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G.Loomis updates their fly rod offering with four brand new series of rods 
(two of them GLX)
   
 
  
    | Date: | 10/21/07 |  
    | Tackle Type: | Fly Rods |  
    | Manufacturer: | G.Loomis |  
    | Reviewer: | Zander |  
 
 
 
 
 
 Introduction: Loomis has long been known for premium fly rods, and backed 
with expertise from casting champion Steve Rajeff the company introduces four 
new rod series for the 2008 season. They are designed to be application 
specific, and GLX makes a big comeback this season by being employed in both the 
powerful Max series and the precision oriented Whisper Creek fly rods. In all 
there are thirty exciting new rods spread across the new offering.
 
  
  
    | 
	 |  
    | The new Max 
	GLX rods are designed to offer the ultimate in line speed, distance and 
	control for pushing big streamers and indicators for long line nymphing |  
  
Max GLX Fly Rods: 
First up in the new 2008 fly lineup are the Max 
GLX rods which are designed for aggressive casters looking for the extra need to 
push big streamers out of a drift boat, or to punch out large indicators for 
long line nymphing wit split shot. Each Max GLX rod features G.Loomis’ exclusive 
GLX graphite blanks, the first graphite developed specifically for the use in 
fishing rods. To add to the overall lightweight and sensitivity, also featured 
are REC Recoil stripper and snake guides that will snap back to their original 
shape. All of the rods also are equipped with G.Loomis’ unique oval offset reel 
seat. 
  
“These rods are for anglers who demand fast 
casting cycle time, and still have the power to set the hook on long drifts,” 
said Gary Schaefer with G.Loomis’ product development staff. “They also are 
ideal choice when the wind keeps you from hitting that sweet you can see but 
without a Max GLX could not reach, plus the color and overall look mirrors the 
attitude that these rods carry.” With their extra-stiff action and fast taper,  
“these are very technical rods for special situations that discerning anglers 
demand,“ Schaefer notes, “plus they really showcase the fly rod design and 
development abilities from G.Loomis - they will not fail you when the conditions 
are tough and you can make that cast.” 
  
The Max GLX rods are also great for travel and 
G.Loomis offers four piece rods in 9’ models available in four, five and six 
weight versions. 
  
	
		| 
		MODEL 
		DESC. | 
		Item # | 
		LENGTH | 
		LINE WT
		 | 
		# PC'S | 
		Taper | 
		POWER | 
		MSRP |  
		| 
		FR1084-4 MAX GLX | 
		11704 | 
		9' | 
		4 | 
		4 | 
		Fast | 
		Ex-Stiff | 
		$620.00 |  
		| 
		FR1085-4 MAX GLX | 
		11705 | 
		9' | 
		5 | 
		4 | 
		Fast | 
		Ex-Stiff | 
		$625.00 |  
		| 
		FR1086-4 MAX GLX | 
		11706 | 
		9' | 
		6 | 
		4 | 
		Fast | 
		Ex-Stiff | 
		$630.00 |  
  
  
    | 
	 |  
    | Just like 
	the name implies the new Whispercreek GLX rods are designed for precision 
	situations  |  
  
Whisper Creek Fly Rods:
While the Max rods target heavy applications Loomis 
is also introducing the new Whisper Creek rods for the opposite end of the 
spectrum. For conditions that demand accurate casts, super light tippets and 
tiny flies, G.Loomis offers its new WhisperCreek GLX fly rod series. Available 
in seven models in two, three, four and five weight versions, the rods load 
easily for short presentations to spooky trout. 
  
The WhisperCreek GLX rods also feature GLX 
graphite blanks, and REC Recoil stripper and snake guides. Also featured is 
G.Loomis’ unique reel seat with an offset-oval sculptured barrel and ‘California 
Buckeye Burl’ wood insert. The inserts give the rod a differentiated feel from 
its sibling, and reminds us of classic materials used in boutique rods. 
  
“As you look over the G.Loomis fly rods designed 
primarily for trout fishing, fly anglers will quickly identify the WhisperCreek 
GLX rods are for when stealth and precision - not overwhelming force - is the 
needed tool for a successful day on the water, “said Gary Schaefer with 
G.Loomis’ product development staff. “They each feature very fine diameter tips 
designed to load up close for shorter, extremely accurate casts - even if you 
think you lack some casting skills.” 
  
