Alternative to G Loomis products 2024
Dan-K reply :
As the title says, I am looking for alternatives to replace my collection of loomis rods. I began purchasing higher end equipment this year and thought loomis was the way to go, I was wrong. I broke my first loomis rod Friday removing it from the rod locker. The last four inches or so snapped off when the tip got hung up on the lip of the locker. I called my two local loomis dealers and was informed that they no longer do over the counter exchanges via the expiditer service, no problem right? I went to loomis' web site and learned that they have doubled the price of the expiditer service to $100!!! That got me a bit upset, I purhased 5 IMX rods with the expectation that if I broke one I would be $50 to replace, not a bad investment. Now I learn they have increased the price, even to those who purchased their rods with the understanding that the replacement cost is $50. Seems it would be better business to mark the newer rods in some way and anything purchased before they raised their prices, the $50 service should be honored.
Sorry for the rant but I am a little upset with the situation. I will no longer purchase loomis rods and will be selling the IMX rods that I already own. Now I am in a quest for a new rod company. I want something comparable to IMX in sensitivity, weight, and fishability. I am also looking at price point, the less expensive the better. I was on tackle warehouse tonight and like the looks of the falcon caras, but I have neve fished one, let alone even seen one in person. I could not find anything on their warranty either. I have a dobyns champion, which is nice but doesn't match well with my curados. Please voice suggestions if you have experience with rods in this category. Thanks.
BASSclary reply :
I believe one of the high end St.Croix rods has a nice green to match your Curado 8-)
Whets Lines reply :
I am a firm believer in St. Croix products. They will still only charge you $50 for a replacement rod if you break one within the warranty period (lifetime on Avids & up). They have an excellent product and all the really good stuff is made here in the good ol' USA. Add to this their trade-up program, and you have the makings for a full line of replacements for your Loomises.
I think the Avids offer great bang for the buck. I know very little about G. Loomis rods; so, I can't say if this is similar to the IMX rods.
I have visited the factory and everyone I met who worked there made it fun and well worth the many hours I spent in a car to get there from Southern Wisconsin. I suggest you take some time to learn about St. Croix.
Whets
8-)
Big Tom reply :
I may be alone in this, but I feel like GLoomis' rein as the rod company by which all others are judged is just about over. I'm the first to admit that I haven't been fishing very long but based on my experiences, other rod companies have just about caught up to Loomis' higher end offerings. (I say this loosely because I haven't spent a lot of actual fishing time with high end Loomis rods). Rods are becoming lighter, better balanced, are full of high end components and although it is accepted that sensitivity is mostly subjective, it isn't hard to tell that even the cheap offerings are much more sensitive than the budget bass rod offerings of the past. You can also currently get a whole lot of rod for a lot less money compared to the GLX and NRX lines.
I think you can do very well shopping in the 150-250 dollar range. That range gives you a whole lot rod for the price. You mentioned that you already have a Dobyns. I hear nothing but good things about them and I plan on owning a few myself. St. Croix is a great rod company. I own a Premier spinning rod. I know its more of a budget rod, but it definitely gets the job done. I have also fished the Avid and it is a very nice rod for the money.
I use Powell rods quite often. These rods are relatively cheap considering the quality you are getting. I own a 704C and it is pretty much my go to rod for just about any tip up/bottom contact technique. I also own a 766 Flip/Pitch/Punching rod which is an absolute beastly stick. Tackle Tour has a few reviews up.
Kistler makes a mighty fine product. I have a friend that swears by them. He could easily afford any rod out there but is quite comfortable with the Magnesium TS line.
I have fished Daiwa Zillion rods and I found them to be pretty amazing. I found them to be light, sensitive and ridiculously strong. A member here - KYNTUCKY WARMOUTH - has two of these sticks and he talks highly of them. If they intrigue you, shoot him a PM and he will address any questions you may have.
Another manufacturer that sometimes gets overlooked is Damiki and their Dark Angel rods are superb. I think they only have a three year warranty but they are decently priced so it wouldn't break the bank if you accidentally broke one.
I think the options you have are virtually endless. Good luck in your endeavor and let us know how it is going.
Dave T. reply :
Well, add another one to the list of St. Croix fans. Excellent rods, reasonable price, and a good warranty. I think the trade-up options is also very nice.
However, I'm still disappointed that the top of the line Legend Extreme comes with REC guides. Those guides just don't cut it for me (and a lot of rod builders). I think a $350 rod should come with TiSic guides... never mind the $450 NRX that also has those guides.
With that said, my Legend Extreme, and LTB are certainly excellent fishing tools.
ww2farmer reply :
I am a Kistler and St Croix fan. I own A few Magnisum TS Kistlers, and the are a great rod for about $160, but I don't think there is a better sub $200 rod made by anyone, than the St Croix Avid. It is also MHO that Croix makes the "best" entry level rods as well. I'll take a SCII blanked rod (Triumph, Mojo, Premier) over any Abu/Shimano/Skeet Reese/BPS rod any day.
One of my regulr Tournament partners fishes with Loomis exclusivly, IMX's and GLX's. Yes they are super rods, and I have toyed with picking up a few MBR's in either line, but St Croix has rods on par with both and I am happy, so why rock the boat.
fathom reply :
glx and imx are full-carbon scrimmed...is part and parcel of what makes them the "gold standard".
afaik, the legend elites and the legend extremes are the only other full-carbon scrimmed rods on the domestic market.
Grey Wolf reply :
If you are changing brands , St. Croix is an excellent way to go.
bigtimfish reply :
American Rodsmith and Airrus
WanderLust reply :
Dobyns Champion or Extereme would be my choice however many high end rods would fit your fancy.
