Wammiee Posted April 12, 2011 Posted April 12, 2011 I realize the IMX is the best overall, but does anyone have experience with the other 2. I have a similar post and a guy said he wouldnt consider using anything lower than IMX. So my main question is, is there a significant difference between each one. Are the GL's still quality rods or no? Quote
Stasher1 Posted April 12, 2011 Posted April 12, 2011 While I've never owned any of the GL series, just about everything I've read about them over the past few years said that there are much better rods available in their price ranges and you're pretty much just paying for the Loomis name. It's like buying the cheapest Mercedes instead of a comparably priced Honda, even though the Honda offers better features, performance, and reliability. Quote
Wammiee Posted April 12, 2011 Author Posted April 12, 2011 While I've never owned any of the GL series, just about everything I've read about them over the past few years said that there are much better rods available in their price ranges and you're pretty much just paying for the Loomis name. It's like buying the cheapest Mercedes instead of a comparably priced Honda, even though the Honda offers better features, performance, and reliability. Any recommendations? Quote
Stasher1 Posted April 12, 2011 Posted April 12, 2011 What's your price range and intended use? Also, spinning or casting? Quote
Wammiee Posted April 12, 2011 Author Posted April 12, 2011 What's your price range and intended use? Also, spinning or casting? Spinning, preferably $250.00 or less Lighter fishing, mix of stuff:cranks,spinners,plastics,live bait Quote
Flywatersmallie Posted April 12, 2011 Posted April 12, 2011 The GL3 rods I have handled have been alright, nothing special though. Then again, I hate the IMX and GLX handles so I don't fish them. The Bronzeback series is nice and the handle might be the best that loomis offers in a spinning rig, this side of the NRX. At the $250 budget, I would either grab a St Croix Legend Tournament, a Dobyns Champion (the 682 is a sweet rod) or look for a used Bronzeback GLX SMR822S. Quote
Super User 00 mod Posted April 12, 2011 Super User Posted April 12, 2011 I would second the st croix lts. I just it a legend elite and it's NICE Quote
BassThumb Posted April 12, 2011 Posted April 12, 2011 I've owned all 4 Loomis', GLX, IMX, GL3, and GL2. I wouldn't recommend the GL3 and GL2 at retail cost. I think they are overpriced by about $40-60 compared to other rods of similar quality. The GL3 is no better than a St. Croix Avid, IMO, but it costs about $40-50 more. In fact, I'd take an Avid over a GL3 any day because I like the handle much better. The IMX and GLX are excellent rods. If you want value, try a Dobyns rod. Of all the rods that I've owned, Dobyns offers the best bang-for-your-buck, and value means a lot to me. A lot of people love Powell rods and would say they're the best value, but I can't comment on them because I've never owned or fished with one. For the best rod in the $250 and under range, I would recommend a new Dobyns Champion, or a used Dobyns Champion Extreme or Loomis GLX. Quote
lou304 Posted April 13, 2011 Posted April 13, 2011 I have 2 Loomis IMX's, SJR782 and 783, a bronzeback and a drop shot, all spinning. They are great rods, especially the IMX's. My 783 gets a lot of use. I can't comment on Dobyns since I don't own any. I have 2 powell casting rods that i like, and 1 St Croix that also gets a lot of use. I don't think you can go wrong with an IMX. i may try a Dobyns next time I need a rod, its sounds like they are a great rod. Quote
Quillback Posted April 13, 2011 Posted April 13, 2011 I have a Loomis IMX 783 spinning rod, great rod, but one annoying thing is that where the spinning reel attaches to the rod, it doesn't have enough length to seat my Daiwa spinning reels, whatever that piece is called on the Daiwas is too long to fit on the Loomis. so I have to use a JM spinning reel on it. Just something to keep in mind. I have picked up a couple of Dobyns Extremes (Baitcasters), after using them, I won't be going back to Loomis. Quote
SimonSays Posted April 13, 2011 Posted April 13, 2011 One thing that annoys me about St. Croix spinning rods is that you tighten the reel to the rod from the bottom up. They way I cast has the screw loosening after a while.... I've learned to check every now and then but I've had the reel fall off mid cast when I first got the rod Quote
Stasher1 Posted April 13, 2011 Posted April 13, 2011 One thing that annoys me about St. Croix spinning rods is that you tighten the reel to the rod from the bottom up. They way I cast has the screw loosening after a while.... I've learned to check every now and then but I've had the reel fall off mid cast when I first got the rod Yup. I've had that problem with every SC spinning rod I've owned. If you wrap the threads with a bit of teflon tape before tightening it down, you won't have that problem. Quote
Super User Raul Posted April 13, 2011 Super User Posted April 13, 2011 My first GLoomis rods are GL2, so far I have GL2 & IMX, had a GLX. GL2s are nice rods for what they cost, no way I´m going to say they are over priced by 60 or 70 dollars, that would compare them to 60-70 dollars rods ( like the Clarus ) and by no means a 70 dollars rod can compare to a GL2, the GL2 is a much better rod but there´s a bunch of nice rods for the same price. Nowdays they have been relegated to perform the less glamorous chores ( like spinnerbaiting ) not that they aren´t good for worming n´such but when you have the IMXs well, the difference is quite noticeable. IMXs are the best bang for the buck in the GLoomis line up. The GLX, well everybody talked so high about them that I purchased one, other than a slight difference in weight I couldn´t distinguish such difference in sensitivity worth the extra 100 bucks, ended up selling it to a friend. GL3s haven´t owned but have tried a couple, for a lttle extra cash you can get an IMX. Quote
TourPT Posted April 14, 2011 Posted April 14, 2011 I own several GL3 and IMX rods. Both IMO are great rods however I do agree that in today's market the GL3 is way over priced and actually the IMX is getting some serious competition these days from other companies. Both models and the GL2 for that matter, have been around for over 20 to some 30 years or more now. I miss the old reel seats with the metal ring and IMO the pac bay guides they use to use where better, but the blanks are still the same. Thank God Shimano has not messed up the Loomis blanks. The real difference between the two models that I own IMO is the IMX is more sensitive. I use the IMX for things like worms, jigs and so forth where your better off having a more sensitive rod and use the GL3 for things like crankbaits, topwaters and such. Don't own any GL2's so I can't commit on those. Quote
Super User new2BC4bass Posted April 14, 2011 Super User Posted April 14, 2011 I have a 2-piece 9' GL3 8 wt. flyrod. Sounds like most on here would consider it inferior. I bought it about 15 years ago at a flyfishing shop, so probably paid retail. It is the most expensive rod I have. Well...the most I've spent for a rod. My Falcon Experts listed for more (in today's prices), but I spent way less. I see they are asking $350 for the same model on ebay. That's more than the retail for my Experts. Seems like a lot of money for a rod that is only "okay if you don't pay retail." I'm not sure I will be capable of enjoying the rod anymore since it's a . Maybe I should sell it and get a Dobyns Champion 733 or 734. Quote
Super User roadwarrior Posted April 15, 2011 Super User Posted April 15, 2011 G. Loomis made it's name with the IMX series rod. Great rods vs. any pricing point. I fish GLX because I like them better and with a little patience, I have purchased several for around $250 on our Flea Market. Quote
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