



|
G.Loomis updates their fly rod offering with four brand new series of rods
(two of them GLX)

Date: |
10/21/07 |
Tackle Type: |
Fly Rods |
Manufacturer: |
G.Loomis |
Reviewer: |
Zander |
Introduction: Loomis has long been known for premium fly rods, and backed
with expertise from casting champion Steve Rajeff the company introduces four
new rod series for the 2008 season. They are designed to be application
specific, and GLX makes a big comeback this season by being employed in both the
powerful Max series and the precision oriented Whisper Creek fly rods. In all
there are thirty exciting new rods spread across the new offering.
 |
The new Max
GLX rods are designed to offer the ultimate in line speed, distance and
control for pushing big streamers and indicators for long line nymphing |
Max GLX Fly Rods:
First up in the new 2008 fly lineup are the Max
GLX rods which are designed for aggressive casters looking for the extra need to
push big streamers out of a drift boat, or to punch out large indicators for
long line nymphing wit split shot. Each Max GLX rod features G.Loomis’ exclusive
GLX graphite blanks, the first graphite developed specifically for the use in
fishing rods. To add to the overall lightweight and sensitivity, also featured
are REC Recoil stripper and snake guides that will snap back to their original
shape. All of the rods also are equipped with G.Loomis’ unique oval offset reel
seat.
“These rods are for anglers who demand fast
casting cycle time, and still have the power to set the hook on long drifts,”
said Gary Schaefer with G.Loomis’ product development staff. “They also are
ideal choice when the wind keeps you from hitting that sweet you can see but
without a Max GLX could not reach, plus the color and overall look mirrors the
attitude that these rods carry.” With their extra-stiff action and fast taper,
“these are very technical rods for special situations that discerning anglers
demand,“ Schaefer notes, “plus they really showcase the fly rod design and
development abilities from G.Loomis - they will not fail you when the conditions
are tough and you can make that cast.”
The Max GLX rods are also great for travel and
G.Loomis offers four piece rods in 9’ models available in four, five and six
weight versions.
MODEL
DESC. |
Item # |
LENGTH |
LINE WT
|
# PC'S |
Taper |
POWER |
MSRP |
FR1084-4 MAX GLX |
11704 |
9' |
4 |
4 |
Fast |
Ex-Stiff |
$620.00 |
FR1085-4 MAX GLX |
11705 |
9' |
5 |
4 |
Fast |
Ex-Stiff |
$625.00 |
FR1086-4 MAX GLX |
11706 |
9' |
6 |
4 |
Fast |
Ex-Stiff |
$630.00 |
 |
Just like
the name implies the new Whispercreek GLX rods are designed for precision
situations |
Whisper Creek Fly Rods:
While the Max rods target heavy applications Loomis
is also introducing the new Whisper Creek rods for the opposite end of the
spectrum. For conditions that demand accurate casts, super light tippets and
tiny flies, G.Loomis offers its new WhisperCreek GLX fly rod series. Available
in seven models in two, three, four and five weight versions, the rods load
easily for short presentations to spooky trout.
The WhisperCreek GLX rods also feature GLX
graphite blanks, and REC Recoil stripper and snake guides. Also featured is
G.Loomis’ unique reel seat with an offset-oval sculptured barrel and ‘California
Buckeye Burl’ wood insert. The inserts give the rod a differentiated feel from
its sibling, and reminds us of classic materials used in boutique rods.
“As you look over the G.Loomis fly rods designed
primarily for trout fishing, fly anglers will quickly identify the WhisperCreek
GLX rods are for when stealth and precision - not overwhelming force - is the
needed tool for a successful day on the water, “said Gary Schaefer with
G.Loomis’ product development staff. “They each feature very fine diameter tips
designed to load up close for shorter, extremely accurate casts - even if you
think you lack some casting skills.”
The WhisperCreek GLX series include three-piece
models in an 8’ two weight, and 7’9” three and four weights. Four-piece models
include an 8’8” three weight, 8’6” four weight, and 9’ versions in four and five
weights.