I recently got a St. Croix Avid and I love it but as other members stated make sure you are comparing apples to apples.
bilgerat reply :
St. Croix. Excellent rods and second to none customer service.
trevor reply :
Quoteglx and imx are carbon scrimmed...is part and parcel of what makes them the "gold standard".
afaik, the legend elites and the legend extremes are the only other carbon scrimmed rods on the domestic market.
Supposedly Fenwick rods are carbon scrimmed. But then again all three could be lying and i wouldn't know.
Bassn Blvd reply :
That sucks. Let me ask you a question though. What is the warranty specifications on your car? Is it a lifetime warranty or can you replace your car if it breaks?
TBendBassin reply :
dan i sent you a pm check it out
Dan-K reply :
QuoteThat sucks. Let me ask you a question though. What is the warranty specifications on your car? Is it a lifetime warranty or can you replace your car if it breaks?
My car is not a graphite fishing rod. Nor does Toyota offer/advertise a flat rate repair or replacement program for a set price. If they did and my car broke, I would expect them to replace it for the price they advertised as the replacement cost at the time of purchase. If I were building an arsenal of rods today, I would shy away from Loomis simply because of the $100 replacement cost. I will however call Loomis in the AM and express my concerns, in hopes of only having to pay $50 to replace it. I doubt I will get far but we will see.
BASSclary reply :
I've never heard anything bad about the Falcon Cara T7's. I think Falcon is an undermentioned rod company who make great rods.
RussBert reply :
I am a fan of St Croix rods. I have fished Triumph and Mojo spinning rods, and recently acquired a Legend Tournament along with a pair of Avid casting rods. I am very happy with all of them and will buy more
dodgeguy reply :
Quoteglx and imx are carbon scrimmed...is part and parcel of what makes them the "gold standard".
afaik, the legend elites and the legend extremes are the only other carbon scrimmed rods on the domestic market.
fenwick and bass pro rods are also carbon scrimmed.
rubba bubba reply :
QuoteThat sucks. Let me ask you a question though. What is the warranty specifications on your car? Is it a lifetime warranty or can you replace your car if it breaks?
Let me ask you a question: when you bought your car and the warranty was a factor in the purchase, however the manufacturer decided to change the warranty conditions for the worse (to you, the better for them), would you be pleased?
Micro reply :
If the replacement fee was $50 when you bought it, you should be grandfathered in.
Bassn Blvd reply :
I don 't buy a rod because of it's warranty. I buy it because of it's quality. If you need a warranty because you're clumsy and break your rods then why should Loomis replace it, as they always have for 50 bucks
Loomis hasn't changed their warranty price for YEARS.
I don't know why Loomis changed their warranty fee but I would imagine it's because of their new NRX series. I see the NRX being what GLX used to be and GLX being what the IMX used to be.
The NRX is about $500 and GLX about $400. I have no problem paying 100 bucks to replace my $500 rod.
Dan-K reply :
QuoteIf the replacement fee was $50 when you bought it, you should be grandfathered in.
that's my point. But even if they replace this rod for $50 what's going to happen if it breaks again? I have already invested in loomis gear with the intent to keep it for the long haul. I will call loomis/shimano tomorrow and request they replace it for $50. I will post the results.
On a side note, I really like the Falcon Caras from the looks and sounds of them, but I need to fish one to see if I will build my arsenal around them.
Bassn Blvd reply :
Also, the warranty fee increase didn't happen over night. There has been plenty of talk about the increase but yet you still went and bought one. And then you went and broke it because YOU were careless and not paying attention to what you were doing.
How about instead of a warranty, you buy accidental fishing rod breakage insurance. ;D ;D ;D ;D
Bassn Blvd reply :
QuoteQuoteIf the replacement fee was $50 when you bought it, you should be grandfathered in.that's my point. But even if they replace this rod for $50 what's going to happen if it breaks again? I have already invested in loomis gear with the intent to keep it for the long haul. I will call loomis/shimano tomorrow and request they replace it for $50. I will post the results.
On a side note, I really like the Falcon Caras from the looks and sounds of them, but I need to fish one to see if I will build my arsenal around them.
IT didn't break. YOU broke IT.
Dan-K reply :
QuoteI don 't buy a rod because of it's warranty. I buy it because of it's quality. If you need a warranty because you're clumsy and break your rods then why should Loomis replace it, as they always have for 50 bucksLoomis hasn't changed their warranty price for YEARS.
I don't know why Loomis changed their warranty fee but I would imagine it's because of their new NRX series. I see the NRX being what GLX used to be and GLX being what the IMX used to be.
The NRX is about $500 and GLX about $400. I have no problem paying 100 bucks to replace my $500 rod.
you are missing the point and I am not clumsy with my gear. I work too hard for my fishing equipment to be clumsy with it. This rod should NOT have broken the way it did. I broke a Dobyns rod trying to retrieve a snagged jig by pulling it up like you would fish. It broke just above the handle. The loomis broke at the last guide before the tip while I was removing it from the rod locker. The tip hung up on the inside lip of the locker and it snapped. The rod should have bent rather than broke, which leads me to beleive it was due to a manufuring defect. This rod was new, it had only been fished 4 times. The other rod I have broken was a berkley lighning rod and that was my fault, I sat on it.
