St. Croix vs. Loomis

[Tokyo Tony]

So my favorite casting setup includes a St. Croix Avid rod, and I just can't imagine that it gets any better.  It's incredibly light, and the sensitivity is amazing.  With vibrating lures I can feel each oscillation, and I can almost hear the vibrations.  My question is whether a G. Loomis rod is really significantly better than the St. Croix Avid, say a Loomis rod in the 250 dollar range.  Is it worth the extra $150?  I can't imagine that it is...

[Lucky Craft Man]

Avid's are nice, but G Loomis IMX rods are Great, G Loomis GLX rods are Unbelievable, and from holding it (but not actually fishing it) Steez rods will Blow Your Mind.

[Alpster]

So my favorite casting setup includes a St. Croix Avid rod, and I just can't imagine that it gets any better. ...  Is it (G. Loomis) worth the extra $150?  I can't imagine that it is...

If you have your mind made up, then why ask the question???

Significantly better is up to you. I haven't fished a St. Croix Avid so I can't make a comparison, but they must be worth it to me because I have a 1/2 dozen Loomis IMX & GLX rods. I think you should try a Loomis before you decide that it can't be any better. JMHO

Ronnie

[Tokyo Tony]

Thanks for the replies - yeah, that was just me trying to convince myself that it couldn't get any better.  Now I'll have to go try out a Loomis, and nothing else will compare.  Ignorance is bliss, but I can't wait to see what those rods are like.  Like I was saying, I can't imagine it getting any better, but apparently it does...

[Alpster]

Tony,

I don't know where you live, but if you find yourself in central NJ, let me know. You are welcome to try mine out. I am one of the Loomis ambassadors on the board. LOL

Ronnie

[Tokyo Tony]

Thanks Ronnie - I'm in CT but if I find myself down that way I'll look you up.  

Winter's on the way, and the only way I think I'll get through the hardwater season is by buying a ridiculous amount of fishing equipment, including a Loomis rod.  Then of course I'll have to go somewhere warmer to try the stuff out.  My only reservation about buying a $250+ rod is if I break it.  I would probably freak out, so I'll just have to be uber careful.

[MickD]

There are certain rods that each offer that the other does not, at least in blanks, which is what I am interested in.  I have an SCV St Croix spinning rod, 7 foot fast/medium one piece that is a great rod, and I would like to make another like it, so looked into Loomis just to see what they have.  They don't offer a comparable blank, exc maybe for GLX, and I don't even think they do there.  Besides, I'm not into $250 blanks yet.  So I'll make another SCV St Croix.

I have made two Loomis Bronze casting rods, one the SB812 (spinnerbait) which has a fairly powerful butt and lively, medium, tip.  It's a great rod for casting to big fish.  Not sure what in St Croix would compare.

The other Loomis Bronze is their 7 foot medium/medium light one piece casting rod (crankbait).  What a sweet rod.  The blank feels a lot like a spinning rod blank, feather light, super sensitive, and it really casts the lighter lures easily.  Yet handles big fish just fine (King salmon up to 15 pounds).  I'm not sure St Croix offers anything like this, either.

So when you are looking for a specific "tool," you may find that only one of these top companies offers what you are looking for.  Especially if you are in the market for blanks instead of finished rods.

Mick

[Raul]

My only reservation about buying a $250+ rod is if I break it.

With 50 bux you get a new one.

[Alpster]

I have an SCV St Croix spinning rod, 7 foot fast/medium one piece that is a great rod, and I would like to make another like it, so looked into Loomis just to see what they have.  They don't offer a comparable blank, exc maybe for GLX, and I don't even think they do there.  Besides, I'm not into $250 blanks yet.  So I'll make another SCV St Croix.

Mick

Mick,

Loomis has a 7' Medium Fast spinning blank in both GL3 ($105) and GLX ($230) in case you are still interested. BTW - I wrapped all my Loomis rods also. Here's a link to their spinning blanks..

http://products.gloomis.com/gl/products/blanks/alltackle/family.jsp?FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302032553&ASSORTMENT%3C%3East_id=1408474395181201&bmUID=1190845594042

Ronnie

[Infidel.]

