New Affordable Rods From Loomis

[Brian Wise]

Hey guys,

Thought I would let you know that Loomis has finally put out a couple of lines of rods that are coming on to compete with other lower priced rods that are on the market.

I played around with a 9' 5wt 4 piece Xperience last weekend. A super smooth rod that I would call medium action. I really liked it and with a price-tag of $285 it is super sweet.

And at a price range that is just above the Streamdance Metolius but below the Streamdance GLX is another new rod.

Now to match the other super-distance casting rods on the market is the GLX Max or too sweet streamer rod as I would like to call it.

Check them out here:

Loomis Fly Rod Page

They have finally met all price ranges which I think is #1 good and #2 about time. Too cool.

Brian

[drew03cmc]

Thanks for the heads up, but $285, affordable? For who? I find anything over about $150 to be out of their minds....but that's just me, I would love to know what others think.

[WebFreeman]

I thought the same thing. I guess if you're a pro who uses his gear every day like Brian would, that would be a good deal. I still can't believe I spend $90 on my St. Croix rod 14 years ago.

[Project Healing Waters]

I too consider $150 and under to be the "affordable" category.

[Brian Wise]

Guys for real, as a Loomis "Pro" I am going to be the first to say that that post was more of an "About Time" kind of deal. Loomis has run low end rods and high end rods for years and years with very little in between, they just expanded their market bigger than it has ever been this year. At least the market that we see around here.

This is the same thing that Sage, Winston, and other rod companies have done. TFO has put some rods out in the past couple of years that are WAY higher than they originally started....it's a market thing.

Just a friendly heads up for those who are interested.

Brian

[WebFreeman]

Not being critical. I know there are guys who can afford it and have earned it, etc. I appreciate the heads up.

[Brian Wise]

No, no worries. I know exactly where you are coming from.

Brian

[Crippled Caddis]

drew wrote:

<Thanks for the heads up, but $285, affordable? For who? I find anything over about $150 to be out of their minds....but that's just me, I would love to know what others think.>

Drew----I think guys like you & I & Dano will continue to seek out old fiberglass rods and chuckle softly to ourselves each time we enjoy using them and hearing others talk about $600 rods in their arsenal. And feeling vaguely sorry for them.

Perhaps it's time for an Ozarks 'Glaass 'Clave'? In the meantime I'll continue the rebuild of the early Phillipson 'tobacco glass' 8', 6 wt. POWR KAST while continuing to look thru dusty junk shops for more treasures of yesteryear. CC

[Danoinark]

I have to agree with CC. I just bought an old 6'6" 5 wt phillipson glass that is by far the finest fly rod I have ever cast bar any, including 600 dollar graphite. I really kid you not. It also has some legacy behind it to boot. It was bought for a very quick song and dance and I have my eyes on more. You'll see this one in my hands on the stream alot.

Dano

[Terry Beeson]

Marketing words...

Sage divides their rod lines into three categories - Premium, Specialty, and Value... Sounds much better than "Expensive, Pricey, and Cheep" doesn't it?

To me, a Loomis rod at $285 would be considered "affordable" when compared to their $5-600 rods. I certainly don't have an extra $285 laying around the house. Heck, I'd be hard pressed to come up with $2.85 right now... But, looking at this Loomis line of rods makes me consider casting one down the line.