Try calling customer service. Got a half to three quarters of an hour. In Calif.

 

Haven't seen or touched any of the Shimano Loomis rods, but the thought comes to mind of the road Rapala has gone down since being bought out by a bigger company. They still make good lures, but not like the originals.

 

Sounds like you have been hangin out at the rumor mill.
All G.Loomis rods are made in Woodland Wa , by American's at the G.Loomis factory, with higher quality control standards than they had just a few years ago, as well as the latest state of the art technology. They do not use Shimano rod blanks, only 100% Loomis made blanks and they are built in the Woodland factory.
A decade or so ago, Gary Loomis sold his company and the name to Shimano, years later he tried to restart using the G.Loomis name and a similar fish logo. There were two separate lawsuites to protect the G.Loomis trademark. The way I understand it, in the first... Shimano won and the second Gary settled.
CV

 

Word !! We just had dinner with Gary at the CCA banquet for the Yakima Chapter and talked in great detail about this very topic.
What the Greek says is absolutely the truth; Gary is still battling with some formalities on the settlement, however the quality and standards that are synonymous with the G-Loomis Brand are one in the same for the product coming out of the Wooland plant currently.
What Shimano does in the future with the advantage of cheaper labor and materials, is yet to be determined.
None of the rods will ever be as good as when Gary was hand tying his own masterpieces, but if you buy a top-end G-loomis rod right now, you can rest at night knowing you invested in a quality fishing stick !
Yes there are some price point offerings as with any manufacturer, however the bigger the price tag, the better the rod in most all cases.

 

Loomis rods are loomis rods, if you question that go check em out in woodland. All rods with a G-loomis Logo on them are made in woodland from start to finish. However, the shimano rods are coming up in the world and are very nice rods.. Rumor has it shimano might begin building shimano rods from the G-loomis factory for sales overseas because the Asian market loves the quality of a US made rod but knows the shimano name really well, however, the blanks will be shimano blanks with their specific graphite blends.

 

Yeah. Lamiglas has a factory in Woodland too and I guarantee their rods are not all built there. Just because the "logo" is on the rod does not mean it was built at the factory let alone in this country unfortunately. May be different with Loomis but I doubt it.:twocents:

 

Im still a fan. Recently took a broken loomis pelagic to Fishermans.

Had a new rod in two weeks. No questions. FMS took care of everything.

All I had to do was pay a minimal freight charge.

I dont have any of the new models. But the original models are still fishing

well. Good product. Good service. (through FMS)

 

If you have any doubt, give G-Loomis a call and go for a tour of their manufacturing plant in Woodland. The engineering department and manufacturing department is all there.

However, there is no doubt in my mind that Shimano is starting to adapt to the G-Loomis technology. I picked up my buddy's Shimano Clairus (SP) along with my IMX. The Clairus it's very light weight and well built. Not quite as light as the IMX, but for 1/4 of the cost.

 

I am just trying to find out what everyone else thinks on this without all the B.S. in-between. I Don't want the its great because everyone else says they are or the its great because i have been fishing them for 20 years and refuse to say anything else is better [i'm sorry i get a lot of this]. From what iv'e seen they are of less quality then before Shimano bought them out . But maybe i just haven't had the right rod in my hand. Like i said when i bought the Okuma SST, i have never really been impressed by Okuma anything besides there citrix reels, But i got talked into getting a SST for my columbia big fish bank rod and i love it. Heck as far as im concerned you can not beat it for the price, Heck i have seen rods 2 times as expensive that are not as good as the SST i got. So im just trying to ind out what others think.

 

Dude you live 20 minutes away from the factory. Take a drive up there and take a tour . This will answer all of your curiousities .

And everyone has different taste. That's why there are so many selections out there for us fisher persons.

Just need to pick something that is comfortable in your hand and won't put too much of a dent in your back pocket.

 

both thumbs up!!!

 

Bottom line, your source is NOT reliable. If you are interested in talking to someone at Loomis PM me and I will give you his info. You need facts, not this "reliable source" BS. Everything Chris V/The Greek said above is spot on.

Loomis rods are every bit as good today as they were pre-Shimano. Have you held an NRX or new STR rod yet? Both of these were developed and released after Gary sold. 'Nuff said.

(and no, I am in no way affiliated with Loomis...just an informed consumer).

 

Im still using my hsr 9000 you sold me NorCal best plug rod I own:meme:

 

...From what i have seen and felt Loomis rods are not what they where before shimano bought them...

Do you actually own one or have you fished with one for any length of time? Your "reliable source" doesn't know jack. I've owned and fished them since LCI. I've got both pre and post Shimano. The quality has never changed over the years. Still one of the best rod companies out there.

 

still great rods, i don't fish them anymore but it has nothing to do with their quality. i fish the rods i fish because similar warranties and quality for better prices, that's it. i love lami, and want to love rogue, time will tell. i don't like the 100 dollar+ price inflation from when i started fishing them

 

Havnt owned a post shimano Loomis rod, but so far have had three older ones. A 1082 IMX, a 1025 GL2, and an old LCI striker II. They have all been excellent rods, but I have heard some negative stuff about the customer service lately. :twocents:

 

I've only had one problem with a loomis rod and it was my fault. Took it up to the factory in Woodland and they fixed it for free.

