[Jared]

Well, my federal income tax return showed up in my bank account today and while most of it must go to paying blls, I decided I was going to treat myself to one nice rod. However, I have narrowed it down to two rods and am now unsure as to which to choose. Id really like some help and some opinions.

Here are the two I am torn between:

This one in the 6'6" MH (or 7' M perhaps)
http://www.basspro.com/servlet/cata...arClassCode=2&hvarSubCode=2&hvarTarget=browse

or this one in the 6'10" MH
http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/t...ode=IG&rid=&parentType=index&indexId=cat20374

they are both top brands and both cost about the same.

which would you pick and why? should i just flip a coin? lol I desperately need a new spinning rod this year. My 15+ year old All Stars have seen better days.

 

[dave0331_69]

I personally like the Kistler it just feels more balanced to me, however i've never owned a G-loomis fished with one time and it was nice but didnt seem as balanced to me. Thats just my personal opinion, both are excellent rods. Dave

 

[GotstaFish]

If you want my opinion, forget both of them and get a Shimano Crucial. Awesome rod, less than those 2 and it has a lifetime over the counter warranty!

 

[Guest]

If you want my opinion, forget both of them and get a Shimano Crucial. Awesome rod, less than those 2 and it has a lifetime over the counter warranty!

That right there sounds like a great deal.

 

[imonembad]

Jared, go with the Loomis they are the best bar none you won't be sorry.

 

[GotstaFish]

Jared, go with the Loomis they are the best bar none you won't be sorry.

I heard that G-Loomis was bought out by Shimano. Pick up a Crucial once and see what you think

 

[Ouachita]

Kistler compared to Loomis is a tossup for me. I couldn't decide, both about equal in quality, feel, weight. THE thing that caught my eye was that choice between Medium or MH in a rod. BIG difference. Go with Medium action (mod fast in Kistler) if casting light lures. You need the rod to flex and store energy on the back cast to get distance. In Loomis go for a MH for lures above 1/2 oz, long (7') or if shorter go for a M. What you need it to do would help to know.

Jim

 

[Ouachita]

Crucial rods are GOOD. I plan to pick up a couple this year after trying one out a day.

Jim

 

[imonembad]

It won't take to many investigative skills to figure out what the Lake City Yankee plans to use his new rod for Jim He is the slugo king!

 

[GotstaFish]

Crucial rods are GOOD. I plan to pick up a couple this year after trying one out a day.

Jim

I you haven't tried them already Jim, your in for a treat Plus the price and the lifetime over the counter warranty and 2nd to none!!!

 

[oldschool]

Shimano did purchase G. Loomis about 6 years ago. The big difference in rods today verses 5 years ago is weight. The difference from 2006 and 2007 is cosemetics like sculptured handles and guide placement/wrapping. In 2006 the top makers went to application specific rods verses power, action and tapper. Rods are a lot like electronics in the since that last years top of the line products are offered as this years secondary and D house products. Shimano uses G. Loomis blanks from the same factory. Note on rod makers, some of G. Loomis and Phoenix rods designers have relocated to Lamiglas and their new products are outstanding. The G. Loomis GLX series uses the same rod blanks, with few exceptions, as the secondary class with bells & whistles that you are paying extra $$ for.
I need to touch and feel rods before making a decision, regardless of the price. If the rod doesn't feel right to you, then it isn't the right rod for you and your fishing style.
I own are mix of rods from several makers, nothing matches, because they work for me. If owning the best of what is available is based on $$ and cosemetics, go for it, but don't buy it from a D house, buy it from a good pro shop. D houses get the culls with slight flaws and specials runs, you are much better selecting a rod from several of the same model where you can pick it up and compare each individual item for proper spline to guide placement and workmanship or direct form the factory. Rods are individually made. You can also have a good rod builder make a rod using G. Loomis or whomever's blank, the cost is competitive.
Tom

 

[GotstaFish]

Great info Tom, Thanks.

 

[johnporter]

Great info Tom.. Thanks ....
Nothing wrong with throwing the old Sluggo. Very seldom do you see me not have one tied one.

 

[Ouachita]

I had two rods locally built and both failed. The guy was said to be second to none. After a few months of my complaining he admitted guide placement is probably where he's weak, never trained to space them right, cutting back on numbers of guides to keep the weight low where he ought to have tried using titanium guides. He bought the rods back and stopped building them. I think now computers are used to figure out ideal spacing, diameters, etc.

Jim

 

[grayfox]

Jared, let me know if ya decide on the Loomis, I emailed ya

 

[hi steel basser]

Not to add to the confusion, LCY, but I would highly recommend a Falcon Cara. It is the only rod that I would even dare to compare to Loomis. I have never fished a Kistler or Lamiglass, though. BTW, I wouldn't use a spinning rod for any soft jerkbait. The line twist would be insane. But if you are looking for a shaky haed or drop shot rod, or just a finesse plastics rod, look at the prices on G Loomis at FatFishFarmer on ebay. You may very well be fishing a high end G Loomis for the 200 you want to spend.

 

[jwbarker]

Beyong just the brand name of the manufacturer - what are you looking to do with this rod?

 

[oldschool]

If your heart is set on owning a G. Loomis, consider the IMX series.
Tom
Ps; I can get your deal from Iovino on his custom rods made by lamiglas to specific specs, if interested.

 

[Jared]

Beyong just the brand name of the manufacturer - what are you looking to do with this rod?

I'm not sure if I am going to replace my worm spinning rod (current a 6' 6" M - Fast Action - All Star) which is what I use for mostly texas rigs 3/16oz and lighter. It has a Daiwa SS1600 on it. Or I may replace my soft jerkbait rod, which is a 7' M fibreglass Browning rod.

Im not sure yet but I know I need to make that decision. Its a tough one to make lol If I had it my way and could afford to do.. Id do em both but... well... i cant lol

 

[oldschool]

Beyong just the brand name of the manufacturer - what are you looking to do with this rod?

I'm not sure if I am going to replace my worm spinning rod (current a 6' 6" M - Fast Action - All Star) which is what I use for mostly texas rigs 3/16oz and lighter. It has a Daiwa SS1600 on it. Or I may replace my soft jerkbait rod, which is a 7' M fibreglass Browning rod.

Im not sure yet but I know I need to make that decision. Its a tough one to make lol If I had it my way and could afford to do.. Id do em both but... well... i cant lol

Don is selling out all his Phinex rods for $60 becuase he switch to Lamiglas this year. These are very good rods worth anywhere from $150 to $200, call him: drop my name and he may double the price.
Tom