GL2 vs GL3

[Schaefer]

Im looking to buy a new rod, and I was looking at the GL2 and GL3. My question is, is there a big difference between these 2 rods and is it worth the price difference?

[KYbass1276]

The Gl2 is a entry level rod in my opinion and while I don't have a GL2 I'm sure its a pretty good rod compared to others in it's price range. I would go with the Gl2 if your on a budget or just skip over the Gl3 and go straight to a Imx if a budget is not an issue

[Schaefer]

I am on a budget but I can afford the GL3, but if I dont have to I dont wanna pay the extra money. So Id rather not spend the money on the GL3 if the GL2 is a pretty good rod compared to the GL3

[basspro48]

I have not used a GL3, but I have 2 GL2's and love em. Excellent rod for the money.

[flechero]

I think the "bang to hype" ratio is out of proportion on the 2's & 3's.  Are you open to other suggestions?  I don't think I'm alone in that my interest in Loomis begins with IMX.  I think GL2 and GL3 are good rods, don't get me wrong, but I think there are better options for those price ranges.

For example, if I were on a GL2 budget, I would be looking some of the All Star & Shimano rods, maybe even others.  For GL3 money, or a few bucks more, you can get IMX on ebay or "like new" in the flea market.  I think it's worth the extra time and effort to save for IMX.  (assuming you plan to use this as a worm/jig/ or other feel type rod)

If you are set on a 2 or 3, I'd go 2, because I think it's a better value for the dollars.

Sorry if I came off as the Grinch.  ...lol

[idiot1]

If you're not 100% on going Loomis, I actually prefer the St. Croix Avid at the GL3's price point. You could always check to see if you can pick one up on sale. There might be a few shops that still have a few of last year's models sitting around that want to clear the way for the new stuff. Or you could go for the new and improved Avids.

If you're dead set on Loomis, I'd probably go for the GL3 over the 2, but both are great rods. I'm like many people here who believe that Loomis really starts to impress with the IMX and beyond.

[Jeff H]

I made the mistake of buying a GL3 once.  :-[  It is the most "out of proportion" rod I currently own.  It's decent, but it is just like flechero says....there are better rods for that price range.  My Shimano Crucials are much better rods in my opinion.

[Schaefer]

I was actualy looking at the shimano rods, mainly the compre and crucial but didnt think they would be better than the gloomis'.

[idiot1]

I was actualy looking at the shimano rods, mainly the compre and crucial but didnt think they would be better than the gloomis'.

You can always look at it this way- Shimano owns Loomis.

[mar]

i would just get the gl2 if you are deciding between the gl2 or gl3.  I have one when i started out but now i'm buying imx's and glx', so it's a no win situation  

However if you plan on getting a gl3 then spend time looking for an imx instead on the flea market you can get them for cheap and i've seen plenty of imx's at the same price of a retail gl3.

[roadwarrior]

Be patient and you can probably find the rod specs you want in a St. Croix Avid. This is the best value at a pricing point of +/- $100 and still a good value at full retail. As flechero noted, the "G.Loomis experience" begins with the IMX series.

p.s. Keep an eye on the Flea Market, GMAN might have some G.Loomis for sale soon.

[FishTank]

I do not own a GL2 or a GL3 but I will say that if you save your bucks the IMX line is definately worth it.  

But as RW has stated, the St. Croix Avid would be a fine rod if your looking for a bargain.  

[Schaefer]

I actualy have an avid:P AC68MXF to be specific. I was lookin for something a little bit cheaper, im in Ontario Canada so it cost me around 190-200 for the avid. Im also the kind of person who likes to try other options that are out there. Ive herd good things about Gloomis and Shimano rods, so I figured Id get some opinions before I buy either of them.

[Redsyn]

I dont have the gl2 or gl3 but I felt that the shimano crucials felt better but not better then the imx of course.

 Look around for good deals.

[jnh95]

I am new here, so I'll preface this with, "it's the new guy's opinion".

I have only "handled" the GL2 in the store. I decided to go with the GL3 because it felt better in my hand (can't really explain why, sorry). This rod had handled several bass up to 4lbs (no monsters yet). I have been fishing this rod for about 6 months now. IMHO, this rod is what I was expecting for the price. I like the IMX series also, but the price is a little more than what I was looking to spend. I have a Shimano Curado 200 DHSV mounted and the combination works great for me. I am able to cast accurately and fish all day with this combo. Unfortunately, to be 100 % certain, I think you're going to have to try it out and see if it's a good match for you. It definitely has for me.

Good luck and let me know how things work out.

[roadwarrior]

Welcome aboard!

[Little_Minnow]

I know you said you already have an Avid, but RoadWarrior  told me about a sale that an online place is having

www.reedssparts.com

They have avids at $99 US right now so it might be good to pick up another even with the conversion.

Good luck

Josh

[Schaefer]

Ya, I saw that they were having a sale from another post. I looked into it and unfortunately they dont ship to canada >, because with how the american and canadian dollar are now, I would be paying pretty much the same price:P