 

Why are you concerned with rumors? GLoomis makes quality rods. Go with what you can afford. :twocents:

 

I don't think I'm hi jacking the thread when I talk up Shimano rods. I own Loomis, Shimano and Lamiglass rods. I buy a rod for what I fish for. Pretty much what anyone does. I will also admit that money plays a part in that decision. As much as I respect the great rod manufacturers I have a problem with them being over priced IMO. I own rods that I paid nearly 2 bills for but I was careful to judge the rod by what purpose I needed it for and why I needed that rod. If any other decent rod would have taken it's place I most likely would have bought it. It's not about being cheap, it's about being a smart buyer.

That said; I REALLY like all my rods. I've have had guide and or wrap issues with all of them (mostly my own fault) but I either fix my own or have them repaired. There was never a time when I needed a new tip that any of these 3 manufacturers did not warranty the rod. I honor that customer service when newer poles come out but I'm also smart to actual costs of blanks and why their prices are greatly inflated (again IMO).

The recent STS had an article on rod warranties. Warranties are abused and frankly I understand why when we are paying a heavy 2 bill price and more. I'm buying 2 rods when I pay 2 bills and the rod manufacturers have essentially said so in that article. To get a good rod you need to spend a few bucks and I have been known to do that. I am cautious with my dollars now a days and examine the "cheaper" rods for like feel and quality.

Since Shimano bought Loomis I believe the Shimano rods have improved. My next rod purchase will be one of the new Shimano Convergence poles. As a 9-10' bank fishing rod I find it equal to the other manufacturers rods and they are nearly a bill less. I don't expect that rod to equal the Loomis name but it does equal (for me) the feel and stamina I expect from ANY rod manufacturer.

Loomis, Lamiglass and Shimano rods are different by name but I believe progressive rod builders build rods that fit the fisherman's needs. They also need to price them for the economy we are in. THAT is why I put my money and my :twocents: of opinion into the Shimano corner. I encourage any fisherman to compare them. Taking the name and the price sticker off I am very impressed with the balance, feel and action of this rod.

PS: By no means does this mean the other rod builders DON'T build a great rod and that Shimano is a "cheap" rod.

 

How many loomis rods does the original poster own, or has he fished with for more than 5 minutes? Way too much standing around at the hatchery hole and listening to the local "experts" blab about stuff they don't know anything about.

 

I have owned 20+ loomis rods in my life, all but 4 before shimano bought them out, Sadly enough i had all of them stolen along with 99% of all my other out door equipment.


There is a lot of people that talk down on me in this thread because im trying to figure out what other people think and see there perspective on the new loomis/shimano rods. Tell me what you think of the knew rods and what you know about them and not what you think of me because of what i said about this subject. And i have some inside info more then most think. But just like fishing there is fish stories about a lot of things because some one is angry about this, that, or the other thing. Or they have to hype it up.


fishin"G"man SAID
Since Shimano bought Loomis I believe the Shimano rods have improved.

I believe this to be true. i have seen shimano's product get better since they bought loomis, witch to me is a good thing.


Guys all i want to know really is what you think of the new Loomis/Shimano rods versus the older ones, Are they the same? are they better? Do you like them as much as the ones before Shimano bought them?

 

Most of my LOOMIS rods are IMXs. I also own Lamis and a couple of older brownings. My Shimano Loomis have lower profile reel seats that I really like. My older IMXs the reels sit higher. Thats it. I cant tell any difference in the blank differences. all of them are flat out awesome. One of my fishing companions used to give me crap about spending that much money on rod and reels, then one day he used one. The look on his face was pricless. I dont think he even wanted to pickup his old IM6 again

 

Thank you for your opinion.

I find it funny how American's think the Japanese can't produce the "quality" that American's do. :flowered: Funny how so many covet the Shimano reels.
I've fished with Loomis rods a few times(IMX series)... wasn't impressed at all for how much the price tag was. But they are good quality rods, for people that can afford them.

Ahh i dont think shimano is junk. In fact the first sturgeon and first steelhead i caught where bolth on a shimano spinning combo at Drano lake plunking sandshrimp with my father when i was around 7 years old. My dad was so exited almost more exited then i was. He took me out to plunk for them out of the boat during night. Heck he tells me that the first steelhead i caught that night went over 20lbs and a keeper size sturgeon even though we had to let it go since it was closed then. And they where caught on that shimano combo witch was a 6 ft rod rated 6-10lb test

I'm fishing all new Loomis Rods...made in the last few years. The quality is excellent, and their actions are built for our fisheries right here in the Northwest. I currently have about 30 of them, bought in sets of 4 or 6 for specific styles of fishing. What I love most is when you buy rods built for a specific purpose or fishing technique, they perform to an unbelievable level. I think my 1265's are the best herring rod I've ever fished, and my 1084's are perfect kwikfish/diver rods.

