I’m in the process of upgrading my gear currently and I’m looking at rod brands, more specifically looking to get an E6X from g Loomis, I was wondering if anyone has any experience with these rods and if they’re really worth the 200 dollar price tag, I’ve held several in person as well as a buddies Nrx, I’m not quite willing to make the step to an Nrx but willing to test the waters with the E6x, Any input is much appreciated!
I have one. Tatulas and Sierras are better for less.
On 10/4/2019 at 10:11 AM, Glaucus said:I have one. Tatulas and Sierras are better for less.
What model may I ask?
I have a first generation E6X. It’s an decent rod but nothing special. Not worth $200 to me but I hear the new ones are better.
My fishing partner uses several and loves them but I just don't get it. I like all the Loomis rods I own but this model just falls short.
I would suggest a St.Croix Avid over this rod anytime. The 7' MH fast or 7' M Fast would be great picks. You can do just about anything with either one of these rods.
On 10/4/2019 at 10:55 AM, FishTank said:My fishing partner uses several and loves them but I just don't get it. I like all the Loomis rods I own but this model just falls short.
I would suggest a St.Croix Avid over this rod anytime. The 7' MH fast or 7' M Fast would be great picks. You can do just about anything with either one of these rods.
I should have mentioned I’m really looking for a technique specific rod to really fill a niche, in this case a jig/worm rod, later I’d like to get a dropshot rod aswell, I appreciate your suggestion and I’ll for sure look into it!
Go with a Helium 3 or the Croix Avid. I have several of both..
For the long haul go Avid.
On 10/4/2019 at 10:59 AM, Alonerankin2 said:Go with a Helium 3 or the Croix Avid. I have several of both..
For the long haul go Avid.
Helium 3, that’s a Kistler right? I’ve heard mixed reviews on Kistlers in general but also could be differing models of theirs, I’m not familiar with their line up. I’ve had good experiences with st croix, but in my experience they tend to be a little tip heavy in some models ( could be a past issue as my newest st croix is from 2015)
On 10/4/2019 at 10:59 AM, Allaroundfishing said:I should have mentioned I’m really looking for a technique specific rod to really fill a niche, in this case a jig/worm rod, later I’d like to get a dropshot rod aswell, I appreciate your suggestion and I’ll for sure look into it!
The 6'8'' M Extra-Fast Avid would work a jig/worm rod. In most Loomis rods this would be a MH.
On 10/4/2019 at 11:05 AM, Allaroundfishing said:Helium 3, that’s a Kistler right? I’ve heard mixed reviews on Kistlers in general but also could be differing models of theirs, I’m not familiar with their line up. I’ve had good experiences with st croix, but in my experience they tend to be a little tip heavy in some models ( could be a past issue as my newest st croix is from 2015)
Yes. It is a Kistler built rod built with Gary Loomis's North Fork composite blanks..
I don't like split grips except on these. These rods are incredibly well balanced for a production type rod build. I'm using a 7' helium 3 in medium xfast and on it is a Shimano Ci4+ C3000. I also use a new KLX in MH moderate fast and it sports Ci4+ 4000. I also just picked up Avid inshore 7' MH and that rod is a tank..
Even still, with a C3000 Stradic FL it is sweet. Not as light and not as balanced but sweet..
On 10/4/2019 at 11:19 AM, Alonerankin2 said:Yes. It is a Kistler built rod built with Gary Loomis's North Fork composite blanks..
I don't like split grips except on these. These rods are incredibly well balanced for a production type rod build. I'm using a 7' helium 3 in medium xfast and on it is a Shimano Ci4+ C3000. I also use a new KLX in MH moderate fast and it sports Ci4+ 4000. I also just picked up Avid inshore 7' MH and that rod is a tank..
Even still, with a C3000 Stradic FL it is sweet. Not as light and not as balanced but sweet..
Yea Kistler has a very controversial reputation due to there past. St Croix, G Loomis, Shimano, Phenix, Megabass, and Daiwa all make great rods. I'd choose one of them personally. Depending on the price range and the type of application determines exactly which company and model I would recommend. Also trying some Taipan rods right now and like them thus far. I will write a review after a few more trips with them. All have great customer service departments and make great products.
There are too many E6x haters on BR. They are excellent rods. I have held both the 6'6" and 7' E6x MBR rods next to Avid 6'6" and 7' rods and the E6x rods were better balanced and lighter. Some folks on here like to say they hate them but have trouble saying why. They are very nice well made rods with great actions, and are very sensitive.
I have never held a JWR E6x so I don't have any words about them. I am an old time user of the old IMX MBR rods and the E6x rod are a nice compliment to them.
The Daiwa Tatula bass rods are another great option for around $40.00 less than an E6x. Also very nice rods. Nice balance and sensitivity.
Also right now you can get Kistler H3 rods for $219.00
the 2018 model E6X rods are a lot better than the 2015 models.
the 2015 models were hit and miss depending on the model. Some were good, some not good (generally the heavier models from what i have read)
the 2018 models are lighter more sensitive and crisper. I have 2015 MBR903 and a 2018 JWR892S.
I like them both, great rods, great tapers.
I have owned several. They're great for moving baits but not the best for jig/worm applications due to lack of sensitivity. Any other application they're excellent rods though IMO.
I still own the 7'4" Swimbait rod, one of my favorite rods.
