Loomis rod feedback

CHUNQX · #1 11-02-2004, 06:16 PM

I got myself 2 identical Loomis rods when I started out trying to fish for bream on lures. One is a GL2 custom built SJ720 and the other is a factory built IMX SJ720. they both come with Alconite guides but the factory built ones have very small flushed to the blank guides. The explanation was these are the new low profile alconite guides. Anyway, I haven't done too much bream fishing with these rods and they're relatively unused and I was considering selling one of them but I intend to keep one for soft plastics. I'm trying to get a review here to see which one I'll let go...

CHUNQX

Nick Cuccovia · #2 11-02-2004, 10:35 PM

The IMX is a better blank than the GL2.

Cheers Nick

chris_lemess · #3 12-02-2004, 12:53 AM

You'll prob notice that the IMX is stiffer than the GL2 as it's a higher modulus blank as Nick has stated. Probably make a better hardbody rod than for finessing plastics. You'll obviously get more if you sell it as well. Seeing as you've bought it, keep the IMX.

Chris

CHUNQX · #4 12-02-2004, 06:27 PM

Thanks guys, looks like its 2 to 0 for the IMX. What then would you use the GL2 for then? Also, you said that the IMX is stiffer. Does this mean it is not that suitable to use for plastics?

CHUNQX

Geoff R · #5 12-02-2004, 09:16 PM

Have a fish with both i reckon you may find the GL2 will serve you better for plastics as it's not so stiff, they are both very useful rods, personally i wouldn't get rid of either.
Regards
Geoff R ( the angler formerly known as Geoff P)

CHUNQX · #6 12-02-2004, 09:24 PM

Thanks Geoff,

I haven't fished with the IMX yet but I've already fished with the GL2 and I've only caught fish with it on bait but zip on the soft plastics. Just by flexing the rod, the IMX feels softer than the GL2 so I'm surprised to hear you all say that the IMX is stiffer. I'll give it a try though. Also, does the low profile alconite guides affect the performance in any way good or bad. I'm used to spinning rods having bigger guides rather than the alconite versions

Geoff R · #7 12-02-2004, 10:13 PM

I love the rods to death, they are my rod of choice however i have not seen a loomis that will do the job on plastics yet.
" I am not saying that there isn't one" it's just that Loomis has such a poor support over here in Perth i want to see some of the lighter longer spinning ( "S" ) sticks as i think they may fill the void.
The Loomis's you have are used by some of the best soft plastics fisherman in the game like Adam Royter, (he'll kill me for this) Dave "kingpin" Press and " The Bain's "
You have 2 of the best rods money can buy, both have uses i would really encourage you to get some experience up first otherwise you may regret selling those beautiful fishing rods.
Where are you from Chuckie????
Regards
Geoff R ( The angler formerly known as Geoff P )

'

CHUNQX · #8 12-02-2004, 10:31 PM

Geoff,

I'm from Victoria (Melbourne) and I got onto this website more than 2 years ago before this website had so many more links and stuff on it. Then, there was only the online store and I was in regular phone contact with Warren and getting advice on which plastics were best and I ordered quite all my sliders from him. I started fishing for bream in the Docklands and it was exactly like what your signature says, 2000+ casts, 1000+ follows and so far only 3 bream actually hooked up.

I gave up on bream in Docklands after 1 and 1/2 years or persistent trying but I must say that the hours put into the "research" were not wasted. I brought them to every other place I fished eg, Merimbula, Whitsundays etc and caught every other fish on them EXCEPT bream from the Docklands. Through this website I found out that Docklands is the worst place to lure fish for them because of the stagnant still water and the Yarra which is just next to the Docklands fishes so much better.

I must say that my favourite SP to use now is slowly shifting from the sliders (1 1/2") to the atomics fat grub (cut down). I scent my own SPs with either YUM, Spike it or another crawdad flavoured one (dunno the brand).

I love these forums because I have picked up so many tips already for using lures SP and HBs. Now I just have to go and put all that theory into practise....

Good fishin'

ps. I think I shall keep both rods now...

tim shannon · #9 12-02-2004, 11:53 PM

hey guys,

Just wondering which loomis' rods youve tried that dont do the job on plastics, and why??

