G Loomis GL2 or something else

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I’m looking for a rod to use for spinnerbaits, jerkbaits and topwater(mostly poppers and walking).  Is this expecting too much out of one rod? I have read through the topics in the “The Best Rod Thread” sticky and from what I have read most of these types of lures work well with a M/XF rod.

My local DSG has the GL2 812C SBR for ~$90 and the local BPS has several Abu Garcia Veracity rods clearanced for $99.

I know that the G Loomis GL2 is not a very popular line and the general consensus is that they are heavy and the rod is overpriced at the $200 range based on sensitivity, weight and quality of components(type of guides).  The main thing that concerns me with the GL2 is the lure rating of 3/8 to ½ oz which seems pretty narrow.

Currently the casting rods that I have:

An older G Loomis MBR 843 IMX (made in canada)

Powell Endurance 723 CEF

Daiwa Procyon 7’ MH

Abu Garcia Silvermax Rod 6’6” M/F

 

I am open to any other suggestions and also willing to go with a used rod.

[Spankey]

Maybe look an a St. Croix Avid X. Just a thought.

[James Pondscum]

  At over 50% off the retail price . That seems like a very good deal on the GL2.  If you decide you don't want it which DSG store has it as I or others here would buy it.  Thank you.

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2 minutes ago, nickles said:

  At over 50% off the retail price . That seems like a very good deal on the GL2.  If you decide you don't want it which DSG store has it as I or others here would buy it.  Thank you.

The same store has a GL2 822S DSR for the same price that I was considering since I am looking for a spinning rod for drop shot and other light lures but I am probably going to find a spinning rod that has a better reputation.

[5fishlimit]

Get the gl2. I have one, and I truly enjoy fishing with it. I think it has one of the most comfortable handles out of all my rods. 

[WRB]

Several years ago I picked a Loomis PR845C G2 rod out of a bargin barrow for under $100.

I use this rod for smaller  3/8-5/8 oz crank baits, structure spoons 1/2-1 oz,  surface poppers like Splash-It's and other smaller surface lures, it's been a great utility rod. It's like having a medium crank bait rod with more backbone.

Tom

[Sam]

You can't go wrong with a G. Loomis rod.

[Kidflex]

Ffo tackle has a 6'6" veracity mhmf action rod for $75. Don't let the moderate fast action fool you. It has plenty of power. I ordered this rod and it is perfect for top/jerk and spinnerbait. The 2 power gl2 is pretty wimpy. I have one also. 

[Sam]

9 minutes ago, Kidflex said:

Ffo tackle has a 6'6" veracity mhmf action rod for $75. Don't let the moderate fast action fool you. It has plenty of power. I ordered this rod and it is perfect for top/jerk and spinnerbait. The 2 power gl2 is pretty wimpy. I have one also. 

Leesville! Leesville, Louisiana!

Vernon Parish north of Deridder and west of Alexandria.

Close to Toledo Bend.

Strong LSU country.

And yes, you need a stronger rod in Louisiana due to all of those beautiful ladies you guys pull out of your lakes and ponds on a regular basis.

So I can understand your need for a powerful rod.

The G. Loomis rods do well in Virginia and other parts of the country. But in Louisiana it is different: Come to Louisiana as you are and leave different!

Geaux Tigers

 

[carlm01]

I have several gl2's along with gl3's IMX and GLX and like the 2's just as much as the others , don't believe all the crap about how their not good rods ....

[5fishlimit]

6 hours ago, Sam said:

Leesville! Leesville, Louisiana!

Vernon Parish north of Deridder and west of Alexandria.

Close to Toledo Bend.

Strong LSU country.

And yes, you need a stronger rod in Louisiana due to all of those beautiful ladies you guys pull out of your lakes and ponds on a regular basis.

So I can understand your need for a powerful rod.

The G. Loomis rods do well in Virginia and other parts of the country. But in Louisiana it is different: Come to Louisiana as you are and leave different!

Geaux Tigers

 

I've been in New Orleans all week for a business trip, and really wish I could have made arrangements to get some fishing done while here. 

By the way... When did it chilly down here? Monday and Tuesday made me feel like I was back north of the Mason Dixie line. ?

[DaleGribble]

I too took advantage of DSG clearancing GL2s. I bought a Worm and Jig rod. I would  definitely agree it is not worth anywhere near its original $200 price tag but I am pleased with it for the $80 or so I paid and as a previous poster stated, I am VERY pleased with the comfort of the grip. 

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5 hours ago, DaleGribble said:

I too took advantage of DSG clearancing GL2s. I bought a Worm and Jig rod. I would  definitely agree it is not worth anywhere near its original $200 price tag but I am pleased with it for the $80 or so I paid and as a previous poster stated, I am VERY pleased with the comfort of the grip. 

 I handed the rod in the store and the grip did feel very comfortable. If I was paying MSRP I probably wouldn't consider this rod and would probably just pick up an Avid but I don't think I will be finding an Avid under $100 very easily. 

I was also thinking that the lack of sensitivity wouldn't be such a big deal since it would be used for moving baits.

[5fishlimit]

8 hours ago, SPECIAL ENGINEER said:

I was also thinking that the lack of sensitivity wouldn't be such a big deal since it would be used for moving baits.

Where do you get that the rod lacks sensitivity? In no way is it a dead stick. 

[SPECIAL ENGINEER]

2 hours ago, 5fishlimit said:

Where do you get that the rod lacks sensitivity? In no way is it a dead stick. 

I'm just going by what I have read about the GL2 series on the internet. I'll admit that I don't have any experience or first hand knowledge to back up that statement and probably shouldn't have made the statement in a way that implies that I do. 

 

Do you have any experience with the GL2 812c SBR model specifically? If so, how do you think it will handle lures under 3/8 oz? What I'm mainly concerned about is lures like the Rebel Pop-R which is 1/4 oz

[5fishlimit]

3 hours ago, SPECIAL ENGINEER said:

Do you have any experience with the GL2 812c SBR model specifically? If so, how do you think it will handle lures under 3/8 oz? What I'm mainly concerned about is lures like the Rebel Pop-R which is 1/4 oz

The two rods that I have experience with are the GL2 853c JWR and the 822s Drop shot rod (spinning).

The 812c SBR is a spinnerbait rod, but is only rated for 3/8oz to 1/2oz.  I think it would be ideal for throwing a 1/4oz popper.  Can you make it work?  I'm sure you can depending on your reel and your skill at casting.

For me, when I am throwing a popper I will use a spinning reel instead.  Sorry I can't provide more specific feedback.

[SPECIAL ENGINEER]

Well, I waited too long to make a decision and when I went back in on Saturday to pick up the GL2 SBR both GL2 rods were gone. 

I think I'm going to hunt for something along the lines of  a used St Croix avid in the 6'6" MF 

[Dougiedo]

Just a suggestion. I have a 7' St. Croix tournament bottom bouncer rod and I have the one piece handle. This rod holds up to 3ozs and I have used it for multiple uses. It is sensitive enough to feel everything. It is a baitcaster and I am very happy I bought it. Good luck