Gloomis GLX Rod series preview 2024 #gloomisglx #newgloomisglx

Rod Preview

G.Loomis Launches Refreshed GLX Bass Series Rods, do they Live Up to the Legacy?

Date:	3/19/24
Tackle Type:	Rods
Manufacturer:	G.Loomis
Reviewer:	Zander

Introduction: This morning G.Loomis unveiled a refresh to their popular GLX Series rods leveraging the latest materials and build processes. The new rods showcase some familiar premium components further tying the legendary series to its higher-end siblings while maintaining traditional design and actions that has made the series legendary among bass anglers.

G.Loomis has unveiled a complete refresh to the performance oriented GLX Series

A New GLX for 2024: G.Loomis has introduced many different series of rods over the years, but when it comes to the series that built the brand, there is arguably no series more important or recognized by enthusiast bass anglers than G.Loomis GLX. Many of us remember the first time we held our first G.Loomis IMX or GLX rod, and especially the first time we saved up enough money to purchase our first GLX. The original GLX rods set the standard for performance, balance, and sensitivity.

The new GLX rods exhibit both traditional styling and modern materials and build processes

Over the years, the GLX rod series has been updated and refreshed over time. Some refreshes have been better than others, and the last models were considered very good by most anglers. The rods on both sides of the GLX Series have also undergone major changes over the last decade, with the IMX moving towards application-specific designs and actions with IMX-Pro and NRX+ catering towards lightweight and ultimate sensitivity with Spiral X multi-taper design and a hybrid RECOIL and Fuji Titanium SIC guide train.

One of the biggest ergonomic changes is the use of a more ergonomic proprietary CI4+ reel seat similar to the ones found on the NRX+ Series, only with even more compact handle design

I’ve always viewed the GLX as the cornerstone of the G.Loomis lineup, exhibiting classic actions and a feel that always felt light, responsive, sensitive, and confident under load. The team has been working on the refresh of the GLX Series for years and this morning officially announced the introduction of the revamped GLX BASS series.

The new GLX line will feature a comprehensive lineup of 36 new rods that are purpose-built to improve on what has made the series a favorite among performance-oriented anglers. I spoke to Bob Mahoney, Marketing Manager at G.Loomis, who described the special attention the team placed on creating rods that feel like GLX but with even better strength-to-weight ratios, heightened balance, and improved sensitivity. The team achieved this by making structural upgrades to the GLX blanks through an updated proprietary blend of high-modulus graphite and advanced resin technologies.

The CI4+ reel seat is both light and sensitive

To isolate and reinforce areas likely to fail under load and to provide maximum durability, G. Loomis engineers roll each rod on stepped mandrels machined with micro-tapers within the overall taper. I was happy to hear that each GLX rod will continue to be handcrafted in the company’s own factory in Woodland, Washington.

A look at Shimano's flagship Stella spinning reel paired with the new GLX

With structural upgrades achieved through a proprietary blend of high-modulus graphite and advanced resin technologies, the GLX BASS series is handcrafted in Woodland, Washington, and features rod blanks with boosted strength-to-weight ratios, heightened balance, and pumped sensitivity. To isolate and reinforce areas likely to fail under load and to provide maximum durability, G. Loomis engineers roll each rod on stepped mandrels machined with micro-tapers within the overall taper.

The refreshed GLX rods will make use of a Fuji K SiC guidetrain

“If you're utilizing the latest in finesse fishing tactics, covering water with power fishing techniques, or picking apart heavy structure, the GLX Bass series is for you,” says Bob Mahoney, Freshwater Marketing Manager at G. Loomis. “We crafted this series to be as well-rounded as the anglers who utilize them.”

Some models like this spinning rod will feature a split grip design, others have a solid grip. It all depends on the rod's intended application and balance

All of the new GLX BASS models will come equipped with a full tangle-free Fuji K SiC guide train to improve line management and reduce overall weight. The rods also feature newly designed premium cork handles in either split or full grip tapered designs that complement custom CI4+ reel seats that are even more streamlined in design than the ones currently utilized on the NRX+ rods.

In terms of styling, the new GLX rods definitely pay homage to the past with a “modern-throwback” aesthetic from the clean gold threading to matte black blanks that exemplify elegance and minimalism. These rods look modern yet immediately read high-end “G.Loomis.” The new GLX rods will start becoming available in a few months for an MSRP from $525.00-$575.00.

Each rod is finished with a cork composite butt for durability

Our Quick Take: Refreshing a series of this much importance is no easy task, and the team at G.Loomis has been working on the GLX for years. Rather than completely revolutionizing the series, they decided to build on what makes GLX so great and pay homage to the legacy of the series. I think this is a smart move, especially with a series that needs to reflect what having G.Loomis DNA really means to both anglers who are familiar with how great GLX can and should be, as well as the younger generation of enthusiast anglers looking for a premium tournament-ready rod.

I really like the new compact handle design which allows easy placement of your finger directly on the blank in front of the reel

When I first learned about the upcoming GLX rods last year, my first thought was whether they would really be able to hold up to the legacy of the series. I’ve been lucky to fish with one of the new models, a GLX 891S, a 7’5” medium-light powered fast action rod over the last month. I can confidently say that G.Loomis has delivered on two aspects of this new rod: the balance and sensitivity are excellent. This 891S I have been fishing with delivers that special crisp and responsive feel that immediately brings me back to some of my favorite GLX rods, only with improved ergonomics.

The new GLX rods look classic in design but the sensitivity and ergonomics get a noticeable bump. These refreshed rods pay homage to the GLX legacy while offering enthusiast anglers improved performance and that crisp responsive feel that is characteristic of the best G.Loomis rods

The new CI4+ reel seat and compact handles feel natural in hand, allowing anglers to seamlessly extend their fingers on the blank, providing that seamless connection to the blank for enhanced bite transmission and all-day comfort. In addition to the performance, I like the styling. I think G.Loomis could have easily fallen into the trap of adding carbon or flashy components, but instead, they stayed true to the focus on lightweight performance. I’ll be fishing with the new GLX a lot more this season, but from what I’ve experienced so far, I think G.Loomis has done right by both the GLX legacy and enthusiast anglers.