The WhisperCreek GLX series include three-piece 
models in an 8’ two weight, and 7’9” three and four weights. Four-piece models 
include an 8’8” three weight, 8’6” four weight, and 9’ versions in four and five 
weights.
 
	
		| 
		
		MODEL DESC. | 
		
		Item # | 
		
		LENGTH | 
		
		LINE WT 
		 | 
		
		# PC’s | 
		
		Taper | 
		
		POWER | 
		
		MSRP |  
		| 
		FR962-3  
		WhisperCreek GLX | 
		11707 | 
		8' | 
		2 | 
		3 | 
		Med-Fast | 
		Medium | 
		$575.00 |  
		| 
		FR933-3  
		WhisperCreek GLX | 
		11708 | 
		7' 9" | 
		3 | 
		3 | 
		Med-Fast | 
		Medium | 
		$585.00 |  
		| 
		FR934-3  
		WhisperCreek GLX | 
		11709 | 
		7' 9" | 
		4 | 
		3 | 
		Med-Fast | 
		Medium | 
		$590.00 |  
		| 
		FR1024-4  
		WhisperCreek GLX | 
		11710 | 
		8' 6" | 
		4 | 
		4 | 
		Med-Fast | 
		Medium | 
		$610.00 |  
		| 
		FR1043-4  
		WhisperCreek GLX | 
		11711 | 
		8' 8" | 
		3 | 
		4 | 
		Med-Fast | 
		Medium | 
		$610.00 |  
		| 
		FR1084-4  
		WhisperCreek GLX | 
		11712 | 
		9' | 
		4 | 
		4 | 
		Med-Fast | 
		Med-Stiff | 
		$615.00 |  
		| 
		FR1085-4  
		WhisperCreek GLX | 
		11713 | 
		9' | 
		5 | 
		4 | 
		Med-Fast | 
		Med-Stiff | 
		$620.00 |  
  
  
    | 
	 |  
    | The Eastfork 
	series is designed for anglers looking for extra line speed |  
Eastfork Fly Rods: Moving down the spectrum Loomis decided to bolster 
their lineup with a new range of performance rods at a less than premium price. 
The Eastfork series is designed for anglers 
looking for extra line speed during their cast. The rods will be offered in 10 
models that run comprehensively across all of the best trout rod lengths and 
weights.
 
Utilizing high modulus graphite materials to 
create a slim diameter profile blank, the “EastFork trout rods feature a fast 
taper/stiff design to assist anglers in casting tight loops in all types of 
conditions,” said Gary Schaefer with G.Loomis’ product development staff. “Steve 
Rajeff, myself and the rest of our team took on the challenge to come up with a 
series of true trout rods that would provide fly anglers with both added control 
and extra line speed. And then we put in those G.Loomis extras that really set 
the rods apart.” 
Along with the control and added line speed, fly 
anglers will also notice the ported reel seat with a burl cork insert branded 
with the G.Loomis ‘skeleton fish’ logo. The reel seat frame is also anodized to 
the same bronze color to match up with G.Loomis’ EastFork fly reels. 
The EastFork rod line-up includes three-piece 
models in a 7’ three weight and 7’6” four weight. The rest are four-piece models 
including an 8’6” three and five weights, 9’ four, five, six and seven weights, 
and 10’ five and seven weights. 
	
		| 
		
		MODEL DESC. | 
		
		Item # | 
		
		LENGTH | 
		
		LINE WT 
		 | 
		
		# PC’s | 
		
		Taper | 
		
		POWER | 
		
		MSRP |  
		| 
		FR843-3 EastFork | 
		11648 | 
		7' | 
		3 | 
		3 | 
		Fast | 
		Stiff | 
		$385.00 |  
		| 
		FR1023-4 EastFork | 
		11650 | 
		8' 6" | 
		3 | 
		4 | 
		Fast | 
		Stiff | 
		$400.00 |  
		| 
		FR904-3 EastFork | 
		11649 | 
		7' 6" | 
		4 | 
		3 | 
		Fast | 
		Stiff | 
		$395.00 |  
		| 
		FR1084-4 EastFork | 
		11652 | 
		9' | 
		4 | 
		4 | 
		Fast | 
		Stiff | 
		$410.00 |  
		| 
		FR1025-4 EastFork | 
		11651 | 
		8' 6" | 
		5 | 
		4 | 
		Fast | 
		Stiff | 
		$405.00 |  
		| 
		FR1085-4 EastFork | 
		11653 | 
		9' | 
		5 | 
		4 | 
		Fast | 
		Stiff | 
		$415.00 |  
		| 
		FR1205-4 EastFork | 
		11656 | 
		10' | 
		5 | 
		4 | 
		Fast | 
		Stiff | 
		$425.00 |  
		| 
		FR1086-4 EastFork | 
		11654 | 
		9' | 
		6 | 
		4 | 
		Fast | 
		Stiff | 
		$420.00 |  
		| 
		FR1206-4 EastFork | 
		11657 | 
		10' | 
		6 | 
		4 | 
		Fast | 
		Stiff | 
		$430.00 |  
		| 
		FR1087-4 EastFork | 
		11655 | 
		9' | 
		7 | 
		4 | 
		Fast | 
		Stiff | 
		$435.00 |  
  