Dan-K reply :
QuoteAlso, the warranty fee increase didn't happen over night. There has been plenty of talk about the increase but yet you still went and bought one. And then you went and broke it because YOU were careless and not paying attention to what you were doing.How about instead of a warranty, you buy accidental fishing rod breakage insurance. ;D ;D ;D ;D
that's funny because of the two loomis dealers in my area, one had no idea about until they recieved a letter around the first of the month. The other shop had no idea until told them. This was also the most recent loomis stick I purchased, the others were within the past year. To contradict what you are saying, there is no denying that the $50 expiditer service has been a huge factor in the sales of loomis rods in the past. I'm not saying that loomis' quality is not great, I just can't see spending $100 to replace a $230 IMX rod. GLX and NRX makes spending one bill seem more "do-able". Anyway, the intent of my post was not to get into a heated debate. I am a consumer in a free market society. I am no longer happy with a particular company so I will likely spend my money elswhere.
Bassn Blvd reply :
It seems Loomis rods have a history of breaking where yours did. I don't know if it's just coincidence or something they're doing to the rod during manufacturing. The only Loomis rod I broke was user error and it too broke about 4 inches from the top. The break was super clean as if a hack saw was used to saw it in to. To this day I swear it was a manufacturers defect but I went with the expediter service to avoid argument with the company.
Hot n Tot reply :
If a Loomis rod breaks on a fish it is a free replacement. Too many guys have abused the $50 no questions asked expediter policy, so I'm not surprised that they raised the fee. I once broke an MBR782 trying to free a snagged lure. Totally my fault, but they replaced it for free.
Bassn Blvd reply :
FYI, here is the Falcon warranty. It doesn't say what the reduced price is but I was told 80 bucks or half the price of the rod.
http://image.basspro.com/images/images2/pdfs/Lifetime%20Falcon%20Rod%20Warranty.pdf
Nixstyx reply :
I know very little about expensive rods, and even less about Loomis, but it seems to me they should honor the $50 replacement cost, considering it was sold under those terms. I'd be pretty upset if that happened to me, and I'd hope that Loomis customer service would honor those terms. I understand these rods are expensive, but personally I'd be upset if I had to pay anything to have a warranty honored. In my opinion a warranty doesn't imply that you should have to pay 1/3 of the total cost to have a defective product replaced. If you pay anything it's not a warranty, it's a "replacement plan".
Obviously it's not on the same level, but last week I took my BPS extreme rod back to the store because one of the line guide inserts popped out. The customer service associate had already told me to go pick out a new rod before I even showed him what was wrong with it. That is customer service. Yes, I know BPS has a lot more ability to "eat" the cost of a $100 rod, but I hope you can see my point.
Or... maybe my new point is that, after hearing this, I think I'll stick to cheaper rods that are financially easier to replace if there is a factory defect.
5bass reply :
QuoteI think the Avids offer great bang for the buck. I know very little about G. Loomis rods; so, I can't say if this is similar to the IMX rods.
IMX > Avid (by far)
Stasher1 reply :
I don't have a dog in this fight, but I think any manufacture making a sweeping change to their warranty should start by marking their current production models somehow and grandfathering the older rods. Something as simple as an "a" added to the model number would suffice.
Old model - old warranty terms
New model - new warranty terms
Seems pretty simple to me, and probably far less likely to alienate customers.
Bassn Blvd reply :
I might be wrong but the only part of the warranty that has changed is the expediter service. They still replace for free any rod broken by manufacturers defect.
The "no questions asked" warranty is increasing by 50 bucks, which still is a better warranty than the Falcon Cara rod warranty that was previously mentioned.
rubba bubba reply :
Why don't you read RoLo's thread and see how well they took care of him with his warranty, not expeditor, claim.
And as for not buying a rod for the warranty, nobody buys a rod for the warranty. However like any sizeable purchase all features related to the product are weighed when compared against other products. Now that one of the features has changed substantially, it alters the total equation. Enough for some to leave, not enough for others. Just because you don't value the expeditor service in your equation doesn't mean that everyone else shouldn't as well.
Bassn Blvd reply :
I'm just playing the other side.
Loomis MBR844C (IMX) is $285. You break it and pay $100 expediter service, you're still up $185.
Falcon Cara rod is $169. You break it and pay $80 or half the price of the rod for expediter service, you're still up $90.
Shimano does not offer any warranty other than manufacturers defect.
Dobyns is $60 for no questions asked warranty.
Out of those 4 manufacturers, it appears to me that Loomis still has the best warranty.
Bassn Blvd reply :
QuoteWhy don't you read RoLo's thread and see how well they took care of him with his warranty, not expeditor, claim.And as for not buying a rod for the warranty, nobody buys a rod for the warranty. However like any sizeable purchase all features related to the product are weighed when compared against other products. Now that one of the features has changed substantially, it alters the total equation. Enough for some to leave, not enough for others. Just because you don't value the expeditor service in your equation doesn't mean that everyone else shouldn't as well.
To me, 50 bucks is hardly a substantial altercation when you're paying 400-500 bucks for the product.
Dan-K reply :
QuoteI'm just playing the other side.Loomis MBR844C (IMX) is $285. You break it and pay $100 expediter service, you're still up $185.
Falcon Cara rod is $169. You break it and pay $80 or half the price of the rod for expediter service, you're still up $90.
Shimano does not offer any warranty other than manufacturers defect.
Dobyns is $60 for no questions asked warranty.
Out of those 4 manufacturers, it appears to me that Loomis still has the best warranty.
IMX - $285. Replacement $100 = $385
Cara- $169. Replacement $80 = $249
Shimano ????
Dobyns - $219. Replacement $60 = $279
any way you slice it, Loomis comes up short. Don't look at it as they raised the price $50, look at it as they increased the price by 100 percent.
Dan-K reply :
QuoteQuoteWhy don't you read RoLo's thread and see how well they took care of him with his warranty, not expeditor, claim.And as for not buying a rod for the warranty, nobody buys a rod for the warranty. However like any sizeable purchase all features related to the product are weighed when compared against other products. Now that one of the features has changed substantially, it alters the total equation. Enough for some to leave, not enough for others. Just because you don't value the expeditor service in your equation doesn't mean that everyone else shouldn't as well.
