Temple Fork Outfiters?

[Sosa6]

I bought a GTSP797-1 off my friend's dad tonight for $35. I felt like it was a steel even though I didn't know much about these rods. Anyone have any experience with these rods? Of course I would use it for a flipping stick so if anyone has ever used this particular rod and can tell me anything about it that would be awesome.

[Turkey sandwich]

Gary Loomis is involved with their design and they've become his entry to mid level spinning, casting, and fly rods. I've never used them, but Loomis's reputation is one of the best in the industry. When I opened this, I was hoping it was actually a review.

[SirSnookalot]

I like TFO rods, my buddy has one, now has 3.  I've been with him catching bass, and snook and jacks over 10#, on the signature 7' 6/12 med.   Reel good casting distance, I'd buy one.

[Turkey sandwich]

I like TFO rods, my buddy has one, now has 3.  I've been with him catching bass, and snook and jacks over 10#, on the signature 7' 6/12 med.   Reel good casting distance, I'd buy one.

I've seen them in stores and have handled them some. what did they compare to on the water?

[SirSnookalot]

Only thing about the rod, I prefer a longer foregrip.   I judge a rod for what it is, not another rod in it's price range.  My criteria is somewhat different than what I read.  One of the few aspects of a rod review I pay attention to is breakage, for whatever reason.  I have bought some of the popular brands only to return them, not they are bad just didn't meet my needs or expectation for the price.  Where I fish I don't need to feel a strike, I need to hold on when I get one.  For a 100 bucks there isn't much to lose with a TFO, where I buy my rods I can return within a few days no problem.

 

For 300 bucks I better buy a rod that significantly out performs what I already have, have yet to find that one, including custom which in many cases can't be returned. 

[ChrisD46]

I did not like the short rod butt on the few that I handled ... Decent quality components used though .

[Tmmytomato]

Being a towering 5' 7" tall I prefer a shorter rod butt section. Rods with long butt sections tend to be a nuisance for me with added length that does nothing. Thinking of years past, everything was a pistol grip so a little bit of a butt section is nice but too much is just too much. TFO rods are a very good investment for the money. Anything with Gary Loomis' name or design has been a quality product.

[SirSnookalot]

Quite a few rod brands have a shortish rear handle ( for me) in 7' lengths, the 7'6 of the same models I like better. One of my freshwater rods, Calyco Jack both the fore and rear grip in the 7' med. is perfect for me, I like this rod a whole bunch.  Don't think height is real important, I'm 5'4 and my topwater rods I use at the ocean are 8', but we do work the lures a little different.

[Preytorien]

A buddy of mine is a sponsored TFO guy. He seems to think they're great, and he's coming from a strictly St. Croix lineup. He's also one of the smartest engineers I know. So I'd say I trust his opinion pretty well. I haven't given them a try personally, but it sounds to me like they're a good rod, good quality, and some excellent pedigree in their background. 

[smalljaw67]

The only thing Gary Loomis had to do with those rods is the design of the tapers and he was paid a good bit of money for his signature. He had nothing to do with the blank or build, just the tapers but Ill say the tactical series is a lot better than the original ones. The guides seem to be good and the rod I held was a 7'3" and it seemed to be decent, and I think they go for $150 now and it seems to be a decent offering at that price but I've only handled them, I only ever got to fish with the original series which didn't impress me at all. I think you got a steal as well at $35, now give it a try and let us know how good or bad it is on the water.

[Wayne P.]

I have the Tactical 7' 11" Mag Heavy to use with umbrella rigs. Very light rod for its size. I did change the tip from the metal to a SIC

[OkobojiEagle]

I bought a GTSP797-1 off my friend's dad tonight for $35. I felt like it was a steel even though I didn't know much about these rods. Anyone have any experience with these rods? Of course I would use it for a flipping stick so if anyone has ever used this particular rod and can tell me anything about it that would be awesome.

 

 

Now that you own it, fish it.  After a few trips to the lake report back if you still think it was a "steel".

 

 

oe

[Sosa6]

I'd love to test it out, but it won't be happening this year most likely. A college student on a budget and I'll need to buy a reel for it with winter approaching here in MN. I'll let you know when I do though!

[Random Tackle]

For what it's worth, I own two TFO fly rods and they're great.  Also they have a great warranty.

[BocaGrande]

I have one. 7ft heavy tfg ssc 706. GLoomis signature series casting. I used it 1 time so far. I like it, feels good looks good. I like the way it Performs. I'm looking to trade it actually.

[SirSnookalot]

For what it's worth, I own two TFO fly rods and they're great.  Also they have a great warranty.

I have several friends that are hardcore salt fly fishermen, many of them have changed from $1000 rods to TFO.

I have used their signature spinnng rod and liked it just fine.

[smalljaw67]

I have the Tactical 7' 11" Mag Heavy to use with umbrella rigs. Very light rod for its size. I did change the tip from the metal to a SIC

 

I think you are talking about a different series of rods, they make a 7'9" XH pitching rod and they use SiC guides, I never saw a 7'11" Mag Heavy in the Tactical series.

[Wayne P.]

I think you are talking about a different series of rods, they make a 7'9" XH pitching rod and they use SiC guides, I never saw a 7'11" Mag Heavy in the Tactical series.

The rod I have and use is as stated.

What you never saw is irrevalant.

Reading and comprehension 101

 

 http://www.tforods.com/conventional-rods/gary-loomis-tactical-series/swimbait-rods.html#.Vdj7cK5qyIw

[smalljaw67]

The rod I have and use is as stated.

What you never saw is irrevalant.

Reading and comprehension 101

 

 http://www.tforods.com/conventional-rods/gary-loomis-tactical-series/swimbait-rods.html#.Vdj7cK5qyIw

 

Why be smart about it, you're correct to a point. I was referring to the Bass rods not the Swim bait series but it appears they went away from the standard Sic they were using in favor if steel. Swim bait rod is still a different rod series.

[Basswhippa]

Chinese duds.

[Basswhippa]

Chinese duds.

[Hooligan]

Gary Loomis is involved with their design and they've become his entry to mid level spinning, casting, and fly rods. I've never used them, but Loomis's reputation is one of the best in the industry. When I opened this, I was hoping it was actually a review.

No. Gary had nothing to do with the design. They put his name on the rods and that's about it. They've certainly not become his mid level entry of anything, either. They (TFO) took what Loomis would apply as far as attributes, and tries to build a rod around his suggestions. That said, they failed miserably.

The rods are heavy, lack balance, and have terrible guides. A result of their very heavy feel is reduction in sensitivity.

[nascar2428]

I cannot comment on the casting side of their rods, I own the 6'9" medium spinning tactical series. This rod is both light and sensitive in my opinion. Fish the rod and see for yourself.