Ok so lets try this one out for size, Rods which ones and why

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Ronald Hobbs, Jr. on March 10, 2009 at 10:41pm

I agree with you Marc I do covet my rods like women do their Handbags :)
You failed to mention there titanium series of rod, I thought those rods were the best actions they ever had. They were great! Do you still have any of those under lock and key?

Marc Marcantonio said:

OK, I'm calling you guys out who say that all the manufacturers compare themselves to Loomis. Show me where Lamiglas has EVER compared themselves to Loomis. I word I heard is that Loomis got its start after learning how to build rods from Lamiglas.

I would wager that I own more fishing rods AND Brands than probably anyone here. I still own two of the first ever produced Skyline Graphite rods who were the guys that invented graphite fishing rods. I own the first produced Boron rods, and I even own the first produced Shakespeare Presidential Series spiral wrapped fiberglass rods, and a Roddy (one of the first glass flyrods). I also own all of the brands mentioned so far in this thread except the Fetha Styx (no particular reason), plus many more from Orvis to Sage. I have built many rods over the years myself, and I own custom rods built by others. Out of this group probably only Ron knows how many Lamiglas rods that I own, and yes, I am sponsored by Lamiglas. Suffice it to say that I have a Garage and two boats full of Lamiglas rods.

So now you are expecting me to say that I must feel this all qualifies me to be an "expert" and my opinion has more weight than others...well, it doesn't and it isn't. All this proves is that some people become passionate about their fishing rods as women do about shoes and handbags!

Fishing is all about pleasure. Fishing rods are an extension of that pleasure, and when you find a rod that you can afford and it helps you to catch and land fish, then I would say that rod is a great choice!

Fact is, there are so many quality rods on the market now that we all have choices like never before. You can buy rods at any price point, and for any specific job.

You can claim all you want about who builds the best rod, but it still is subjective and the angler is still the person that puts the fish in the boat, not the rod. The rod just determines how much pleasure you gain in the process. However, I should point out that the Bassmaster Classic Champion fishes with guess what? Lamiglas. And for you crankbait guys, ask Skeet who makes the best crankbait rod? Actually, I contend that the best made crankbait rod is no longer on the market...but it was a Lamiglas S Glass (SPC 703) and I still own four, and I keep them under lock and key so don't get any ideas...

Now you might feel confident in saying that brand USA is better than brand China, and you can cite many good reasons like quality control, consistency and so forth, and those are good arguments. But they are meaningless if you can only afford $60 for a dropshot rod. How does the "best" rod on the market work for you and make fishing enjoyable if you can't afford it?

So with that said, spend as much money as makes you happy...but in my opinion there is not a better made rod than Lamiglas, just more expensive ones and less expensive ones.

Lamiglas has more model choices at affordable prices than any other brand I'm aware of, and the vast majority are made in the USA (all but the Competitor Series rods that Lamiglas designs but has made overseas to keep the price low) to strict quality control standards and come with a lifetime warranty.

If you are giving away fishing rods, I would be happy with many brands out there, but I don't think anyone is giving them away. Therefor I will buy what I can afford, serves my needs, and helps me to enjoy my fishing.

That's my story and I'm sticking to it!

ciao,
Marc

Permalink Reply by Ronald Hobbs, Jr. on March 10, 2009 at 10:44pm

Bass Pro Shops Exteme series are great rods, I still have quite a few and gave a few to some close buddies to enjoy. I would have to say they are one of the top of my list of best for the buck. When I used to fish with Marc I use to have one in particular with me at all times, It was my pet rod for years.

Keith Brooks said:

The majority of my rods are Allstars that are pushin ten years old. Only way to break them is to hook them under a cleat... They are a touch heavy but have a great feel. I LOVE my Shimano Crucial DS, and recently picked up a BPS Woo Daves Extreme and it seems great but we'll see how it lasts through the season. I only own one Loomis GL2, I like it but fishin on a budget makes owning many more unlikely... Bottom line I think is fish the best quality you can afford or justify.