To me, 50 bucks is hardly a substantial altercation when you're paying 400-500 bucks for the product.
If I were to go out today and buy an NRX rod I would gladly pay the $100 if I broke it. That is simply not the case nor the discussion here. I payed less than list for an MBR783C when the replacement cost was $50. I broke it, whether it was my fault or manufacture defect, it should be replaced for $50. It's the principal.
Bassn Blvd reply :
Lol! Bro, don't get me wrong. I'm not trying to come off as an ars but I think you're wrong. Loomis comes out ahead over the rods mentioned. The only company I found that comes out ahead is St. Croix, I think.
If you can swing it, look at the Loomis NRX rods. Yes 450-500 bucks is a nice chunk of change but you get a one time, no questions asked, FREE replacement if it breaks. Regardless of reason.
And , I do agrre that you should get your replacement for 50 bucks if that was the deal when you bought it.
repper reply :
no offense...but you were clumsy. without going into the engineering involved with such a high dollar piece of equipment, it was not built to withstnd the kind of force you put on it when you pulled with the big end of the rod while the very fragile tip was not free to move. that is not loomis' fault, and in my opinion they are very generous to replace a rod broken in that manner , at any cost. that was not a manufacturers default. i dont blame them for raising the price to 100. they probalby get very tired of replacing perfectly good rods which have been broken by mis handling. i have broken a glx myself when taking it out from my rodlocker so i know of what i speak. and i gladly paid the 50 bucks for a new rod. and i am way more careful now.
SJB1226 reply :
QuoteQuoteThat sucks. Let me ask you a question though. What is the warranty specifications on your car? Is it a lifetime warranty or can you replace your car if it breaks?My car is not a graphite fishing rod. Nor does Toyota offer/advertise a flat rate repair or replacement program for a set price. If they did and my car broke, I would expect them to replace it for the price they advertised as the replacement cost at the time of purchase. If I were building an arsenal of rods today, I would shy away from Loomis simply because of the $100 replacement cost. I will however call Loomis in the AM and express my concerns, in hopes of only having to pay $50 to replace it. I doubt I will get far but we will see.
That was a pretty rude post by him bro! and your reply was dead on! when a big part of the reason someone buys your product is the replacement program and then you up a change it well that says a lot about that company! I ordered 3 NRX's I had to try them and I do like my GLX's dont fish them anymore they just dont have a place on the boat with all my JDM stuff but I used to enjoy fishing them VERY much and they was/are stellar rods. I will let you all know about the NRX's when there in my hand.. they will probably be sold off pretty quick or put away in my fishing room in the rod closet.. but yeah Loomis killed there sales by doing this and the will pay for it with less sales.
I do have 4 Dobyns Extereme and wow is all I can say I really like them and they are the only non JDM or Custom rods that make it in the boat and stay there. They are very very good rods, very sensitive very strong and look really good... They balance very well with light reels and heavier reels.. I have 3 with Steez 103's on them and one with a Zillion PE on it. they just feel good in the hand and are easy on the eye. if you buy one you will like it better then those IMX's IMHO.... I know I do well I cant say that I have never owned a non GLX loomis... that will change hopefully tomorrow I cant wait to fish my NRX's and see if there what the are cracked up to be.
SJB1226 reply :
QuoteIf the replacement fee was $50 when you bought it, you should be grandfathered in.
Yup 100% and not only should you be grand papied lol in you shouldnt only be able to get one rod replaced.. there was no limit on it back then... now its a one time deal per rod and thats BS... When stocks drop from lowered sells they will do something! probably go back to how it used to be. or suffer smaller bonus for the CEO's lol
You will never win the fight bro they are gonna say your wrong when your right.. but thats what some people on forums do... at point of sale you was told this...then it changed and you have to pay the same thing as someone that buys the same thing after they know the new terms... its wrong simply said and it doesnt matter if I got mad and snapped it over my knee... I was told no questions asked 50 bucks its replaced well then I expect to have it replaced for 50 bucks when I snap it over my knee... It has nothing to do with carelessness it has nothing to do with clumsiness it has to do with Loomis backing out on a deal that helped make them who and what they are before Aug 1st... now they arent so hot and if these NRX's arent totally stellar then Loomis is in for a rude awaking. If I broke one of my NRX's because of something I did the one time free replacement is cool and im happy with that because I knew thats what it was at point of sale. now what in two months there gonna say no more 1 time free replacement we now have a one time half price replacement? lol She-Mano is something else!
One time I broke a GLX BCR852 casting a 3/8oz jig with no trailer so I wasnt over loading the rod with weight on the cast... it snapped at the 2nd guide the rod was about 20 casts old (I had the rod for like a year and a half) and Loomis wouldnt replace it free said it was from throwing to much weight... then I had a BCR802 GLX that I broke high sticking and it was 100% my fault but I wanted to see and sent it back and boom new rod for free. lol that was 2-3 years ago sometimes I dont know about them but I did love there no questions 50 dollar new rod deal and so did all other peeps that fished loomis...we will all see how it ends up and I truly believe it will go back to 50 buck... but I believe it will stay only a one time replacement now. thats my opinion and you know what there like.
