Loomis GLX fly rod -- worth it?

LongJohn · 12-05-2003, 03:11 PM

Hi,

My first post to the fly fishing section.

My experience so far has been the waters of southwestern Montana -- the Madison, Jefferson, Beaverhead, etc. Haven't tried flies for steelies or salmon yet.

I use a 5wt and 6wt Sage with a Loop Evotech reel for trout up to 10 lbs.. I have an opportunity to get a Loomis Streamdance FR1086-4 SD GLX fly rod (Item #11393-01) for 50% off retail ($630). I've never used a Loomis before and this rod is pricey even at half off.

What do you all think of this rod at this price? Any comments would be appreciated.

Thanks...John

Fish_N_Russ · 12-05-2003, 03:19 PM

I would say the first thing is you should try out the same type of rod to see if you even like it :smile:

Other than that, yeah thats a lot of money for a rod. Personally I dont spend anything more than about $50 for any rod, but thats just me :grin:

Airborne · 12-05-2003, 05:15 PM

I can't see spending that kind of money for a fly rod unless you were going to use it for sub-surface only, I mean if you fish dry fly you can see the take and dont need all that sensivity and if you use a strike indicator that should be enough for sub surface indication of the take. On a funnier note... if you have to ask about the price than that should be your strike indicator... saying NO WAY. The fish only care about whats on their end of the line not ours :grin:

[ 12-05-2003, 06:16 PM: Message edited by: Airborne ]

12-05-2003, 07:09 PM

I have the Loomis GLX and after comparing it to the Sage XP I'm glad I made the choice I did. I like a high end fly rod and believe there are very few bargains out there.
Just my .02

[ 12-05-2003, 09:22 PM: Message edited by: Stew ]

LongJohn · 12-05-2003, 08:31 PM

Well, I suppose I was looking for Stew's answer.

The question was really evaluating high-end Loomis fly rods just like discussions on their spinning and casting rods that generate so much debate. I do a lot of nymphing so sensitivity is paramount and I don't like strike indicators.

My mid-level Sages are nice but if the increase in performance is there at a decent price point then I guess I'll go for it.

Thanks...John

Whiskey Dick · 12-05-2003, 10:11 PM

LongJohn, you wil not be disappointed with the GLX StreamDance, it is a great rod. And at 50% off a great deal. I have used GLX's for the past 10 years and they are great rods, not the cheapest out there(LOL) but well worth the money.
enjoy the rod,brian

draggin bottom · 12-07-2003, 04:56 AM

Hi LJ,

If you fish windy conditions quite a bit nad/or you don't need a delicate presentation, this would be a great choice. For spring creeks or back eddies, I think it is too fast of action. But with inflation, I'm the only one that would pay 2 cents for my opinion.

DB

Muddler · 12-14-2003, 05:25 PM

Don't look at the price, rather the pleasure fishing that rod will bring! I have Sage RPL's from 5 to 9 wts. and Loomis in a 7. They are different but for power and control, you can't go wrong either way. Besides...I would rather have a more than enough rod when I needed it then not enough when wishing I did. (*Wind is a four letter word) You should be more concerned about explaining your next rod 'cause you are gonna' like this rod and want another!

Snap-T · 12-18-2003, 11:02 PM

I have 4 GLX's, they are worth every penny. The feel of a fly rod comes in the cast and has nothing to do with indicators as previously mentioned in this thread. While you have 60ft in the air, it will dawn on you that it was a good decision. If you don't want to buy it, I'll buy it from you after an additional small $ increase. Goahead, you can make a bit on me. Spend the money and you won't ever post this again. High dollar fly rods are high dollar for a reason.
I also own sage and scott, I choose to fish loomis.

[ 12-19-2003, 12:05 AM: Message edited by: Snap-T ]

12-19-2003, 12:05 AM

I wholeheartily agree Snap-T. In my opinion a fly rod is the one rod you should spend the big bucks on. You'll feel it in the cast!
I'm not saying there aren't decent rods out there for a reasonable price but you cast an inexpensive rod then cast a high dollar rod you'll see what we mean.

Thumper · 12-19-2003, 01:23 PM

So I guess the $69 Northriver is not a consideration, eh? :depressed:

[ 12-19-2003, 02:24 PM: Message edited by: Thumper ]

FishonDon · 12-20-2003, 10:24 AM

If you like casting all day that is silky smooth, sensitive and light in weight, buy it!
At 50% off, you can't go wrong,

If you don't like it, which is highly unlikely, you can sell it without losing a cent.

Besides, you are getting older. Haven't you earned some of life's little pleasures? Get it now while you can still enjoy it.