Permalink Reply by islandbass on March 10, 2009 at 10:59pm

Another vote for Lami here. I wouldn't mind trying IMX or GLX BUT, I am not willing to pay that $$$ for it. I did win a custom Loomis rod built with a GL2 blank and it is alright.

I believe that sensitivity or at least the perception of it really depends on the angler. One rod that feels great and sensitive to one person might feel like junk in the hands of another.

As for me, I have a serious problem. My hands are quite sensitive. Even an ugly stick feels sensitive in my hands. Yowza!!!

To name a for other rods:
Berkley Lightning Rod
Rapala
Shiimano Clarus, Compre, Crucial (The Crucial rocks)
Lamiglas Certified Pro and Competitor (Excellent rods)
Loomis

Wish List
I would love to try an XMG50, Dobyns 2nd generation, Daiwa Zillion, Shimano Cumara.

Permalink Reply by Eric DeLay on March 10, 2009 at 11:31pm

I have heard this "same blank/ different name" thing before. A good buddy of mine knows the owner of Phenix rods. He told me that the blanks were the same. The Phenix rods were nice but when I started fishing Loomis rods I immediately felt the difference. I now own 35 Loomis rods and use nothing else. I really love the warranty deal too. When you make the investment in a Loomis rod you have a rod for life, (as long as you don't lose it out the back of the boat to a bush on Falcon Lake- Ron, or forget to strap them to the boat deck and get on the freeway-Walter, ouch). I especially like the GLX series and am in the process of upgrading to all GLX rods. I feel fortunate that I am at a place in my life where I have the luxury to do this. When I was younger I bought what I could afford and caught lots of fish with them. I didn't own any rods over 75 bucks when I won my first tourney on Lk Wa. I guess my best advice is if you are serious about bass fishing buy the best rods and reels you can afford. If you are a more casual fisherman maybe it isn't that important. But if you want to convince yourself that you can get Loomis' quality at a fraction of the price good luck with that.

Ronald Hobbs, Jr. said:

Richie you are very true on you have to get what you can afford. I won't dispute that at all, but I will have to call b.s. on the loomis is nothing but a lamiglass with a sticker.

Yes, Gary Loomis use to work for lamiglas, and when lamiglas did not want to upgrade and use the new graphite materials that were available (mostly used for airplanes) boeing was using at the time. Gary then went ahead and started his own company using those new graphite fibers. He was willing to experimant, test and modify and come up with new ways of making fishing rods better, lighter and stronger.
It wasn't up until the last 5 years that lamiglas has actually started to catch up in rod technologies.

It's all right if you did not know this or haven't visited either one of their factories, or don't even know anything of the graphite fibers and scrim material used in the rods, I think if you did you wouldn't make such a hasty comment.

I guess everyone is entitled to there opinion.
Sorry you kind of just hit a nerve.


Richie Lambert said:

well when you don’t have a job and have to work with a budget you go with what you can get I don’t particularly like Loomis any way it is a lamiglass blank with the name G Lommis on it. all your doing is paying for the name

Ronald Hobbs, Jr. said:

Loomis by far over all the other brands. Loomis doesn't have to remove cork on the handles to make them light they just are. Hey Richie you must have never tried a loomis glx flipping stick, they are the best on the market, PERIOD. As a matter of fact I know a guy (won't mention any names) that is sponsored by a reputable rod company but still uses the GLX. I am telling you I just get all excited talking about it. It Is That GOOD. Oh Jon you haven't even tried their new GLX Spinnerbait rod, I used one down at Falcon Lake my god accurate casting and probably could pull a plow horse backwards!
Loomis has a rod for anything and everything they are the best.

LOOMIS TILL I DIE!!!

