?BEST ROD MANUFACTURE?

[The_Natural]

I feel Loomis is the best rod manufacturer.  Not only did Gary Loomis create the high-end rod market with the Loomis IM-6 over a quarter century ago, but they continue to offer the widest selection of technique-specific bass rods on the market.  The Loomis GLX graphite is still the benchmark of bass rod graphite, and it was introduced over a decade ago.  I will say the Steez rods by Daiwa are lighter and balance as well as my GLX's, but they do not surpass the BCR in sensitivity, and the Steez lineup is abbreviated.  When you consider the aforementioned attributes, it's pretty amazing the GLX is still at the top.

[Hot n Tot]

St. Croix rods compare pretty well with Loomis rods in my opinion. I have heard good things about other rods manufactures such as Kistler but have no experience with them. Some Fenwick and Shimano rods seem to be very lightweight and balanced, but I've not actually fished them. That said, the IMX and  GLX are  the rods that others are compared to.  However, I really feel that St. Croix Legend Elites are nicer than any IMX, and the lower end legend tournaments and Avids compare very favorably to IMX rods. The GLX really has to be fished to be appreciated, and it's hands down far superior to IMX graphite. I guess I'm beginning to feel IMX is overrated, maybe it's because I'm fishing GLX and Legend Elites. Funny how you can get spoiled when fishing the best of  the best  :

[Shadcranker]

Powell Rods and Kistler are both great if you want a light weight rod with great design.

[flechero]

the Kistler magnesium is as light as a Loomis GLX!

Do you have a link to the published weights or a listing of the like models actual weights?  I know that many of us would appreciate the info.

[CJ]

I'm a Kistler guy too.

[RI_Bass_Guy]

G.Loomis

The lightest and most sensitive rods I have ever used. You can use their rods all day and not get fatigued.

I used to use a team Diawa flipping stick and get the biggest knot between my shoulder blades by the end of the day. I bought a Loomis filpping stick and can use it for 14 hours without a problem.

[Shadcranker]

My take on Loomis....

If I was going to pay the price to buy a higher end Loomis blank (an awesome blank BTW), I would definitely hire a custom rod maker. The production rods cannot have the quality control of a custom stick. The spines on the Loomis production rods are not always done right. Finally, if I'm going to shell out $300-400 on a rod, I'd like to be able to pick the handle design, thread color, hook hanger placement, etc.

That said, I've found a near custom feel in a $170 rod that I love- Powell Rods.

www.powellco.com

Kistlers are very similar- cutting edge lightweight design, and a similar price point.

[roadwarrior]

First of all, there is no "best" rod, just "favorite." However, the "best" rods I own are G.Loomis GLX. I have a MBR 844C and a PR844S. These are both "production rods" and they are ABSOLUTELY perfect in every way. Although I have heard this knock about "off spine" production, I have never know anyone with a high end Loomis that has EVER experienced or knows anyone else that has experienced the problem. I have heard that a bigger problem is with blanks sent to rod makers, but I do not know whether that is true either.

The GLX is either perfect or at least exactly "as described." If you don't like it for ANY reason, you can exchange it for another. G.Loomis has a reputation that has been built over time. That is the reason all other rods are compared to Loomis, it is the standard by which all other rods are measured. The ploy always runs something like this, "Just as good as a G.Loomis at a much better price." There are plenty of great rod manufacturers, but there is only one G.Loomis.

What about Japanese rod manufacturers? Doesn't "best" include  price, service and warranty? Maybe MegaBass is a higher quality rod, but the other factors would not make it "best" in my view. If it's the overall "package" we're back to G.Loomis.

[Vermelho]

I was just wondering in your guys expert opinion what is the best rod manufacture out there and why?

Thanks and tight lines

Scott

The best manufacturer is the one that can give you what you need at the price you can afford - most of the manufacturers will fit the bill from time to time.

My advice: find out what you really need: then you will know.  

[lubina]

I go with GLoomis too but I also like Kistler, Rogue and Okuma

[.Paxamus.]

I would love a G. Loomis, I am just too clumsy and would break it.  For the money, I love All Star Rods!

[roadwarrior]

I would love a G. Loomis, I am just too clumsy and would break it. For the money, I love All Star Rods!

Your downside is a $50 (all-in) replacement fee. The G.Loomis Xpeditor service is totally user-friendly.

[Redlinerobert]

G Loomis, All Star, Techna AV rods and now Steez rods without a doubt.

[Banor]

I'm a big fan of Airrus rods.

This season I am going to test drive St Croix and GLoomis though.

B

[fourbizz]

That said, I've found a near custom feel in a $170 rod that I love- Powell Rods.

www.powellco.com

Me too. Awesome rods.

[RoLo]

Rods that I own include St Croix, Fenwick, Daiwa, Shimano Triton, Penn Slammer, Kunnan, Challenger,

Captain's Choice, Johnny Morris, Bionic Blade and a few custom-built rods.

Based purely on "feel" and "versatility" I'm partial to Daiwa Rods.

Roger

[tunnelengineer]

I've been a BPS/Gander Mountain Rod kind of guy until last year.

I stepped up to the St. Croix Premiers across the board and have been very happy.

Currently I have a Loomis IMX spinning rod in the mail headed my way.  I think the BPS/Gander Mountains will find the auction block soon.

Personally, I like the $50 Loomis replacement guarantee.  You break it anyway, it's 50 bucks to replace.  One year down the road or 5 years.  Easy to justify the funding then.