Ballpark Frank reply :
After being a longtime Loomis-Lover, I have gone to St.Croix for both conventional and fly. I don't want to get into the specifics since I am not looking to debate. From personal experience and stories relayed here, I think Loomis is hurting their reputation(actually could be Shimano management ).
rubba bubba reply :
QuoteQuoteWhy don't you read RoLo's thread and see how well they took care of him with his warranty, not expeditor, claim.And as for not buying a rod for the warranty, nobody buys a rod for the warranty. However like any sizeable purchase all features related to the product are weighed when compared against other products. Now that one of the features has changed substantially, it alters the total equation. Enough for some to leave, not enough for others. Just because you don't value the expeditor service in your equation doesn't mean that everyone else shouldn't as well.
To me, 50 bucks is hardly a substantial altercation when you're paying 400-500 bucks for the product.
I noticed you conveniently left off you can only use it once now as well.
tyrius. reply :
QuoteI don 't buy a rod because of it's warranty. I buy it because of it's quality. If you need a warranty because you're clumsy and break your rods then why should Loomis replace it, as they always have for 50 bucks
You may not factor in the "warranty" in your rod buying purchase, but many other people do. I don't see why anyone would NOT factor in the expeditor service when purchasing a high end rod. If 2 rods are equal in sensitivity and one provides a replacement program for $50 per breakage then that one makes much more sense financially. And now after MANY people have used the expeditor service as a factor in their purchase Loomis doubles the price and restricts it to ONE replacement. Everyone who purchased a Loomis rod with the expeditor service has every right to be upset about it. That's a pretty drastic change.
SJB1226 reply :
QuoteQuoteQuoteWhy don't you read RoLo's thread and see how well they took care of him with his warranty, not expeditor, claim.And as for not buying a rod for the warranty, nobody buys a rod for the warranty. However like any sizeable purchase all features related to the product are weighed when compared against other products. Now that one of the features has changed substantially, it alters the total equation. Enough for some to leave, not enough for others. Just because you don't value the expeditor service in your equation doesn't mean that everyone else shouldn't as well.
To me, 50 bucks is hardly a substantial altercation when you're paying 400-500 bucks for the product.
I noticed you conveniently left off you can only use it once now as well.
But I made sure to note it lol :
burleytog reply :
Warranty does not equal free replacement for any reason.
Dan-K reply :
QuoteWarranty does not equal free replacement for any reason.
True, but the advertised $50 expiditer service does......
jeb2 reply :
QuoteQuoteI don 't buy a rod because of it's warranty. I buy it because of it's quality. If you need a warranty because you're clumsy and break your rods then why should Loomis replace it, as they always have for 50 bucksYou may not factor in the "warranty" in your rod buying purchase, but many other people do. I don't see why anyone would NOT factor in the expeditor service when purchasing a high end rod. If 2 rods are equal in sensitivity and one provides a replacement program for $50 per breakage then that one makes much more sense financially. And now after MANY people have used the expeditor service as a factor in their purchase Loomis doubles the price and restricts it to ONE replacement. Everyone who purchased a Loomis rod with the expeditor service has every right to be upset about it. That's a pretty drastic change.
Very well said. There are several very good rods out there, so the warranty/replacement policy for sure plays a part in my decision. It used to be a no-brainer. GLX is a great rod with a great warranty/replacement. Buy more GLX's! Easy decision. Now the door is thrown open for me since their policy is now just average. I'm also looking at St. Croix as they get a lot of accolades and have a great warranty/upgrade program on the higher end stuff.
One of the reasons for the increase, according to a ShimLoomis customer service rep on a different forum, is because folks were "abusing" it. While I understand that, I'm insulted that their policy now assumes I'm an abuser. And there's nothing to keep them from doubling it again in 6 months or whatever when they decide there are still too many "abusers".
Just bad policy, IMO. Grandfathering in the older rods, only allowing Xpeditor once or twice a year, not doubling the price, giving more than a 2 week notice on the change, etc would have gone a long way to making this a less bitter pill for loyal Loomis owners.
tyrius. reply :
QuoteWarranty does not equal free replacement for any reason.
Hmm, last I read Loomis has a warranty program where an angler could send their rod in for replacement if it was a true manufacturer's defect and then they have the separate and distinct expeditor service which is a no questions asked replacement program.
Loomis made no changes to their warranty program.
burleytog reply :
Quote, only allowing Xpeditor once or twice a year
Once or twice a year? :-?
And you people wonder why they increased the price?
Dan-K reply :
QuoteQuoteWarranty does not equal free replacement for any reason.Hmm, last I read Loomis has a warranty program where an angler could send their rod in for replacement if it was a true manufacturer's defect and then they have the separate and distinct expeditor service which is a no questions asked replacement program.
Loomis made no changes to their warranty program.
True about the "Warranty" definition, but you are splitting hairs here. People are using the word "Warranty" in lieu of "expidieter service". The problem with the warranty is, how do we as anglers know if it is a manufacture's defect which caused the rod to fail? We are taking a gamble by trying to use the warranty, where as with the expiditer service it was basicly $25 more and you get the rod replaced with no questions asked.....
Dan-K reply :
Might I add, the G Loomis reputation was built on the $50 expiditer program. When I got into bass fishing heavily, all of my "mentors" in the sport advised me to just bite the bullet and go with Loomis because it was a life time investment into my gear. Now that has all changed..... When I started this thread I was unaware of the new one time replacement limit, that just adds fuel to the fire!!
TourPT reply :
I own many Loomis rods, some of which are 20 years old and have only had to use the service once. I admit I am not happy about them raising the price of the replacement service, in fact I was rather as ticked as you are when I first heard about it, but with only needing to use that service once in twenty years, I guess it's no biggy.
Although I do agree with you somewhat, for I also bought these rods with part of the reason for purchasing them was the 50 dollar replacement fee, but you can't blame them for people abusing the service.