    | 
	
  |  
    |  
	The Xperience series is designed for anglers  
	new to fly fishing, looking for an addition as 
	a back-up, or need a specific size for a unique situation or occasional trip |  
The Xperience Fly Rods: 
The first three new series of fly rods either fall into Loomis's ultra premium 
GLX or high end Eastfork series. There are a lot of fly anglers that are 
unwilling or unable to invest so much in a fly rod, and for those anglers Loomis 
introduces the new Xperience series. These are not value rods, but rather 
quality rods at aggressive prices. The Xperience series is designed for anglers 
new to fly fishing, looking for an addition as a 
back-up, or need a specific size for a unique situation or occasional trip, and 
offers models to handle just about any kind of fresh and saltwater action. The 
series includes 10 rods in a three-weight size up to 12 weight, and retail from 
$265 to $345. 
“We set a goal to provide the best we could in 
terms of blank materials, guides a new reel seat design and top-grade cork 
handles,” said Gary Schaefer with G.Loomis’ product development staff, “while 
keeping them at a price that would appeal to beginner and novice anglers, and 
also for those fly fishing enthusiast looking for special extra rod that’s easy 
on the wallet.” For anyone who wants to discover the true fun with fly-fishing - 
and do it with quality gear, “that is what we are striving to do with the 
Xperience rods,” Schaefer said. “Getting more folks into this sport, a sport 
many of us here at G.Loomis already enjoy, is the main goal for us. As with most 
self-participation sports, if you start out with inferior gear, the odds are is 
you’ll have problems and won’t keep at it. That will not be the case when you 
‘experience’ the G.Loomis Xperience rods.” 
The blanks are proprietary blend graphite with 
tapers that provide an easy-to-cast, lightweight yet durable feel. “In the 
lighter three to six weight sizes, anglers will find medium/fast to fast tapers 
and medium to medium/stiff powers to provide the line speed needed for accuracy 
and control, “Schaefer explains, “while in the heavier weight rods are designed 
with fast tapers and stiff powers for saltwater and salmon/steelhead 
conditions.” 
Xperience rods in 3-piece versions include a 7’6” 
four weight and an 8’ three weight. All other Xperience rod are 4-piece models, 
offered in an 8’6” five weight, and 9’ four, five, six, eight, nine, 10 and 12 
weights.  
	
		| 
		
		MODEL DESC. | 
		
		Item # | 
		
		LENGTH | 
		
		LINE WT 
		 | 
		
		# PC'S | 
		
		Taper | 
		
		POWER | 
		MSRP |  
		| 
		FR904-3  Xperience | 
		11714 | 
		7' 6" | 
		4 | 
		3 | 
		Med-Fast | 
		Medium | 
		$265.00 |  
		| 
		FR963-3  Xperience | 
		11715 | 
		8' | 
		3 | 
		3 | 
		Med-Fast | 
		Medium | 
		$265.00 |  
		| 
		FR1084-4  Xperience | 
		11717 | 
		9' | 
		4 | 
		4 | 
		Fast | 
		Med-Stiff | 
		$285.00 |  
		| 
		FR1025-4  Xperience | 
		11716 | 
		8' 6" | 
		5 | 
		4 | 
		Fast | 
		Med-Stiff | 
		$285.00 |  
		| 
		FR1085-4  Xperience | 
		11718 | 
		9' | 
		5 | 
		4 | 
		Fast | 
		Med-Stiff | 
		$285.00 |  
		| 
		FR1086-4  Xperience | 
		11719 | 
		9' | 
		6 | 
		4 | 
		Fast | 
		Med-Stiff | 
		$285.00 |  
		| 
		FR1088-4  Xperience | 
		11686 | 
		9' | 
		8 | 
		4 | 
		Fast | 
		Stiff   | 
		$295.00 |  
		| 
		FR1089-4  Xperience | 
		11720 | 
		9' | 
		9 | 
		4 | 
		Fast | 
		Stiff   | 
		$295.00 |  
		| 
		  FR10810-4  
		Xperience   | 
		11687 | 
		9' | 
		10 | 
		4 | 
		Fast | 
		Stiff   | 
		$325.00 |  
		| 
		FR10812-4  Xperience | 
		11703 | 
		9' | 
		12 | 
		4 | 
		Fast | 
		Stiff   | 
		$345.00 |  
Conclusion: After more than a quarter 
century in the business Loomis has learned quite a bit about fly rod design. GLX 
has and continues to be among the finest materials in terms of both casting and 
sensitivity in both fly and bass rods, and it is good to see the material used 
in both power and precision applications in the new lineup. The Eastfork rods 
balance out the offering, and slots in nicely between the company's GLX rods and 
the more affordable new Xperience fly rods which are designed to offer the best 
bang for the buck in a high performance yet high value solution. While it 
remains to be seen if mainstream/value anglers will turn to a company 
predominately known for premium offerings it is nice to see the company address 
the complete range of anglers.  
Looking for a Loomis rod? 
Check out the G.Loomis Superstore atMonster Tackle
 
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