In the last 3 years of fishing these rods, I've broken 2, and both were the my fault, or the fault of others in my boat. I've never had anything close to a hiccup with my gear, and I can tell you, many of the people who have fished with me end up purchasing similar gear because of how it performs.

Bottom line is the new Loomis rods, built in Woodland are fantastic products, with exceptional quality, and actions that are tailor made for the Northwest. Lamiglas and other rod company's also build very good products, and many are also tailored for our styles of fishing, so this part IS a personal choice. Just don't get caught up in the mine is better than yours debate....decide for yourself...

Thank you for you opinion, I have just really wanted to know what people that fish the new rods think.

 

I find it funny how American's think the Japanese can't produce the "quality" that American's do. :flowered: Funny how so many covet the Shimano reels.
I've fished with Loomis rods a few times(IMX series)... wasn't impressed at all for how much the price tag was. But they are good quality rods, for people that can afford them.

 

I'm fishing all new Loomis Rods...made in the last few years. The quality is excellent, and their actions are built for our fisheries right here in the Northwest. I currently have about 30 of them, bought in sets of 4 or 6 for specific styles of fishing. What I love most is when you buy rods built for a specific purpose or fishing technique, they perform to an unbelievable level. I think my 1265's are the best herring rod I've ever fished, and my 1084's are perfect kwikfish/diver rods.

In the last 3 years of fishing these rods, I've broken 2, and both were the my fault, or the fault of others in my boat. I've never had anything close to a hiccup with my gear, and I can tell you, many of the people who have fished with me end up purchasing similar gear because of how it performs.

Bottom line is the new Loomis rods, built in Woodland are fantastic products, with exceptional quality, and actions that are tailor made for the Northwest. Lamiglas and other rod company's also build very good products, and many are also tailored for our styles of fishing, so this part IS a personal choice. Just don't get caught up in the mine is better than yours debate....decide for yourself...

 

I'm too afraid to post my opinion :doh:

 

I have a few newer GLoomis rods. They are every bit as good as my old ones. I have fished with LCI rods before I even knew what they were. When I first started 20 or so years ago, I scored a pair of LCI rods at a yard sale in Tillamook. Many years later I found out the history on those awesome rods. That pretty much did it for me, I have been a loyal GLoomis fan the whole time even though I did'nt really know it. I have been buying technique specific GLoomis rods lately and I have been very pleased. Nothing bad to say. I like Shimano reels and almost every rod I have has a Shimano reel. So there you have it.

 

:yeahthat:Little Timmy: You mean just cuz it says made in the U.S.A doesent really mean that it is??
Reality Man: hahaha, oh no little timmy.. its called outsourcing.. A stupid thing we started doing in the 1980's, and its ruining our country, thats why your daddy doesent work...
Little Timmy: well my moms new friend who i call "uncle tim" says i shouldnt buy anything unless its made right here in good ol' U.S.A..
Reality man: This Uncle tim sounds like a real smart guy:flag3:

 

:laugh: That's good! I wont say that other people can't make it as good, but man I wish we we're more self sufficient. Outsourcing and importing is killing us..

 

Look back at what the Greek said. He was very accurate in his response! He has been a ProStaff angler for G. Loomis and Shimano for some time and has significant personal knowledge of G. Loomis and Shimano products.

G. Loomis rods are 100% manufactured in Woodland, WA. G. Loomis R&D, blank poroduction and assembly occure here in WA. There is no outsourcing as was insinuated above.

Fish-N-Fool
ProStaff G. Loomis, Shimano and PowerPro
CCA Member
Walleye Fanatic

 

Look back at what the Greek said. He was very accurate in his response! He has been a ProStaff angler for G. Loomis and Shimano for some time and has significant personal knowledge of G. Loomis and Shimano products.

G. Loomis rods are 100% manufactured in Woodland, WA. G. Loomis R&D, blank poroduction and assembly occure here in WA. There is no outsourcing as was insinuated above.

Fish-N-Fool
ProStaff G. Loomis, Shimano and PowerPro
CCA Member
Walleye Fanatic

While I value the opinions of professionals, I take more than a grain of salt with the opinion of ANY member of ANY Pro-staff. They are part of the product pimping process. All that aside, I have 2 G-Loo's, because Lamiglas didn't make exactly what I was looking for at the time.
The salmon bobber rod is still a favorite and the BBR still is great and also works well for gators.
Have no problems with Lami or Loomis and give extra points for local made products.

 

Yup...I'm tied in with Shimano/G-Loomis too. I have enough Loomis rods to choke most sleds, and the funny thing is that I run NOTHING BUT SHIMANO on my charter boat. The quality of the loomis rods has not gone down, and Shimano has come so far in the last 6 years it is unreal. Blind test a good 9' shimano and 9' loomis drift rod and you would be completely guessing at which is which. They build tools for us fishermen, and if you think that Shimano is not using Loomis technology, and Loomis is not continuing to develop top of the line tools to put in our hands, you my friend are crazy!