There is two things though that I will say that rather upsets me about Loomis. One is that the replacements are not always what you bought. For example they use to use very good Pac Bay Guides and used reel seats with a metal ring instead of the plastic they use now. What they use today is good, but not as good IMO and not what I paid for in the first place. Again a minor thing, but still a thing.
The other thing is that Loomis/Shimano is rather greedy. I mean why is the GL3 rods still priced so high. I was hoping that this new high end 500 dollar a rod bologna, and I do mean bologna for if you need anything more sensitive then a GLX then you may want to go see the doctor and see if your still alive, would also mean Loomis would lower there prices a little on the GL3, a good rod, but no way worth more then 140 bucks in today's market. With all these other companies coming out with decent 100 dollar rods, Loomis could have blown them all away by lowing the price to such on the GL3, made there customers happy and still make a profit. If Lamiglas can come out with a very good rod, close to there Certified pro blanks, for 100 bucks then why can't Loomis come down to earth also. Greedy!
BobP reply :
There really is NO FREE LUNCH and there never was regarding Loomis rods. The Loomis warranty/expediter service is paid for by the very high price you pay for one of their rods. When the expediter service was $50, that seemed a reasonable charge for Loomis to accept, replace, and ship a replacement rod. Now doubled, many guys feel the deal they made with Loomis by paying that premium price has been abrogated unfairly by Loomis. I think they have a valid point and the change constitutes a "bait and switch" by Loomis/Shimano. On the other hand, I have no sympathy for jerks who repeatedly abuse rods and then use an expediter service multiple times a year to get over on the company. If you don't know how to handle and fish with high end graphite, you should recognize your limitations and buy something in IM6 or fiberglass from BassPro. JMHO
Raul reply :
Most of my rods are GLoomis, I didn 't purchase them for the warranty, been fishing with them for more than a decade, I 've never ever needed the warranty, I do not expect a rod to be replaced that I for neglect broke, it 's not the manufacturer 's fault, it 's my fault.
In lame terms, GLoomis is saying:
We appreaciate your business by purchasing our product, just for that reason we offer you a replacement warranty of "X" ammount of money ( now 100 ) in case that your rods break out of neglect/ abuse. It 's your fault however for an X percentage of the value of the rod we are going to pay the rest for your neglect/abuse..
Dan-K reply :
Just to clarify, I don't feel that my rod broke out of neglect or clumsiness on my part. Even though it did not break on a fish it does not mean it was out of neglect. Just because it broke while removing it from my boat's rod locker everyone is assuming it was neglect. I have other high end rods in the same rod lockers and they have never broke. I do not drop my rods, step on them, slam them in doors, run the trolling motor over them or do any other abusive actions to them. I admit to sitting on a Berkley Lightning Rod, I broke it in two places, and that was all my fault and when I was a lot newer to bass fishing.
The best way to describe how my IMX broke is this; place the rod tip about one inch under the lip of a table and raise the handle. The rod snapped before I even felt resistance on the butt end. I should send it back to them under the warranty, but I understand the possibility of it being the manufacturer's fault in some way is less than 1%. I do know for a FACT that I have never abused this rod in any way, but that does not rule out the possibilty that some knuckle head did not abuse it while it was on the racks at the dealer. I was OK with paying the $50 to Loomis for the expiditer service for several reasons: I am a humble person and acknowledge that rods don't just break, so it was more than likely not G Loomis at fault; I thought G Loomis and Shimano were great companies to the extent that I was converting my entire collection to Loomis / Shimano equipment; I liked the fact that I could call Loomis and have a replacement in my hands before the next weekend / fishing trip; And, in the big picture $50 is not a lot to spend to replace a $270 rod but $100 is (manufacturer's fault or mine).....
Raul reply :
Yes, they are great companies to the point of:
We will change your broken rod for X ammount of money no questions asked no matter how it broke or how old is your rod.
If you have read how the warranty works they even will exchange your broken rod for the closest comparable model if your rod model is discontinued, no longer in production or out of stock.
For me the relief is to know that in case s*t happens I will only have to pay a proprtional ammount of money for the worthless piece of trash a broken rod is.
Your math is:
IMX = $285, replacement $100 = $385
That math is wrong
The math is:
BROKEN IMX WORTH ---------> $ 0.0, replacement = $100
New replaced IMX = $100
tyrius. reply :
QuoteI do not expect a rod to be replaced that I for neglect broke, it 's not the manufacturer 's fault, it 's my fault.
If you went home tonight and found that your son had used a GLoomis rod as a play sword and snapped it into many pieces would you send $100 and the rod in for replacement?
Bassn Blvd reply :
QuoteQuoteQuoteWhy don't you read RoLo's thread and see how well they took care of him with his warranty, not expeditor, claim.And as for not buying a rod for the warranty, nobody buys a rod for the warranty. However like any sizeable purchase all features related to the product are weighed when compared against other products. Now that one of the features has changed substantially, it alters the total equation. Enough for some to leave, not enough for others. Just because you don't value the expeditor service in your equation doesn't mean that everyone else shouldn't as well.
To me, 50 bucks is hardly a substantial altercation when you're paying 400-500 bucks for the product.
I noticed you conveniently left off you can only use it once now as well.
You can only use the FREE REPLACEMENT, no questions asked for the NRX just once. After that it will cost 100 dollars to replace a 500 dollar rod. So basically I'll spend 1/5 the price of the rod to replace it where as you'll spend almost 1/2 the price of the rod to replace Falcon Cara. You'll spend just under half to replace the Dobyns and about 1/3 to replace a Loomis IMX, 1/4 for the GLX and 1/5 for the NRX Now, you tell me, which warranty is better compared to the price of the rod. And if you think the sensitivity and quality is better in the other rods then you're just blowing smoke.