Personally, I'm a St. Croix fan. But you can't go compairing a an Avid to an IMX or GLX. They are in completely different price ranges.  Compare your Avid to a Loomis that is in that price range or the IMX or GLX to a Legend Tournament or Legend Elite. It has been in my experience that I have always gotten the best bang for my buck when I go with a St. Croix. Loomis are good rods but I can get an equally good rod that is owned and made in the US for less money by going with a St. Croix. But like DanekM said, both companies offer rods that the other doesn't.

[Alpster]

... Loomis are good rods but I can get an equally good rod that is owned and made in the US for less money by going with a St. Croix.

Even though Shimano bought the company in 1997, all G. Loomis Rods and blanks are and always have been, made in Woodland, Washington by american workers.

St. Croix has 3 rod lines that are made in China and all of their branded reels are made in England, Japan, Thailand and China.

I don't get the made in the US point.

Ronnie

[idiot1]

Currently, I have 3 St. Croix (2 Premiers and 1 Avid) and 1 Loomis (IMX), and there are things I like about both. In my experience, my St. Croix rods seem to have higher quality control standards, while my Loomis is more sensitive and lighter weight. I see quality differences in the shop I work at, where I have seen countless Loomis rods with cockeyed eyes, stray epoxy, etc. Nothing too major, but little things that shouldn't have happened. Of course, I can't even compare my Avid to my IMX in terms of being a comparable rod, just because the graphite in the IMX is far superior. If my Loomis retails for $215 while my Avid goes for $170, I'd hope there's a difference. Of course, if you compared two rods that are in the same price range and have comparable powers and actions, I'm sure that it would come down to nitpicking and personal preference.

Edit: The one price range that I will give Loomis a definite edge is the GL2. While I do own 2 Premiers, the GL2 is the better rod, but also carries the heftier price tag.

[3125gauge]

Loomis all the way.  You can't beat the $50.00 no questions asked warranty.

[roadwarrior]

I currently own 4 St. Croix; one Avid purchased yesterday!

To answer your question, G.Loomis is a better rod, I own two.

However, at the pricing point the Avid is a very good rod.

[flechero]

Is it worth the extra $150?

That's very subjective... but most people say yes. I think it makes a big difference what you plan to use it for, IMO... I like St. Croix better for T-rigs these days, but I was a Loomis Die hard for 15+ years. (as my worm rod)

Of course, recently it appears, people get mad if you ask about anything over $100 or so for a rod or reel, so if you start getting PM's saying you are a tackle nazi- you now know why.

[Infidel.]

Even though Shimano bought the company in 1997, all G. Loomis Rods and blanks are and always have been, made in Woodland, Washington by american workers.

St. Croix has 3 rod lines that are made in China and all of their branded reels are made in England, Japan, Thailand and China.

I don't get the made in the US point.

Ronnie

You're right Ronnie, I forgot that St. Croix came out with that cheap line of rods.  But those aren't the rods I am talking about.  The Avids and the Legend tournament and elite are made in the US by an American owened comapany where as the profits of Loomis rods are going to a Japanese company.  When I compare the performance of the rod, the price, and the that fact that it is made here, St. Croix comes out on top in my book.  

As far as reels go, all of the fly reels that Loomis offers are made overseas as well.  I figured that their rods were no longer made here because they don't mention it anymore. It's hard to find US made stuff anymore and I am glad to know that Loomis rods are still made here. I am in the manufacturing industry and I am constantly bombarded by sales people wanting us to move production overseas and it sickens me! I can't always buy US made but I do whenever I can.

[Raul]

I am in the manufacturing industry and I am constantly bombarded by sales people wanting us to move production overseas and it sickens me!

Patriotism swiftly fades away when share holders demand a the same or a better profit for the money they have invested in a company.

[Maxximus Redneckus]

I am in the manufacturing industry and I am constantly bombarded by sales people wanting us to move production overseas and it sickens me!

Patriotism swiftly fades away when share holders demand a the same or a better profit for the money they have invested in a company.

