Powell Max Vs G.loomis Gl2

[central.PA.bass]

Hey guys,

I am in a bit of a toss up between these 2 rods. I am looking to pick up a medium action casting rod. I am in a toss up between the Powell Max 702c and the G. Loomis GL2 852CJWR. Powell is a 7' M and the Loomis is 7'1 M.

I am planning on using this rod to throw shaky heads, weightless senkos, and 1/8 + 1/4oz Salty Spiders...

I know Powell Rods very well but I do not own a M action casting rod in a Powell. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

The reason why I am debating between the 2 is because I can get both of them for the same price.. Thanks!

[Bassn Blvd]

I only own 1 Powell and it's a 7'11 crankbait rod. I, however, own(ed) several Loomis NRX/GLX/IMX and (1) GL2.

All I can say is this. DO NOT purchase the GL2 if you're purchasing it in hopes of experiencing the "true" Loomis experience.

[BASSclary]

The 702C Powell is also on sale at TW right now, plus 20% off, so I would absolutely jump on it!

Its hard pressed to beat a Powell for under 200 dollars, and I havent heard great things about the GL2.

[kickerfish1]

The Powell rod will be the better choice. Many die hard Loomis fans are quick to note that below the IMX series, the Loomis the rods just aren't as good. If I were is your shoes I would select the Powell and wouldnt look back.

[central.PA.bass]

looks like the piggy bank is getting lighter.. that powell mustve just went on sale!

[Rangerjoe]

The Powell is excellent choice. I will supply my .02 cents worth on the GL2. Is the GL2 a GLX no, but it is a good rod. I actually have a GL2 (802s), and fished it this past season and I really liked the handle and the way it fished. I have converted to all G. Loomis rods over the last year or two IMX, GLX and NRX except for Crankbaits which I prefer glass and Loomis does not offer glass rods,and my lone GL2.

So do not be so fast as to right off the GL2 until you have fished one.

[Bassn Blvd]

The Powell is excellent choice. I will supply my .02 cents worth on the GL2. Is the GL2 a GLX no, but it is a good rod. I actually have a GL2 (802s), and fished it this past season and I really liked the handle and the way it fished. I have converted to all G. Loomis rods over the last year or two IMX, GLX and NRX except for Crankbaits which I prefer glass and Loomis does not offer glass rods,and my lone GL2.

So do not be so fast as to right off the GL2 until you have fished one.

I did fish one, for half a season until my t-partner broke it, haha.

The rod was balanced well and I Iiked the comfort of real seat. That's about it though. I bought mine on sale and was bored, that's why I bought it. I wouldn't spend 200 on another. I'd do without or save for a better rod.

[Raul]

GL2s are good rods and that´s about it, there´s a bunch of rods equally good for the same price. If you want to know the true GLoomis experience no less than an IMX.

[*Hootie]

The comments I hear on this forum and others about the GL2, one would get the impression that G Loomis can't, or don't know how to make a decent rod for less than $250.00.

I find that hard to believe.

Hootie

[QUAKEnSHAKE]

The 702C Powell is also on sale at TW right now, plus 20% off, so I would absolutely jump on it!

Its hard pressed to beat a Powell for under 200 dollars, and I havent heard great things about the GL2.

I had this exact one yesterday in my cart was right at $99.99 but resisted the monkey.

[iabass8]

The comments I hear on this forum and others about the GL2, one would get the impression that G Loomis can't, or don't know how to make a decent rod for less than $250.00.

I find that hard to believe.

Hootie

They are by no means incapable of making a good sub 250.00 rod. The comments on the rod are largely based on it's price tag vs other rods in the same price range or less. The gl2 is uses components that you can find on much lesser expensive rods (these days better compents are used on much lesser priced rods)and get the same if not a better quality of rod. It is by no means a flop or bad rod but you can find better rods for less. Lots of people when first purchasing a new gl2 think they are getting a rod that will be a little less than a glx but are soon find out that there is a large gap. The argument is usually the 200$ tag on the rod. When you see the statement "to get the gloomis experience you need to get imx+" it's because there's more of a gap in the gl2/glx then most people would like to see. You are definitely paying for the name with a gl2 and it's 200$ tag. If it were priced 50$ less i doubt you would see a lot of the "hate" this rod gets. I don't own one but I've held them in stores and i actually really like how they feel.

[*Hootie]

They are by no means incapable of making a good sub 250.00 rod. The comments on the rod are largely based on it's price tag vs other rods in the same price range or less. The gl2 is uses components that you can find on much lesser expensive rods (these days better compents are used on much lesser priced rods)and get the same if not a better quality of rod. It is by no means a flop or bad rod but you can find better rods for less. Lots of people when first purchasing a new gl2 think they are getting a rod that will be a little less than a glx but are soon find out that there is a large gap. The argument is usually the 200$ tag on the rod. When you see the statement "to get the gloomis experience you need to get imx+" it's because there's more of a gap in the gl2/glx then most people would like to see. You are definitely paying for the name with a gl2 and it's 200$ tag. If it were priced 50$ less i doubt you would see a lot of the "hate" this rod gets. I don't own one but I've held them in stores and i actually really like how they feel.

Where then does that put, lets say, the Mossyback, or the Bronzeback series, or the technique specific series of rods they have. It seems to be, NRX, GLX, IMX, or nothing

Hootie

[iabass8]

Where then does that put, lets say, the Mossyback, or the Bronzeback series, or the technique specific series of rods they have.

Hootie

It simply just puts them behind the other series of rods.

It seems to be, NRX, GLX, IMX, or nothing

Hootie

It may seem that way because most of the reviews or answers to specific loomis questions will give you that answer in some form or another. Basically, the GL2 is overpriced in comparison to rods in it's price range. It is by no means a bad rod or junk as some say. There are just much better options when shopping in the 200$ price range is what it boils down to. Cosmetically the GL2 looks great. Performance/construction wise the consensus is the rod is well placed over it's price range.

If you are ever given the opportunity to own an NRX/GLX, it will make much more sense.

[Bassn Blvd]

iabass pretty well summed it up.

The GL2 is a good rod, but if I'm going to spend $200 on it, then I'm going to speng an extra 80-100 and get the IMX or used GLX, which are noticably different.

I used the GL2 as a spare jig rod and I believe it performed well, but I like my NRX WAAAAAAY better. I bought the GL2 for under 200. When it broke, I returned it to Dicks for a refund. The price had shot up a few bucks since. I purchased 2 identical ABU Veritas for $99 apiece. One for me and one for my buddy. I ended up returning mine and bought a Star spinning rod.

I absolutely hated the ABU. Poor/cheap workmanship, tip heavy and not as comfortable. I rate the GL2 higher than the Veritas. If I was in a bind and had to choose, I'd pay the extra 100 and get the GL2.

Loomis could very easily make a very good rod in the 200-250 range. But why would they when they have people like me paying 400+.

I have a Mossyback that I use for light flipping and small swimbaits. Rod has performed very good for several years. I also had a couple Loomis crankbait rods. I sold one and kept the 7.5. I like it, but I also like my 7'11 Powell crank rod.

Most of my fishing is either with worm or Senko's, weighted and unweighted. I want every edge I can get when using those two baits, even if it means paying an extra 100-200 for the rod. I will make that money back in half a season.

I never said the GL2 sucked. I just don't want the guy to buy it with the expectation that he's getting the true experience of Loomis.