And no, I don't rod shop because of the warranty. I wouldn't by a less sensitive, heavier rod because it had the best warranty.
And as I previously said, they should cover the loss of his rod at the 50 dollar fee since it was purchased before the change. But for new purchases, I don't see what the big deal is over paying 100 dollar (only 50 dollar increase) to replace a 4-5 hundred dollar rod. SHOW me who has a better warranty for the SAME quality rod.
I've also always considered the IMX series to be the "bottom shelf" model of the Loomis rods and wouldn't even consider buying any of the GL series. So no, I don't think it's worth 100 bucks to replace a GL series but more than fair to replace the rods I use which are the GLX and now the NRX.
Raul reply :
QuoteQuoteI do not expect a rod to be replaced that I for neglect broke, it 's not the manufacturer 's fault, it 's my fault.If you went home tonight and found that your son had used a GLoomis rod as a play sword and snapped it into many pieces would you send $100 and the rod in for replacement?
NO.
I don 't know if I 'm an extraterrestrial alien or something like that, but my sense of honorability/honesty puts many barriers to my everyday behevior, that 's how I am, to many it may sound dumb and I don 't care in the final end what they think or do, I care about what I think and do.
KSRonH reply :
Well said Raul, you look into the same mirror I do. It's a shame that not everyone thinks like this. That's one of the reasons that a $50 dollar service now costs $100.
rubba bubba reply :
QuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteWhy don't you read RoLo's thread and see how well they took care of him with his warranty, not expeditor, claim.And as for not buying a rod for the warranty, nobody buys a rod for the warranty. However like any sizeable purchase all features related to the product are weighed when compared against other products. Now that one of the features has changed substantially, it alters the total equation. Enough for some to leave, not enough for others. Just because you don't value the expeditor service in your equation doesn't mean that everyone else shouldn't as well.
To me, 50 bucks is hardly a substantial altercation when you're paying 400-500 bucks for the product.
I noticed you conveniently left off you can only use it once now as well.
You can only use the FREE REPLACEMENT, no questions asked for the NRX just once. After that it will cost 100 dollars to replace a 500 dollar rod. So basically I'll spend 1/5 the price of the rod to replace it where as you'll spend almost 1/2 the price of the rod to replace Falcon Cara. You'll spend just under half to replace the Dobyns and about 1/3 to replace a Loomis IMX, 1/4 for the GLX and 1/5 for the NRX Now, you tell me, which warranty is better compared to the price of the rod. And if you think the sensitivity and quality is better in the other rods then you're just blowing smoke.
In case you haven't noticed, this entire thread isn't about the NRX, which is new. This thread is about all of those unhappy individuals who have bought prior Loomis products, who have now had their feature set defined at time of purchase changed afterwards. Please recalculate your percentages after the 1 time usage. I believe they will come out to be 5/4, 6/5, and 4/3, and compare that to the other rods should they happen to break a second time.
If a 100% price increase and a reduction from lifetime to just once is not a "substantial change" in your book, then there's pretty much no point in discussing the issue any longer.
tyrius. reply :
QuoteNO.
I don 't know if I 'm an extraterrestrial alien or something like that, but my sense of honorability/honesty puts many barriers to my everyday behevior, that 's how I am, to many it may sound dumb and I don 't care in the final end what they think or do, I care about what I think and do.
Works for me. I may not agree with your stance (especially since the product you purchased includes the expeditor service which isn't about the reason behind the break), but I don't have to.
Bassn Blvd reply :
Rubba Bubba,
I realize this isn't about the NRX series. I was trying to justify why I thought Loomis raised their fee from 50 to 100 dollars. And you're wrong with the figures. If you don't want to spend $100 to replace a $300 rod (1/3 the price of the rod) then don't. I guess you would rather spend $80 to replace a $160 rod (1/2 the price of the rod).
As I said before, I agree he should have his rod replaced at the fee stated when the purchase was made. But, most of the talk on this subject is about people not buying Loomis rods in the future because of the expediter fee increase.If the 50 extra bucks is going to break your piggy bank then you shouldn't be buying Loomis IMX, GLX or NRX. And if you're buying the GL series then I don't believe you're experiencing the true G-Loomis experience.
Bassn Blvd reply :
Posted By Rubba Bubba
QuoteThis thread is about all of those unhappy individuals who have bought prior Loomis products, who have now had their feature set defined at time of purchase changed afterwards. Please recalculate your percentages after the 1 time usage. I believe they will come out to be 5/4, 6/5, and 4/3, and compare that to the other rods should they happen to break a second time.If a 100% price increase and a reduction from lifetime to just once is not a "substantial change" in your book, then there's pretty much no point in discussing the issue any longerlink=1281852002/62#62 date=1281983911]
.
5bass reply :
QuotePosted By Rubba BubbaQuoteThis thread is about all of those unhappy individuals who have bought prior Loomis products, who have now had their feature set defined at time of purchase changed afterwards. Please recalculate your percentages after the 1 time usage. I believe they will come out to be 5/4, 6/5, and 4/3, and compare that to the other rods should they happen to break a second time.If a 100% price increase and a reduction from lifetime to just once is not a "substantial change" in your book, then there's pretty much no point in discussing the issue any longerlink=1281852002/62#62 date=1281983911]
.
Posted by BassnBlvd.
What Loomis product do you own that you believe isn't worth 100 dollars to replace if YOU break it due YOU'RE carelessness.
Raul reply :
Don 't know about you guys but I feel that after 5 pages and the subject becoming a little bit more controversial .... I begin to smell Irene 's perfume.
Stasher1 reply :
QuoteDon 't know about you guys but I feel that after 5 pages and the subject becoming a little bit more controversial .... I begin to smell Irene 's perfume.
