Question about Loomis New Steelhead Series

[rgalanti21]

I'm looking into getting a Loomis 1165C, which is a 9'8" Medium-Heavy, Fast Action rod under their new steelhead series (not the classic steelhead), and I was wondering if any of you guys knew what graphite blanks these rods are built off of? The "classic steelhead" series all have either "IMX" or "GL3/2" beside their numberings, but the new steelhead series does not.

I plan on using this for Silvers and steelhead and the 9'8" drift rod is right what I am looking for.

Thanks!

[Button Nubbs]

gonna be honest, you would get alot better rod if you went with a custom builder.  not really the question you asked but just my  after building a few rods and comparing my sub par work to the factorys.

[rgalanti21]

I'm not well versed in the custom rod arena. I assume I would need to buy a blank and take it to a rod builder? Who would you recommend?

[wildmanoutdoors]

I like custom rods allot. But I buy complete cause if you need a warrenty, you have to rebuild the rod again. Sure Loomis will give you a new blank. But your rod builder is not going to warrenty his service....

They are not any of the GL3/2 IMX or GLX. The Steelhead series, is just that, Steelhead series graphite. Must be between GL3 and IMX looking at there pricing.

[Button Nubbs]

I'm not well versed in the custom rod arena. I assume I would need to buy a blank and take it to a rod builder? Who would you recommend?

typically you tell them what you want and pay accordingly. good suggestions in this thread: http://www.piscatorialpursuits.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/topics/604330/all/Custom_rod_builders.html

lots of custom builders offer warrantys... 

[wildmanoutdoors]

So your blank breaks in half. Its a custom built rod. You send it back to Loomis, they send you a new blank. A Rod builder is going to supply all materials and re wrap the rod for free?

[rgalanti21]

I like custom rods allot. But I buy complete cause if you need a warrenty, you have to rebuild the rod again. Sure Loomis will give you a new blank. But your rod builder is not going to warrenty his service....

They are not any of the GL3/2 IMX or GLX. The Steelhead series, is just that, Steelhead series graphite. Must be between GL3 and IMX looking at there pricing.

Thanks for your insight. I have heard that they use IMX in lower 3/4 and use GL3 in the tip to give it added durability, so it's basically a blend from what Ive heard, but wan't sure.

[rgalanti21]

I'm not well versed in the custom rod arena. I assume I would need to buy a blank and take it to a rod builder? Who would you recommend?

typically you tell them what you want and pay accordingly. good suggestions in this thread: http://www.piscatorialpursuits.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/topics/604330/all/Custom_rod_builders.html

lots of custom builders offer warrantys... 

Thanks for the link! I'll look into this for sure 

[Thefisherman83]

I like custom rods allot. But I buy complete cause if you need a warrenty, you have to rebuild the rod again. Sure Loomis will give you a new blank. But your rod builder is not going to warrenty his service....

They are not any of the GL3/2 IMX or GLX. The Steelhead series, is just that, Steelhead series graphite. Must be between GL3 and IMX looking at there pricing.

Thanks for your insight. I have heard that they use IMX in lower 3/4 and use GL3 in the tip to give it added durability, so it's basically a blend from what Ive heard, but wan't sure.

You have that backwards, they use the IMX top half for better action and casting and the GL3 lower for power.  I have that rod and it is a powerhouse, but the fast action allows you to get away with smaller lead if needed. 

[wildmanoutdoors]

I dont believe you can get any blanks in the Steelhead series anyway.

[Wingin it]

Rainshadow blanks are of good quality. Also, if you can find them North Fork blanks are Gary Loomis' new rods and are also very nice. The Fetha Styx Homewater series are built on them if you have the chance to check one out. Can't go wrong with Loomis though for an off the shelf stick.

[Thefisherman83]

I dont believe you can get any blanks in the Steelhead series anyway.

I dont believe you can get any Loomis blanks, Period.

[steeleywhopper]

I have that rod and its great to fish. It's light, super sensitive, and can handle big fish just fine. I use it for steelhead, silvers, and springers. You won't be disappointed if you make the purchase. My gl3 and certified pro's take back seat to this rod.

[87Ford]

I have four Rainshadows...nice blanks...love'em!

[ML_Hunter]

I don't recall what blank they used (was once told by a Loomis rep) but it was a blend there other rod blanks. G. Loomis made this line to stand out on its own and separate it from the GL's, GLX, and IMX series.

I have the STR1163C and LOVE IT!! When fishing for steelhead, coho, and pinks, its one of my go-to rods. I own several Lami Cert-pros, and a couple of GL2/GL3's. When going after the above mentioned fish, its deffently one of the rods I have with me. Because its a 9'8", I commonly use it as a float rod..but have also used it as a drifting rod, side drifting, and with spinners. The light action makes casting a dream even with light weight. I had even hooked up with a 27 lbs king when fishing for cohos one day and the rod handled that fish just fine without me ever worrying about breaking the rod.

I noticed that you were looking at the 8-17lbs rod...I would strongly recommend that you concider the 6-12, what you lose in muscle you gain in sensitivity! But it has plenty of backbone to handle the bigger fish, IMO. Then again if your MAIN use is for coho the 8-17 would be just fine, for a good blend of steelhead AND coho, then I would HIGHLY recommend the 6-12.

Either way, its an awesome rod and one of my favs!! 

Here is another good article about the rod by Terry Wiest, and he used the Steelhead series on Steelhead, Kings, and Chum.
http://www.steelheaduniversity.com/GLoomis_Steelhead_Series_part1.html