MODEL DESC. |
Item # |
LENGTH |
LINE WT
|
# PC’s |
Taper |
POWER |
MSRP |
FR962-3
WhisperCreek GLX |
11707 |
8' |
2 |
3 |
Med-Fast |
Medium |
$575.00 |
FR933-3
WhisperCreek GLX |
11708 |
7' 9" |
3 |
3 |
Med-Fast |
Medium |
$585.00 |
FR934-3
WhisperCreek GLX |
11709 |
7' 9" |
4 |
3 |
Med-Fast |
Medium |
$590.00 |
FR1024-4
WhisperCreek GLX |
11710 |
8' 6" |
4 |
4 |
Med-Fast |
Medium |
$610.00 |
FR1043-4
WhisperCreek GLX |
11711 |
8' 8" |
3 |
4 |
Med-Fast |
Medium |
$610.00 |
FR1084-4
WhisperCreek GLX |
11712 |
9' |
4 |
4 |
Med-Fast |
Med-Stiff |
$615.00 |
FR1085-4
WhisperCreek GLX |
11713 |
9' |
5 |
4 |
Med-Fast |
Med-Stiff |
$620.00 |
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The Eastfork
series is designed for anglers looking for extra line speed |
Eastfork Fly Rods: Moving down the spectrum Loomis decided to bolster
their lineup with a new range of performance rods at a less than premium price.
The Eastfork series is designed for anglers
looking for extra line speed during their cast. The rods will be offered in 10
models that run comprehensively across all of the best trout rod lengths and
weights.
Utilizing high modulus graphite materials to
create a slim diameter profile blank, the “EastFork trout rods feature a fast
taper/stiff design to assist anglers in casting tight loops in all types of
conditions,” said Gary Schaefer with G.Loomis’ product development staff. “Steve
Rajeff, myself and the rest of our team took on the challenge to come up with a
series of true trout rods that would provide fly anglers with both added control
and extra line speed. And then we put in those G.Loomis extras that really set
the rods apart.”
Along with the control and added line speed, fly
anglers will also notice the ported reel seat with a burl cork insert branded
with the G.Loomis ‘skeleton fish’ logo. The reel seat frame is also anodized to
the same bronze color to match up with G.Loomis’ EastFork fly reels.
The EastFork rod line-up includes three-piece
models in a 7’ three weight and 7’6” four weight. The rest are four-piece models
including an 8’6” three and five weights, 9’ four, five, six and seven weights,
and 10’ five and seven weights.
MODEL DESC. |
Item # |
LENGTH |
LINE WT
|
# PC’s |
Taper |
POWER |
MSRP |
FR843-3 EastFork |
11648 |
7' |
3 |
3 |
Fast |
Stiff |
$385.00 |
FR1023-4 EastFork |
11650 |
8' 6" |
3 |
4 |
Fast |
Stiff |
$400.00 |
FR904-3 EastFork |
11649 |
7' 6" |
4 |
3 |
Fast |
Stiff |
$395.00 |
FR1084-4 EastFork |
11652 |
9' |
4 |
4 |
Fast |
Stiff |
$410.00 |
FR1025-4 EastFork |
11651 |
8' 6" |
5 |
4 |
Fast |
Stiff |
$405.00 |
FR1085-4 EastFork |
11653 |
9' |
5 |
4 |
Fast |
Stiff |
$415.00 |
FR1205-4 EastFork |
11656 |
10' |
5 |
4 |
Fast |
Stiff |
$425.00 |
FR1086-4 EastFork |
11654 |
9' |
6 |
4 |
Fast |
Stiff |
$420.00 |
FR1206-4 EastFork |
11657 |
10' |
6 |
4 |
Fast |
Stiff |
$430.00 |
FR1087-4 EastFork |
11655 |
9' |
7 |
4 |
Fast |
Stiff |
$435.00 |
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The Xperience series is designed for anglers
new to fly fishing, looking for an addition as
a back-up, or need a specific size for a unique situation or occasional trip |
The Xperience Fly Rods:
The first three new series of fly rods either fall into Loomis's ultra premium
GLX or high end Eastfork series. There are a lot of fly anglers that are
unwilling or unable to invest so much in a fly rod, and for those anglers Loomis
introduces the new Xperience series. These are not value rods, but rather
quality rods at aggressive prices. The Xperience series is designed for anglers
new to fly fishing, looking for an addition as a
back-up, or need a specific size for a unique situation or occasional trip, and
offers models to handle just about any kind of fresh and saltwater action. The
series includes 10 rods in a three-weight size up to 12 weight, and retail from
$265 to $345.
