Creature Fever : Jigging, Worming, and Chopping with G.Loomis's GL2 804C JWR

Total Score: 7.42 - GOOD

Introduction: After G.Loomis’s exciting launch of their new flagship, NRX rods during ICAST 2010, we were really excited to see what this manufacturer had in store for us at ICAST 2011. What they did was take us by surprise by addressing the other end of their lineup spectrum in updating the often neglected and taken for granted GL2. For bass fishermen, GL2 represents G.Loomis’s entry level stick, yet at roughly $190, they’re still a pretty hefty investment for anglers just starting out. As part of our Creature Fever themed year, we take a look at their six foot, eight inch (6’-8”) heavy powered stick. Introducing our review of G.Loomis’s GL2 804C JWR.

Impressions: I've mentioned previously that my introduction to G.Loomis came in the company's early years with a stick in their now defunct IM6 line. Back then, as I recall there were only the IM6 and IMX lines. GLX wasn't even in the picture. In time, IM6 became GL3, and GL2 was introduced as the new entry level series.  We're not exactly sure when GL2 came into the picture, but the series as a whole stood pat for a long while before finally being updated for the 2012 model year.

Introducing the new look G.Loomis GL2.

G.Loomis is pretty guarded regarding the blends and composites within their blanks, but the most notable improvement with the GL2 line is the new, more aggressive cosmetics. The manufacturer hinted last year, that status quo was up for a shakeup when they introduced NRX to the scene, and they've continued that trend with the new GL2.

The most notable feature with these sticks? The sculpted, split grip handle design.

Case in point? Our GL2 804C JWR features a split rear grip contoured for better comfort in your hand, a butt end with squared off sides,  and a very small foregrip to cap off the handle assembly. It is made with a blend of cork and compressed cork material and surrounds a Fuji ACS reelseat. The blank itself is a deep burgundy and the components are Fuji Aluminum Oxide guides with black frames.