Sure does thats why they recall so many toys,crayons,  and baby furniture made in China LEAD paint/particles are cheap ,Cheaper then our kids well being .Anyone got a  figure on recalls or accidents  with home appliances from china/taiwan  etc etc???? Yup profit is GREAT when you make high quality equipment.Too bad high quality has succomb to Greed at Americans expence  :

[David P]

if you're going to pay $250 for a IMX , just spend $50 more and get the GLX. Then there's no regret, or in 6 months wanting to step it up to the GLX. Just spend the money and don't think what if  ;D

[TrickyVT1887]

Both are great rods but for me its all about the warranty broke my first Loomis this year called them on a Monday and for $50 i had a brand new rod on my doorstep by Thursday no questions asked, just took the broken rod put it in the rod tube the new one came in and dropped it off at fed ex to ship it back no charge.

No Hassle Warranty is the reason i buy Loomis

[idiot1]

if you're going to pay $250 for a IMX , just spend $50 more and get the GLX. Then there's no regret, or in 6 months wanting to step it up to the GLX. Just spend the money and don't think what if  ;D

My SJR722 in IMX retails for $215, while the GLX is $100 more. I'm not sure where you're getting just $50 from. I don't have any regrets about my IMX. Sure, a GLX would be nice, but my IMX is the nicest rod I've ever owned.

[Infidel.]

Both are great rods but for me its all about the warranty broke my first Loomis this year called them on a Monday and for $50 i had a brand new rod on my doorstep by Thursday no questions asked, just took the broken rod put it in the rod tube the new one came in and dropped it off at fed ex to ship it back no charge.

No Hassle Warranty is the reason i buy Loomis

That's why I buy St. Croix, I've never had one break.  I almost crushed my Legend Tournament DS rod with my garage door two weeks ago.  It was bent in a U and put a 12" scratch down the side of the blank through the blue gel coat exposing the graphite.  Took it out that weekend and stuck a 6.5lb on it that had me wrapped up in trees.  I had to really pull on this fish and the rod stood up great!

[Maxximus Redneckus]

Both are great rods but for me its all about the warranty broke my first Loomis this year called them on a Monday and for $50 i had a brand new rod on my doorstep by Thursday no questions asked, just took the broken rod put it in the rod tube the new one came in and dropped it off at fed ex to ship it back no charge.

No Hassle Warranty is the reason i buy Loomis

Still though if ur paying 300 for a rod then give um 50 more for new rod it means u spent 350 on a rod .i aint got no college degree but even i see this as kinda strange  ;D I think a no hassle warranty is one when u walk into the place u bought it from and get a exchange like shimano no questions asked dont even have to give um 50 bucks

[FishTank]

I have 3 St. Croix Avid spinning rods and love each one of them but I also own 2 Loomis GLX rods and and an IMX.  Between the two companies and the rods I own, Loomis is my favorite.  Is it worth the difference in price?  Yes........ but the Avid rod is a great value and it is equally as well made as the IMX.  The difference is in the sensitivity, balance and maybe a little more hook setting power (this all subjective and just personal opinion).

As far as the warranty goes with Loomis, I looked into shipping a rod and it would have cost me around $25 for a tube, shipping and insurance going UPS Ground. So if you look at this way, Loomis sends you a new rod and you ship the old one back with a payed shipping label.  The cost to Loomis is around $50 or more in shipping going both ways.  Not a bad deal, buy a Loomis and it's for life, provided you have $50 for each time you break one  .

[roadwarrior]

Both are great rods but for me its all about the warranty broke my first Loomis this year called them on a Monday and for $50 i had a brand new rod on my doorstep by Thursday no questions asked, just took the broken rod put it in the rod tube the new one came in and dropped it off at fed ex to ship it back no charge.

No Hassle Warranty is the reason i buy Loomis

That's why I buy St. Croix, I've never had one break. I almost crushed my Legend Tournament DS rod with my garage door two weeks ago. It was bent in a U and put a 12" scratch down the side of the blank through the blue gel coat exposing the graphite. Took it out that weekend and stuck a 6.5lb on it that had me wrapped up in trees. I had to really pull on this fish and the rod stood up great!

C'mon, you're being silly. That rod needs to be exchanged.

I have broken two St. Croix Avids (my fault) which were replaced for free. I have replaced one G.Loomis for $50. Either way, they were all GREAT deals.