“We set a goal to provide the best we could in
terms of blank materials, guides a new reel seat design and top-grade cork
handles,” said Gary Schaefer with G.Loomis’ product development staff, “while
keeping them at a price that would appeal to beginner and novice anglers, and
also for those fly fishing enthusiast looking for special extra rod that’s easy
on the wallet.” For anyone who wants to discover the true fun with fly-fishing -
and do it with quality gear, “that is what we are striving to do with the
Xperience rods,” Schaefer said. “Getting more folks into this sport, a sport
many of us here at G.Loomis already enjoy, is the main goal for us. As with most
self-participation sports, if you start out with inferior gear, the odds are is
you’ll have problems and won’t keep at it. That will not be the case when you
‘experience’ the G.Loomis Xperience rods.”
The blanks are proprietary blend graphite with
tapers that provide an easy-to-cast, lightweight yet durable feel. “In the
lighter three to six weight sizes, anglers will find medium/fast to fast tapers
and medium to medium/stiff powers to provide the line speed needed for accuracy
and control, “Schaefer explains, “while in the heavier weight rods are designed
with fast tapers and stiff powers for saltwater and salmon/steelhead
conditions.”
Xperience rods in 3-piece versions include a 7’6”
four weight and an 8’ three weight. All other Xperience rod are 4-piece models,
offered in an 8’6” five weight, and 9’ four, five, six, eight, nine, 10 and 12
weights.
MODEL DESC. |
Item # |
LENGTH |
LINE WT
|
# PC'S |
Taper |
POWER |
MSRP |
FR904-3 Xperience |
11714 |
7' 6" |
4 |
3 |
Med-Fast |
Medium |
$265.00 |
FR963-3 Xperience |
11715 |
8' |
3 |
3 |
Med-Fast |
Medium |
$265.00 |
FR1084-4 Xperience |
11717 |
9' |
4 |
4 |
Fast |
Med-Stiff |
$285.00 |
FR1025-4 Xperience |
11716 |
8' 6" |
5 |
4 |
Fast |
Med-Stiff |
$285.00 |
FR1085-4 Xperience |
11718 |
9' |
5 |
4 |
Fast |
Med-Stiff |
$285.00 |
FR1086-4 Xperience |
11719 |
9' |
6 |
4 |
Fast |
Med-Stiff |
$285.00 |
FR1088-4 Xperience |
11686 |
9' |
8 |
4 |
Fast |
Stiff |
$295.00 |
FR1089-4 Xperience |
11720 |
9' |
9 |
4 |
Fast |
Stiff |
$295.00 |
FR10810-4
Xperience |
11687 |
9' |
10 |
4 |
Fast |
Stiff |
$325.00 |
FR10812-4 Xperience |
11703 |
9' |
12 |
4 |
Fast |
Stiff |
$345.00 |
Conclusion: After more than a quarter
century in the business Loomis has learned quite a bit about fly rod design. GLX
has and continues to be among the finest materials in terms of both casting and
sensitivity in both fly and bass rods, and it is good to see the material used
in both power and precision applications in the new lineup. The Eastfork rods
balance out the offering, and slots in nicely between the company's GLX rods and
the more affordable new Xperience fly rods which are designed to offer the best
bang for the buck in a high performance yet high value solution. While it
remains to be seen if mainstream/value anglers will turn to a company
predominately known for premium offerings it is nice to see the company address
the complete range of anglers.
Looking for a Loomis rod?
Check out the G.Loomis Superstore at
Monster Tackle

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