Difference between GL2, GL3, IMX loomis rods

[jimreevescairns]

Good day
Idly looking at Loomis rods on some USA sites . All different types and numbers pretty confusing. One that interested me was CR 724 casting rod is being sold at $130 US for the GL2 version and almost twice that for IMX version. Other similar models have GL3 versions which are more expensive too.

My question is what's the difference ? is it really noticeable ? is the GL2 "inferior" ?
- I am a purely recreational angler

I would be using it with a new shimano curado 200/300 in rivers, estuaries and dams up here around Cairns.

Currently have on a shimano raider barra 'something' - which cost me $130 Aus
and which I quite like.

Postage from these guys is only $35 US and can put 5 rods in the same tube for same price which seems very reasonable.

Interested in opinions and how this may compare with the raider as I have never laid hands on any loomis rods - if we got a couple sent over wouldn't actually be much more with current exchange rate !

regards
Jim

[NAGG]

G'day Jim

I'm a pretty big fan of Loomis rods in general ...... but its the blank technology that is the key to Loomis rods ........ Their range is phenomenal & something will suit most applications
To answer your question

Yes there is a significant & very noticeable difference as you progress through the range (GL2/3 , IMX , GLX refer to the blank used)

GL2 is the entry level ( Graphite) .. Its lower modulus & a bit heavier GL2 is more robust ( stands up to a lot of abuse) ........ I think they are a little stiff

GL3 is a good choice ...... higher modulus graphite , lighter weight & more responsive ( still pretty tough) ....... Really good rods at a reasonable price. I like GL3 in medium Baitcasters

IMX .... Is high tech graphite technology ...... very light & sensitive ! .....more suited to the experienced fishoe ( quite fragile ..... & easily broken with bad technique)

Then you have a series of rods that are based on blends of glass & various graphite to give certain characteristics for specialised styles or to change the action. They usually have a name like Crankbait series , spinnerbait , mosseyback etc The dropshot rods are popular with SP anglers .......... There are some nice rods in this group of glass / graphite blends.

Then the Top of the tree ( GLX) ..... which is arguably the best blank material ( very light & super responsive ) ...... You look at these rods & its hard to believe the power rating ......... Once again a rod for the more experienced!

Taking into account what you intend to use the rod for ..... I'd go a GL3 ! I own a CR722 (GL3) which I use for my wild barra & jack fishing ..... Its a favorite of mine ( like a comfortable pair of shoes)

While there are lots of good rods on the market ...... I've just found the blank quality & range hard to go past.
The only real downside , is the cost ...... however just like what you are doing ...... I buy my Loomis rods out of the states ( & then you are talking unbeatable $ value) .
So give the GL3 a wirl ( not sure if there is a CR724 in GL3 ) ......

I hope this gives you some idea ..... PM me if you need a little help

Cheers

Nagg

[jimreevescairns]

Thank you for your very useful, informative answer Nagg - exactly the sort of info I was looking for.
You are right there isn't a G3 in the model I'm looking at - will look at the one you mentioned
regards
Jim

[NAGG]

Thank you for your very useful, informative answer Nagg - exactly the sort of info I was looking for.
You are right there isn't a G3 in the model I'm looking at - will look at the one you mentioned
regards
Jim

No problem Jim

A very similar rod to what you are looking for is the MBR784C (GL3) .... Its in the Mag bass range. its rated at 12-20lb with the big difference being the length ( 6" longer than the CR724) ....... I actually think that this rod offers a little more flexibility ...... & will allow accurate casting with smaller lures! ...... I'm considering this same rod for a second wild barra stick.......... It should be in the same price range (A$200 + freight)

Cheers Nagg

[ratbag's]

thanks Nagg, just looking thru some old posts to understand the Loomis range. great explanation!

[Swindells]

Man i'd love to get one of those g-loomis rods, budgets suck. took me ages to convince the missus i needed a Penn 850ssm. got it in the end.

[craigie]

Hi Guys,

My ears all ways prick-up when the conversation turns to Loomis !!

I have searched for loomis stockists in the states but only ever find the same one or two. Any chance of posting the names of Loomis stockists you deal with ?

Can pm me if you prefer to keep it a little hush,

Thanks & Regards
Craigie

any recomendations for a loomis to match a 2500 Daiwa Certate, 10 - 16lb braid, Cast plastics, light lures to target large Bass, flathead and Moreton Bay Squire/Snappa ?

[Jarrah Jack]

Fifteen years ago Ibrought what was then a top of the range 6ft barra rod at about $300. It is still going strong and has had plenty of good workouts. I will have to replace the guides very soon.

I can attest that these rods are worth the extra bucks in the long run.

[rhycebullimore]

boys all the w's GLoomis . us - very good to deal with
...assuming your fishing the north (im from townsville fish hinchinbrook exclusively) best and one of the most versatile rod you should be looking at is a mosseyback cr663...short butt...all the local shops will have these go in and have a play you will know what your in for, very light sensitive have trolled up meter plus on this rod, don't be fooled by the softer tip(only softer compared to the norm of 8-10 kg stiff rods), seems to keep the pins in for me, or go the imx to clear up the softness.

[stevelcqld]

Bass Pro are pretty good to deal with and had ( think still have ) an Aus rep for returns. I had a few loomis fly rods from them a few years ago..

I am now thinking of a good rod for throwing SP's around for flathead / bream around the gold coast. So also after advice on Loomis recommendations that would fit this.

Cheers,

Steve

[Micadogs]

Also, check out Ebay. There are a quite a few dealers on there with 10,000+ sales and 100% feedback ratings. Prices are excellent also.