blank. No cork grip, so the palm of your hand and index finger rests right on the rod blank. I went over to their place the other day to check it out, and I must tell you I have never felt a better feeling rod. It is extremely well balanced and light! I am already getting the itch to go pound some open water walleyes. To bad I gotta wait till next year.

I would at least go check the midwest guys out. If nothing else, it is a great chance to see how a rod is made and to talk some fishing. You will leave being impressed.

[John Mickish]

I own a GL-2 and I am sure there are better rods for the money but you also need to consider the warrenty. St. Croix has been known to be a bit fickle at times, and you have to send the rod back to them and wait their response. Mine is a 6.5ft MH bass spinning rod made for jigs. It is by far the best rod that I have ever fished with. No, I haven't fished with a St. Croix but plan on getting one at the sportsmans show this spring. Anyways, you will like it.

[jigginjim]

Lee, I own both Loomis and St.croix. Currently i'm switching all my rods for St.Croix Avids. For the cost it just makes cents or more like dollars. I can purchase almost 2 for 1. My clients couldn't tell if the rod was that much better. I'm on the water over 180 days a year and I have just as good a feel with the St.Croixs. I'm thinking of trying the new St.Croix rods that we just got in at Gander Mountain. Thier blue in color cost about $50.00 more than the Avids. Plus Loomis just got bought out by another Company, so I really wonder what will happen to the quality of the loomis rods.

[uffdapete]

Lee H - I'll second the custom rod suggestion.

If you're dropping over $100 for a new rod you owe it to yourself to inquire about a custom rod. There are several rodmakers around that will make you a custom job using a G Loomis, St. Croix (or a few other good blanks) for a price competitive to the price of factory rods. Some of these guys guarantee workmanship and materials for life also. A rod manufacturer simply cannot mass produce at the same level of quality as a decent rodmaker.

[doser]

Lee Harvey.

I think I know who you are now. The old mans name is Leon. Your initials TH I'm guessing.

[Guest]

Doser: you got it. Didnt take you long to get it figured out. Must have gotten some of Lennys brains.

[doser]

LH,

Must be Lenny's genes. Another rod I've seen is "Hagens Rod" and some of you out there may have better knowledge of this than me. I used it one time in a Canada trip. It was a friend of mines and I was just to tring it out. I liked it a little more than my loomis.I believe it was the same blank they used by Loomis according to my friend. Although it was a little lighter action than my Loomis so it was hard to compare.

[Guest]

Doser: like to talk but Ive got to go to the lake and try to catch some eyes. Have a great day.

[MNRiverRat]

Go custom my man....

I fish with two g-loomis walleye series rods, one 6'6 and one 7'6. I also fish with two rods also built by midwest rod and reel. I'm glad to see their name on here. For the money you can't beet a custom rod. I''d rather give my hard earned dollar to a face and not a name. I haven't had any problems with their rods, but I'm sure they'd cover a guy. You just get that feeling working with them. As far as sensitivity, they are pretty equal, as far as service, it's just fun to work with All and Bill.

Just my 2 cents...

RiverRat

[Guest]

went to see AL today at Midwest. He showed me how they build a rod and the components they use. Looks like a high quality rod and their service is second to none. You cant beat the price when comparing rod for rod, warranty or service, pluss they are a FM sponsor. I figure it is a no-brainer to do business with a fellow FMer. Thanks guys

[Paul Waldowski]

Lee,

I think you made the right choice. One thing I know, there customer is second to none and they build a quality rod, exactly the way you want it. Let us know how much you like it when you get out with it

[doser]

I may have to come over and check it out Lee ? Sounds like a heck of a deal.

[Giant_Jackpot]

Not that it matters for the discussion at hand but I do believe Shimano bought Loomis. The guys at Thorne Brothers mentioned that they thought the quality of the Shimano products improved after the purchase.

[hoggs222]

I've got 2 IMX's in a spinning. One 6' & one 6'6". I won't go fishing without them. I got mine for 70% off when I worked for Holiday Sports. We went to a G Loomis seminar & they gave us a certificate to send in for them.

[The Yeti]

Hey Hoggs. I also worked for Holiday Sports and went to the same seminars and got the same deal! I worked at the Plymouth store before they closed. Which one were you at? I currently have 3. All IMX. 6 ft med., 7 ft med light, and 7 ft med. Best rods I ever owned. Spendy yes. But it's worth it. Even without the 70% off, I would still buy one.