Casting rod advice

[jhelom]

I am looking at buying my first serious fishing rod. Until now I have just used what ever was on sale for under $25.00 but now I am fishing a lot more and would like to go with a good rod. I have been looking at G.loomis but don't know whether to go with the GL2 series or the IMX. Any help would be greatly [FONT=Times New Roman]appreciated. [FONT=Times New Roman] [/FONT][/FONT]

[zx150]

I guess it all depends on how much you are wanting to spend. I have fished with both and I like the IMX. It is a little lighter and a bit more sensitive. I think Falcon makes a good rod for the money. But, if I had the choice I would go with the Loomis.

[davidsa]

A gloomis MBR783 IMX is a classic rod and a great place to start. If you don't want to afford an IMX then I would go with a Shimano Crucial or Powell Max bass rod. The Crucial and Powell approach the sensitivity of the Loomis IMX for much less money. Better rods can be had for the money of a GL or anything under the IMX line.

I have a nice set of Gloomis rods; mostly GLX. I'm hooked but the Powell and Crucial are very nice rods which I enjoy fishing as well.

In the Powell line, the 683Cef is a great rod. 6'8 MH, extra fast. Very nice tip on this rod with great power. Lighter then the Loomis rods because this rod does not have a foregrip and has a split grip in the rear.

Many people like the 6'10 MH extra fast Crucial. I think this would be a solid choice as well but a bit heavier then the loomis.

p.s. I buy virtually all my loomis rods on ebay. I normally pay about two thirds of retail and consider them a good value at this price. At full retail, I would think twice.

[DJD]

I have mostly Loomis rods myself but when you consider the Shimano warranty and the quality rods they produce I would consider their product. Remember Loomis was purchased by Shimano years ago and then they started putting out some terrific rods..is there a connection?

[jhelom]

Thanks for all the advice. I can see I need to do more research before I buy. I just want to see how much of a difference a good rod would make in feeling bottom structure and detecting fish strikes. I did not know that Shimano owns Gloomis now. If the warranty is better and the rod is as good it may be a better choice. I will also check out the Powell line up. Thanks again for great suggestions. It will help me make an informed decsion that I will enjoy fishing with for years to come.