Permalink Reply by Marc Marcantonio on March 11, 2009 at 8:09am

Yes, you are right about the Titanium rods. I actually have 3 of the TBS 663 rods still, and they are always on my deck during a smallmouth bite, and I have 2 of the TBS 703 models still that I use all the time. I have 3 TBS 661 models that I have never even used, and I have 3 of the TBC 705 models which I save for special largemouth trips. And then I also have 2 TBC 704 rods that I love for grubs, and 2 TBC 665 rods for pitching jigs under docks, and I won't even mention the titanium fly rods and steelhead rods I also own...oops, guess I did mention 'em.

I working with Lamiglas now to come out with a new dropshot rod based upon the TBS 663 blank but without the titanium tube so it will be more affordable. Split grip and all the newest bells and whistles of course.

I really miss that TBC794 model that I used to have. That rod was sick for pitching Senkos and C-rigging! That model needs to return.

The titanium series were just too ahead of their time...the $500 MSRP was too much for people to swallow at the time they came out...now they would probably sell better. Those titanium tubes were pretty cool, but they take a year just to make the tube by swaging the titanium out of Australian beach sand!

Hey, Gary Loomis is a genius with rod design like Lamiglas is, and he does have different actions and features, and he does make nothing but quality products. We are lucky to have such great competitors and rod designers in our own backyard!

ciao,
Marc

Ronald Hobbs, Jr. said:

I agree with you Marc I do covet my rods like women do their Handbags :)
You failed to mention there titanium series of rod, I thought those rods were the best actions they ever had. They were great! Do you still have any of those under lock and key?

Marc Marcantonio said:

OK, I'm calling you guys out who say that all the manufacturers compare themselves to Loomis. Show me where Lamiglas has EVER compared themselves to Loomis. I word I heard is that Loomis got its start after learning how to build rods from Lamiglas.

I would wager that I own more fishing rods AND Brands than probably anyone here. I still own two of the first ever produced Skyline Graphite rods who were the guys that invented graphite fishing rods. I own the first produced Boron rods, and I even own the first produced Shakespeare Presidential Series spiral wrapped fiberglass rods, and a Roddy (one of the first glass flyrods). I also own all of the brands mentioned so far in this thread except the Fetha Styx (no particular reason), plus many more from Orvis to Sage. I have built many rods over the years myself, and I own custom rods built by others. Out of this group probably only Ron knows how many Lamiglas rods that I own, and yes, I am sponsored by Lamiglas. Suffice it to say that I have a Garage and two boats full of Lamiglas rods.

So now you are expecting me to say that I must feel this all qualifies me to be an "expert" and my opinion has more weight than others...well, it doesn't and it isn't. All this proves is that some people become passionate about their fishing rods as women do about shoes and handbags!

Fishing is all about pleasure. Fishing rods are an extension of that pleasure, and when you find a rod that you can afford and it helps you to catch and land fish, then I would say that rod is a great choice!

Fact is, there are so many quality rods on the market now that we all have choices like never before. You can buy rods at any price point, and for any specific job.

You can claim all you want about who builds the best rod, but it still is subjective and the angler is still the person that puts the fish in the boat, not the rod. The rod just determines how much pleasure you gain in the process. However, I should point out that the Bassmaster Classic Champion fishes with guess what? Lamiglas. And for you crankbait guys, ask Skeet who makes the best crankbait rod? Actually, I contend that the best made crankbait rod is no longer on the market...but it was a Lamiglas S Glass (SPC 703) and I still own four, and I keep them under lock and key so don't get any ideas...

Now you might feel confident in saying that brand USA is better than brand China, and you can cite many good reasons like quality control, consistency and so forth, and those are good arguments. But they are meaningless if you can only afford $60 for a dropshot rod. How does the "best" rod on the market work for you and make fishing enjoyable if you can't afford it?

So with that said, spend as much money as makes you happy...but in my opinion there is not a better made rod than Lamiglas, just more expensive ones and less expensive ones.

Lamiglas has more model choices at affordable prices than any other brand I'm aware of, and the vast majority are made in the USA (all but the Competitor Series rods that Lamiglas designs but has made overseas to keep the price low) to strict quality control standards and come with a lifetime warranty.

