9' GL2 Casting or other???

rola76 · 01-08-2003, 09:39 AM

My birthday is coming up on the 17th, and my wonderful wife has promised me a new rod. So the debate is if I should go with a 9' GL2 casting rod (6-12lb) or another rod. I've got 3 GL rods, including an 8'6" that I absolutely love. But is there something better that is of equal price such as a Lamiglas, St. Croix, etc?
If you had a choice, what would it be, and it's gotta be around the $200 range.

Thanks in advance for the input.

brshooter · 01-08-2003, 10:16 AM

I would check out TH Custom Rods. They make a great rod. I bought a 1084 a year ago and just ordered a new 1143. Can't wait to get it. Prices are very competitive. I think you will hear lots of good reviews from other ifishers as well.

[ 01-08-2003, 11:17 AM: Message edited by: brshooter ]

First Bite · 01-08-2003, 10:21 AM

Ditto on the TH Rod. If it was my money I'd have Travis build a custom rod.

Mark

Yellow North River · 01-08-2003, 10:27 AM

I have 3 St Croix and just as many G Loomis the older ones before they flex coated the GL2. I called G Loomis and asked why they did this and they said they wanted to make a pretty rod for entry level. The flex coat slows the rod down and adds weight. I have the 9 ft 6-12lb St Croix, I love it for Steelhead with a Currodo SF,

drifter · 01-08-2003, 10:27 AM

Ditto on the TH rod. Travis has built two for me. He advises that rainshadow rods are similar to GL3. I agree. For the money, a better choice than a GL2 (which are BRICKS for steelheading). Of course, the best option would be an IMX - but very spendy. Good fishing. Drifter.

Firedog · 01-08-2003, 10:48 AM

I would also say to go with a Rainshadow over a GL2. Better rod for the money. They make a 1084 that is a 6-12 and a very nice blank.

SeanD · 01-08-2003, 10:48 AM

Another vote for TH. He's built me a 1025 casting, 1023 hot shot casting, and a 1024 spinning. I recently went fishing with a friend who was using a Lami 1306 8-12 I offered my 1025 8-17 for a few casts. He was amazed, said my rainshadow was a lot more sensitive, and thats for a heavier rod. TH does a nice job.

GL2 · 01-08-2003, 04:16 PM

Jeez! :shocked:
Just slam the GL2.
Bricks for steelheading??
Pretty entry leval rod.
My 8'6" 8#-17# fishes pretty sweet to me.
I didn't know it was such a piece of junk until know.
Thanks for the thrashing.

[ 01-08-2003, 05:22 PM: Message edited by: GL2 ]

novice · 01-08-2003, 05:39 PM

GL2
Ya, your right....Ditch it..... ***...
send to me for disposal..... :grin:
novice

TH · 01-08-2003, 05:44 PM

Thanks for the kind words guys..
we feel they are the best thing going!

Novice... quit beggin' If you are in need I'll "hook you up" after its the least I could do for all of those great passes you used to throw me.... plus my wife thinks you're pretty cool..

Tough one at the University of Marist the other night huh..???

[ 01-08-2003, 06:46 PM: Message edited by: TH ]

blacktail · 01-08-2003, 06:08 PM

Travis,

What's the date for the new blanks? Also, how much more are you figuring they will be over the current one?

Thanks,
Mike

TH · 01-08-2003, 06:21 PM

not sure on a date yet.. and not sure on blank prices.. If I were to guess on blank prices I would assume a silimar difference between the 43/51 flyt rods.. about $50-$70 depending on the blank but that is just a guess.

So I guess I am not much help.

Once Batson gets the new factory "cookin" they should start popping them out..

[ 01-08-2003, 07:26 PM: Message edited by: TH ]

drifter · 01-08-2003, 06:57 PM

GL2 - no offense intended, my man! The GL2 is a great rod. I have mine for bobber fishing, pulling plugs, etc.

But, if you are talking winter steelhead drift fishing, you have got to try on IMX. In fact, come fishing with me and you can test the two against each other.

Once you try the IMX, you will be addicted. Better than drugs, candy and "you know what." Like the rest of us, you will be mortgaging the house (rates are good!), car and kids to have one. Maybe even change your handle from "GL2" to "IMX".

Good fishin and have fun. Drifter.

Snapshot · 01-08-2003, 07:55 PM

Great thread and after reading all this, I am willing to give 25 cents on the $$$for a couple of those no good, less sensitive, pretty entry level rods. The prices must be coming down after this. I would prefer a couple 9' rods that are no doubt less experienced that the IMX rods.

*Fish only bite wet hooks*

Catch 22 · 01-08-2003, 08:33 PM

The ULTIMATE drift rod in my opinion is the 1084c IMX. A 9' 8-12 casting rod from heaven. I have a lot of loomis rods. I have a few custom Rainshadows. Nothing compares to an IMX. I am interested in seeing the new Rainshadows though. Dollar for dollar the Rainshadows can be built as serious contenders for the money. Dollar for dollar, they're a good deal. But, if money's not a deciding factor it's IMX hands down.

GL2, you have a great rod for a "one rod fishes all". I fished a 1025c in a GL2 for a long time and caught many, many fish with it. The GL2 is also a sturdier, thicker walled rod and will take a beating and land fish forever. Where as my IMX is not something I feel good about letting bounce around on the boat gunnels or thrashing through the trees with. They just won't take the abuse that a GL2 can.
I still run (3) 1082 GL2 spinning setups for my clients. I fish them myself quite often. I've only broken one GL2 ever and that was with the truck door. Anyway, fish on with what you have. At least it's not a Lamiglass :shocked: :grin:

novice · 01-08-2003, 08:55 PM

TH
Always looking for handouts.... :grin:
Passes???? Oh...Basketball..Right. Not Saturday nights at the pad....
Marist....get them two more times. Defenitly not a rebuilding year for them.
novice

rola76 · 01-08-2003, 11:19 PM

I checked out the TH website, and I definitely like the 1084 blank for 8-12lb test. The price is competitive, and it sounds like they're a pretty good rod for the money.

Thanks for the input so far, and any more would be greatly appreciated!

rola76 · 01-09-2003, 07:19 AM

GL2,

I too fish several GL2's, and to me they're sweet rods. I've got the 1024 and 1025, along with a walleye rod and I absolutely love them. In fact, down on the Grand Ronde last weekend a buddy of mine in another boat said, "I sure would like to see what it feels like to catch a steelhead on a G. Loomis!"

I guess the thing is to many people ANY G. Loomis rod is sweet, considering that many fish with what are "supposedly" lesser rods such as Berkleys or something else. But let's face it, it's all a matter of choice, and to be honest, a matter of $$.