G Loomis Bronzeback SMR882S-SP

[Lucky Craft Man]

I recently saw this rod at Bass Pro and was quite impressed with it (which I can't say for the rest of the Bronzeback line of rods).  Has anyone have any experience with this rod?  I am looking to use it for mainly shaky-head rigs, light-weight soft plastics, and maybe a little drop shotting.  If anyone has any opinion on this rod, please let me know.  Thanks in advance.

[Yodie]

I have this rod. I like this rod. I like this rod a lot. In fact, I LOVE THIS ROD. In some of my previous posts I have preached this rod, and for good reason too...this rod is amazing.

When loaded up this rod has a soft, but sensitive tip section. When a fish makes even the most subtle of bites and its time to set the hook, this rod gets the job done with an extremly powerful butt section.

And even being 7'4" long this rod is still light weight, although since it is so long I needed to balance it a little with a rod balancing kit, but it doesnt take much weight at the end, less than an ounce. I use one of the rubber ends that comes with lead discs to put in it and I have just the rubber end, no weight inside of it. I actually prefer this. I put a 3000 sixe reel on it and it balanced perfect, but, to me, without that rubber cap the handle is too short, so I went back to my Symetre 2500 and the rubber cap. It is balanced perfectly now.

I use this rod for pretty much everything, and it does it all superbly.

Shakey Head, Drop Shot, T-Rig up to 5/16 oz. weights, tiny torpedo,small-ish crankbaits, <5/16 oz. jigs, split shot, drifting tubes on the flats, 1/4 oz. rattle traps, senkos, ikas, kreatures (all weightkess and weighted)

I mainly use this rod for shakey head though, this summer and fall I got into fishin the shaky head and have boated lots of fish, some biggun's too.

Two weeks ago I caught an 18lb. flathead and the rod handled it fine.

I would not be afraid to buy one of these, actually I like this one so much I am considering buying another becuase it is such a versatile rod I have so many things I want to do on it.

A day on the lake has more than once consisted of this rod never leaving my hands, even as I change baits.

And just so you know, I have baitcasters that could do all the things I listed, its just that this one does it better. Anymore the only baitcasters I use are my BCR853 GLX for bigger jigs and t-rigs, and my Avid 70MM Big crankbait rod for DD22's and the like.

Hope this helps...I LOVE THIS ROD, by the way....

IK

[Lucky Craft Man]

Thank you very much for the quick response.  Like I mentioned, I was very impressed with how this rod handled in the store and from your recommendation, looks like I will be adding another G Loomis to the collection.  Thanks again.

[Yodie]

I was very impressed with how this rod handled in the store.

...It only gets better from here...especially when your on the water. You won't be dissapointed.

[Lucky Craft Man]

By the way, it's funny you mentioned the BCR853 GLX, because I was thinking about getting that rod for all my T-rigging needs.  I am debating on whether to get that rod or a Daiwa Steez 7' MH Rod istead.  Unfortunately, I can't find a store that even has the Steez Rod in stock so I can see how if feels, but I really liked the BCR853 GLX.

[Yodie]

the BCR853 is a great rod, I love it too. But, I might say, if you are a fan of a truer MH power you may want to go with the 854 instead of the 853, the 853 is a little soft for most peoples likings, I personally like it the way it is and wouldnt want it any more powerful, but just a word to the wise.

[Lucky Craft Man]

Today was my lucky day.  I just won a brand new SMR882S-SP on eBay for $148 dollars.  I can't wait until it comes in (assuming it arrives in one piece and is not broken).

[Yodie]

That is a GREAT deal. Now you can take that extra $70 and spend it on as many shaky head jigs as it will buy because its easy to go through them pretty fast. If you would like to know of a guy that sells hand pour shaky heads that are fantastic PM me and ill give you his number. He is great to work with and has the cheapest prices I have found anywhere, especially when you buy in bulk.

[The_Natural]

By the way, it's funny you mentioned the BCR853 GLX, because I was thinking about getting that rod for all my T-rigging needs.  I am debating on whether to get that rod or a Daiwa Steez 7' MH Rod istead.  Unfortunately, I can't find a store that even has the Steez Rod in stock so I can see how if feels, but I really liked the BCR853 GLX.

The Steez rod will be lighter, but the BCR more sensitive.  I own(ed) both.

[Lucky Craft Man]

By the way, it's funny you mentioned the BCR853 GLX, because I was thinking about getting that rod for all my T-rigging needs. I am debating on whether to get that rod or a Daiwa Steez 7' MH Rod istead. Unfortunately, I can't find a store that even has the Steez Rod in stock so I can see how if feels, but I really liked the BCR853 GLX.

The Steez rod will be lighter, but the BCR more sensitive. I own(ed) both.

Thanks Natural.  I value sensitivity over weight (especially since the weight difference is about an ounce).  Which one do you no longer own?