Ive been looking around for a new rod myself but have decided im in no hurry as i dont want to rush out and buy something that wont do the job im after 100%(sp's)... Just reading the loomis site, and what they specify their rods 'jobs' are, they suggest the SJR series as soft plastics rods.... Why do you think they dont do plastics well?? One of the rods i have looked at is the loomis SP842-2IMX(trout/panfish series)... Ever seen/fondled this one?? would appreciate any opinions good or bad on this rod....

Thanks,

Tim

#10 13-02-2004, 12:40 AM

Geoff your dead!!!
God if your gonna put my in your list, at least put me in front of Royter! LOL

Back to loomis....
I fish with an SJR720 GL2 which is a bit stiff for plasticing in my opinion. While on a recent trip to Melbourne, I was shown a Loomis called the Bronze Back (Complete Angelr in the city), and they are loomis's SP's special rod. They are made for Small Mouth bass in the US...unfortunately I cant find them here in WA...
If you can get hold of one light enough over in Vic...snap it up. Would be a great asset.

#11 13-02-2004, 12:42 AM

Oh and BTW....
even though I said my rod was a lil too stiff (i was comparing it to the ultimate plastics rod which im yet to find)....
It still outfishes Geoff on just about every occasion....ahahaha sucker.

Cindy · #12 13-02-2004, 12:46 AM

Hi Guys,
I realize this is a thread on Loomis and I am very familiar with the rods (we used to be the G. Loomis rodbuilders for Australia), but have you considered as another option to their SP842-2, our Black Diamond Bream Reaper 7ft which is also a SP842-2 but is on a USA Rainshadow blank. We make the rods here in Australia whereas the Loomis are now imported from the US. Steve actually designed the Bream version we built here for Loomis and now we have our own brand to freely explore. We are able to put alot more into our own rods and suggest you consider them as an option. We will also be releasing a new 7ft Flats Ranger rod 2-3kg which will do well for SP, too. Soon to be released are our Custom Plus which will have top class guides (custom made for us) and deluxe reel seats and cork butt caps. I am sure they will be in BM's store in the future but folks who are not in WA can purchase direct from us from our website: www.blackdiamondrods.com
Stay tuned, there will be some new specials on line soon!
Cheers,
Cindy

Steve Brown · #13 13-02-2004, 12:47 AM

Chunqx I bought a 820 drop-shot awhile ago and love it for both softs and hard bodies but wanted something a little shorter to get into tight spots eg under bridges and snags etc. So I got the 720 in IMX and loved it for both lure types. Dave aka kingpin got 1 in GL2 like yours and rates the rod highly for both as well. As time went on I came across a TPS 1-3 kg Struddie, 2nd generation model and it is by far the best rod I own or have used for soft plastic work. I now use the dropshot for flats work(added length aids in casting for me), 720 IMX for hb's and the TPS for softies. Tim I hope this helps with your ques as well mate, keeping in mind that Loomis' recommendations are very much aimed at the bass market from my obs. Not having had the opportunity to use these on bass but the bass seem generally bigger and heavier than our bream and also it appears the jig heads and plackys seem longer and heavy as a general rule.
Give Dave W a bell, I think Dave does both, if not you can get hold of some of the guru's on "bream.com as blokes like Tim Morgan, Barra etc post there as well.
Lastly it's really a personal choice for you guys, what's good for one may not be suitable for another. Good luck in your choice and happy breamin.
Cheers Steve

tim shannon · #14 13-02-2004, 01:04 AM

cool.... Thanks for the replys everyone.. Think i got the model wrong actually, SR-not SP but Cindy seemed to know what i was on about!!! Like i said im not in any hurry, and i would love to try all these rods before i buy but thats easier said than done... Will get round to it im sure... The SR series is actually designed for trout, panfish( ?distant cousin of the bream... not sure) so im thinkin they should be ok for bream.... havent written off strudy, blackdiamond, millerods etc, not at all, just slowly working my way through the obscenely horn range of rods available these days, tryin to make sense of it all( alot for a newbie)..

anyway, thanks again for the replies.. have to stop using works internet time now!! Have a fishy w/end people.... later

tim

big mumma · #15 13-02-2004, 02:30 AM

CHUNQX: if you were to get rid of one i would definately keep the IMX.

Geoff P: have you tried the GL3 ( mahagony ) P8400. 7'. i recently got a custom one of these ( hence the mahogany name ) and am very impressed with it for plastics.

tim shannon: try the rod mentioned above, you wont be dissapointed.

kingpin: the bronzeback is a very nice rod indeed, i checked one out a couple of weeks ago