If you are giving away fishing rods, I would be happy with many brands out there, but I don't think anyone is giving them away. Therefor I will buy what I can afford, serves my needs, and helps me to enjoy my fishing.

That's my story and I'm sticking to it!

ciao,
Marc

Permalink Reply by Richie Lambert on March 11, 2009 at 9:09am

K I looked into it and I will admit to being a little hasty in my judgment of Lommis. I visited both of the sites and did some looking around to get my Sh** strait. I hope after the seminar me can talk more about this in person.
And Ron I do apologize if my comments struck a nerve.


Ronald Hobbs, Jr. said:

Richie you are very true on you have to get what you can afford. I won't dispute that at all, but I will have to call b.s. on the loomis is nothing but a lamiglass with a sticker.

Yes, Gary Loomis use to work for lamiglas, and when lamiglas did not want to upgrade and use the new graphite materials that were available (mostly used for airplanes) boeing was using at the time. Gary then went ahead and started his own company using those new graphite fibers. He was willing to experimant, test and modify and come up with new ways of making fishing rods better, lighter and stronger.
It wasn't up until the last 5 years that lamiglas has actually started to catch up in rod technologies.

It's all right if you did not know this or haven't visited either one of their factories, or don't even know anything of the graphite fibers and scrim material used in the rods, I think if you did you wouldn't make such a hasty comment.

I guess everyone is entitled to there opinion.
Sorry you kind of just hit a nerve.


Richie Lambert said:

well when you don’t have a job and have to work with a budget you go with what you can get I don’t particularly like Loomis any way it is a lamiglass blank with the name G Lommis on it. all your doing is paying for the name

Ronald Hobbs, Jr. said:

Loomis by far over all the other brands. Loomis doesn't have to remove cork on the handles to make them light they just are. Hey Richie you must have never tried a loomis glx flipping stick, they are the best on the market, PERIOD. As a matter of fact I know a guy (won't mention any names) that is sponsored by a reputable rod company but still uses the GLX. I am telling you I just get all excited talking about it. It Is That GOOD. Oh Jon you haven't even tried their new GLX Spinnerbait rod, I used one down at Falcon Lake my god accurate casting and probably could pull a plow horse backwards!
Loomis has a rod for anything and everything they are the best.

LOOMIS TILL I DIE!!!

Permalink Reply by Mark Maderos on March 11, 2009 at 9:31am

Yeah, Powell makes swimbait rods rangeing from 3oz to 12oz models with ex fast to mod fast actions. They all go for 169.00. Give me a email if your interested or go to the website if you want more info. powellco.com

Mark

David Parnicky said:

OK..So this isn't going to be a popular answer for this thread as I haven't spent the big $$$ on a rod yet. I have used the Premier Spinning and Casting rods by St. Croix for years. They are very affordable (90 bucksish) and have fit almost all of my bass fishing needs for the most part. They aren't super light and or sensitive but do have a good solid feel, are durable, and are above average in sensitivity. Also, St. Croix has released a Mojo Bass series in the same price range that looks interesting. I hope to try some Loomis's someday...they sound amazing! I am on the market for an extra heavy swimbait pole though, currently looking at the Shimano Crucial which is I think $150. Anyone else have any ideas for a good swimbait rod for 8-12" baits that is $250 or less?

Permalink Reply by Mike Stahlman on March 11, 2009 at 3:05pm

I am partial to St. Croix myself. They have some great rods but I also believe it depends on the person.

Some people might like to use and Ugly Stick or Shimano. Whatever you are comfortable with would be my statement.

Permalink Reply by Thayne on March 11, 2009 at 8:21pm

The only problem I have with Loomis is once you have one you want them all.

Permalink Reply by Eric DeLay on March 11, 2009 at 9:42pm

It is like a sickness.

Thayne said:

The only problem I have with Loomis is once you have one you want them all.

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