I smell something...but I'm not so sure I'd call it perfume.
Smells more like a dead horse to me. ;D
SPEEDBEAD. reply :
QuoteDon 't know about you guys but I feel that after 5 pages and the subject becoming a little bit more controversial .... I begin to smell Irene 's perfume.
Perfume?
More like Marlboro and Budweiser...
;D
Bassn Blvd reply :
I agree. I'm putting my comments on this topic to .
BASSclary reply :
QuoteQuoteDon 't know about you guys but I feel that after 5 pages and the subject becoming a little bit more controversial .... I begin to smell Irene 's perfume.Perfume?
More like Marlboro and Budweiser...
;D
Ahhhhhhh That VA air for you ! Reds and Buds 8-)
Dan-K reply :
If needed, I will start a new post leaving out anything negative about any company's policies. I would like to add, I called Loomis and voiced my concerns. I will be sending the rod back under WARRANTY and will wait to see what they say.......
Siebert Outdoors reply :
Dank,
My only thought on this issue is the loss you will take when you sell them. Typically a used rod fetches 30-40% off of what a new one costs in great condition.
Are you just sending the rod back non-expiditor? I've done that once or twice over the years.
Dan-K reply :
I know I am going to take a hit, but I only paid list price for my MBR844, I shopped around patiently and made good purchases on the other four.
I will be sending the broken rod back as a warranty claim, not under the expiditer service. I was told by the customer service rep that if it is denied warranty I will be presented with my other options.
Siebert Outdoors reply :
QuoteI will be sending the broken rod back as a warranty claim, not under the expiditer service. I was told by the customer service rep that if it is denied warranty I will be presented with my other options.
Thats cool. Let me know how it goes.
dodgeguy reply :
there isn't a rod made worth 500 bucks or 100 to replace.i can buy my johnny morris rods for 169 and they feel as good to me as any loomis.and i've never broken one either.just because a rod costs 500 doesn't mean your gonna catch more fish.there are plenty of rods out there in the 150 to 200 range every bit as good as a loomis.american rodsmiths has a 55$ no questions asked policy on their rods.you can get their top of the line rod for under $300 on their website.there is no need to stick with or pay the price for loomis.gary isn't even part of the company anymore.it should say shimano on the rods.
CWilliams reply :
What $200 dollar rod is as good as the NRX?
Jake. reply :
The Dobyns Champion Extreme rods are very nice. I've owned both Champion Extremes and GLX rods and they are very close in performance IMO.
Quotei can buy my johnny morris rods for 169 and they feel as good to me as any loomis.
Those are the key words in that sentence. Most would agree that while the Johnny Morris rods are nice, they aren't equal to the GLX.
fathom reply :
Quotethere isn't a rod made worth 500 bucks or 100 to replace.i can buy my johnny morris rods for 169 and they feel as good to me as any loomis.and i've never broken one either.just because a rod costs 500 doesn't mean your gonna catch more fish.there are plenty of rods out there in the 150 to 200 range every bit as good as a loomis.american rodsmiths has a 55$ no questions asked policy on their rods.you can get their top of the line rod for under $300 on their website.there is no need to stick with or pay the price for loomis.gary isn't even part of the company anymore.it should say shimano on the rods.
never saw a dodge worth $500 either but, at least, i am open to suggestion.
RussBert reply :
QuoteSHOW me who has a better warranty for the SAME quality rod.
St Croix 8-)
dodgeguy reply :
QuoteQuotethere isn't a rod made worth 500 bucks or 100 to replace.i can buy my johnny morris rods for 169 and they feel as good to me as any loomis.and i've never broken one either.just because a rod costs 500 doesn't mean your gonna catch more fish.there are plenty of rods out there in the 150 to 200 range every bit as good as a loomis.american rodsmiths has a 55$ no questions asked policy on their rods.you can get their top of the line rod for under $300 on their website.there is no need to stick with or pay the price for loomis.gary isn't even part of the company anymore.it should say shimano on the rods.never saw a dodge worth $500 either but, at least, i am open to suggestion.
then you obviously never drove a viper or the new 6.1 challenger.you obviously never heard of a dodge daytona or plymouth superbird.both cars were banned from nascar because they were to fast.
dodgeguy reply :
QuoteQuoteSHOW me who has a better warranty for the SAME quality rod.St Croix 8-)
or american rodsmiths.
Bassn Blvd reply :
QuoteQuoteQuoteSHOW me who has a better warranty for the SAME quality rod.St Croix 8-)
or american rodsmiths.
Okay, you woke me up from my nap.
St. Croix? Yes, I'll agree with you that St. Croix can compete with some of the Loomis rods and their warranty is good. BUT come on, American Rodsmith or JohnnyMo .
This topic was not meant to discuss which rod will out perform the other or if Loomis was worth the money so lets not get it locked. I feel the shackle closing on the lock.
TrippyJai reply :
QuoteIf a Loomis rod breaks on a fish it is a free replacement. Too many guys have abused the $50 no questions asked expediter policy, so I'm not surprised that they raised the fee. I once broke an MBR782 trying to free a snagged lure. Totally my fault, but they replaced it for free.
This pretty much sums it up. It's still a free replacement if it's "not" your fault. Maybe people should treat their expensive equipment better. A little care wouldn't hurt. I've been fishing with the same combos for 3 years now and I've taken really good care of them. You don't know how many times I've seen someone drop their $500-600 combo, put in the dirt or do some idiotic thing. Either money is easy made or your abusing the system. How can so many people slam their door on their rods... geez...
5bass reply :
Back to your corners fellas. It's over.
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