Temple Fork Outfitters Tactical Series?

[MrTexasRigs]

So I got a rod a while back. It's a TFO G. Loomis Tactical Series spinning rod (6' 9" med.) I like the rod a lot, but I was just wondering if anyone else have used them. I saw some reviews on TW of people comparing them to high end Loomis rods like the GLX and NRX (I think are ridiculously priced). I don't know if this is true or not, but for $150 would anything else match the sensitivity of these, or would there be a better offering at 150? I'm kind of thinking of trying one of the casting rods for plastics. I'm basically wondering if anyone else has used them or tried them, etc. So please give me some feedback. 

 

Thanks

[SirSnookalot]

Don't know if it's that particular rod but a good buddy of mine uses a spinning 7' TFO 6-12# lure weight up to 3/4 oz.  He does use it for bass fishing but he is primarily a saltwater angler.  I have seen him catch 20# snook on it as well as bass.  He tosses lures up 2 oz effortlessly and this rod flat out casts a ton, way past my comparable rods.  I've used it a few times and I'm impressed, so much when I'm in the market I may buy one.  Not that I want 1 of my rods to break, but I don't think I'd be too upset switching to one of these, only negative for me is a split grip with a shortish butt.

 

On side note, I know quite a few fly fishermen that do nothing but saltwater fly with 40 or more years of experience, several of them having been changing over to TFO fly rods, they really like them.

[smalljaw67]

The only people who are comparing those the a GLX or NRX are those who never even handled one of those rods. The only thing they have to do with Gary Loomis is the use of his name and his recommended tapers for the blank, that is it. Right now in the value rod market, $150 gets a lot of rod so do your research, TFO is know in fly fishing circles so the rod may be decent however I really like what Fenwick has been bring to the table so in order to buy one I would have to at least hold one to get a basic idea of how it feels, as I said, a lot of rods out there that are proven in that price range.

[0119]

To compare them to Loomis top shelf is ridiculous, and I'm not a loomis fan at all!  I do have 4 of the model below the tactical and find them all to be very good.  Good tough blanks that are not overly stiff like most of todays rods are.  Line guides are a little bigger, a plus for a multi species angler who has to cope with long leaders with bulky knots.  I find the shorter rear grips helpful for fishing while seated in the kayak.  I have a 6' med. spinning that has brought in 3 redfish over 20#'s just fine.

[John G]

Tackle Tour reviewed a Signature Series rod and they mentioned the line and lure ratings were off. Line rating is for a medium but the lure rating is for a medium heavy. The rod they tested, fished like a medium heavy but it was a medium. They also thought that handle felt cheap.

 

http://www.tackletour.com/reviewtempleforkbass.html

[SirSnookalot]

Tackle Tour reviewed a Signature Series rod and they mentioned the line and lure ratings were off. Line rating is for a medium but the lure rating is for a medium heavy. The rod they tested, fished like a medium heavy but it was a medium. They also thought that handle felt cheap.

 

http://www.tackletour.com/reviewtempleforkbass.html

This is the exact rod my friend has with the exception of being 7' and spinning.  I put way more stock in a review from people I consider to be excellent fishermen and use a piece of equipment daily.  Seeing this rod handle some really nice fish, using it myself, and 0119 comments leads me to believe for 99 bux this rod is a winner.  I don't care if the rod ratings are off, most of my med spinning rods have pretty much the same specs and I exceed the max lure weight on them too without any problems.  If I can have a wider range of lure options, all the better for me.  I don't need to compare any rod to another, just have to like what I'm using.

[John G]

This is the exact rod my friend has with the exception of being 7' and spinning.  I put way more stock in a review from people I consider to be excellent fishermen and use a piece of equipment daily.  Seeing this rod handle some really nice fish, using it myself, and 0119 comments leads me to believe for 99 bux this rod is a winner.  I don't care if the rod ratings are off, most of my med spinning rods have pretty much the same specs and I exceed the max lure weight on them too without any problems.  If I can have a wider range of lure options, all the better for me.  I don't need to compare any rod to another, just have to like what I'm using.

Seeing this Thread yesterday made me check out the TFO Website. I like the looks of their Mangrove rods. They have dealers in my area and IMHO, they are worth a look for $150.00.

[Wayne P.]

I use the Tactical 7' 11" Mag H bait caster for umbrella rigs. It is rated for 1-6 oz. Very light for its size and makes throwing the rigs effortless.

[Martin B]

I use the Tactical 7' 11" Mag H bait caster for umbrella rigs. It is rated for 1-6 oz. Very light for its size and makes throwing the rigs effortless.

What do you think of the sensitivity of the rod?

[Wayne P.]

What do you think of the sensitivity of the rod?

Sensitivity is a non factor when throwing umbrella rigs and 80# braid. I have no idea what the relative sensitivity is.