I am a huge Loomis fan and have fished a little with one of the old ones (a mbr783c) and one of the new ones (a 820s dsr). The new ones are a big improvement, like with the new vs old MB Levante rods.
I really really like the Loomis MagL/XF rods, they are amazing for most any small plastics application.
QuoteI really really like the Loomis MagL/XF rods, they are amazing for most any small plastics application.
yes I have the SJR700 Mag Light Extra fast GL3. its a gem of a rod with a 1000 size shimano and 6 pound Sufix Siege.
Loomis E6X reminds me of a BMW 3 Series. Sure you can get something else for the same money that's better, or the same performance for less, but It's not a Beamer. The 6 Series convertible is nice though....
the thing that i notice most about fishing loomis rods vs others that i fish is that the tapers on the loomis rods (esp. the MBR tapers for all purpose stuff) are awesome. no other company has tapers as good as Loomis does IMO.
the other thing i like about all the E6X rods is the cork handles and hook keepers. no EVA foam to be found, which is a big bonus IMO.
On 10/4/2019 at 11:00 PM, Hulkster said:the MBR tapers for all purpose stuff) are awesome. no other company has tapers as good as Loomis does
I agree. If you are interested in trying an E6x get an MBR in a 3 Power. You don’t need much after getting one. They have a magical taper that’s great for tons of uses. I usually have three 3 power MBR rods and one 4 power with me. I don’t use any specialty rods at all, these do it all well.
The taper is what keeps me coming back to Loomis, I think I have like 5 mbr or cr rods.
Love my 2018 models. Balance well and fell good to me. My favorite is the 843c MBR, i have it paired with a 13 Metatium and use it for a little bit of everything. Yes there are more sensitive rods in the price range but the E6X is fairly sensitive. The thing that makes me come back to them is the tapers, they just feel good when casting and fighting fish. So i would say they are worth a shot.
I am an all Shimano/Loomis man. I have had several E6x's. They were ok, but I didn't love them and eventually sold them. In my opinion, I would try to find a used Expride for around $200.00 or less. The Exprides are a giant step up from the E6x's in terms of sensitive, weight, etc. The Exprides are light and senstive and just a step below a GLX. I really like the Sprial X technology.
I have the older 803S 6’8”MH
It’s my go to River Smallie rod.
Handles a wide variety of techniques and baits.
I have a 6’6” 2 piece walleye e6x and I love the rod! It’s light, sensitive, great rip! Sure it doesn’t compare to the imx pro’s, or glx’s but I do enjoy the rod. My dad has a newer e6x 845c cbr and I have the imx pro 845c cbr and both rods are good! I sold my avid x and kept the e6x
In my opinion, if you’re going with a Loomis rod, just jump right up to the GLX or NRX. It’s more expensive up front, but a better deal for the long term.
Thank you to everyone who has responded, everyone’s input is much appreciated, like I said I have never been able to afford higher end tackle and I don’t really know what to expect with a more expensive rod, I’m really wanting something light and easy to handle but sensitivity is huge to me I’m sick of not having the sensitivity to detect subtle bites and I truly believe that my lower quality equipment has kept me from catching fish and has cost me money in my tournaments.
I have 4 2015 e6x's and 3 glx's. I have no experience with 18 e6x's but the heavy models I have are more tip heavy as previously mentioned. Honestly, if we are comparing best bang for $$$ loomis rods will fall short because you are paying more for their warrenty and US made! I find Loomis balaces this by having lesser quality components compaired to other similar priced brands.
I would say Loomis is 25-35% over priced when compairing rod specs alone with other similar priced rods. Saying this I prefer Loomis tapers, feel in hand, US made and piece of mind of their warrenty. If you do not enjoy fishing with what you have it does not matter how good/value it is IMO. I think any rod today in the $100-200 range for the most part are the best bang for the $$. My GLX's are lighter, better components, and more fun to fish than my E6X's but they are not 2x more like the price difference.
My advice would be for you to find a rod that feels good in your hand in the $100-200 range and will fish your style. Put your reel on it to test it out before buying if you can. Buy the most rod you can afford for bottom contact rods for quality and durability so you do not regret later not doing so. If the E6X does this for you go for it!
I don't understand why anyone would pay the asking price for the e6 rods. I'm sure they are decent but honestly there are several 100 dollar rods that feel far superior to me. Much lighter and more balanced. Several suggestions already of better options. Seems to me Loomis is riding their name on these rods. Of course my humble opinion. If you like how they feel/fish more power to ya
On 10/6/2019 at 11:50 AM, Shimano_1 said:I don't understand why anyone would pay the asking price for the e6 rods. I'm sure they are decent but honestly there are several 100 dollar rods that feel far superior to me. Much lighter and more balanced. Several suggestions already of better options. Seems to me Loomis is riding their name on these rods. Of course my humble opinion. If you like how they feel/fish more power to ya
Have you handled the 2018 models? they are a lot better than the first generation E6Xs. doubt there are any $100 rods that are better than those. esp. with full cork, hook keepers and made in the USA.
I haven't fished them but I have handled them and I still stand by my statement. They just seem grossly over rated in my opinion. Not a huge fan of cork either so that doesn't help lol. The only thing they'd have positive to me is mad in the usa if they are. I'd take a st croix mojo over one all day every day if I were into cork. I'm sure they're decent rods and there are plenty that like em apparently. That's the beauty of it we have selections
Getting back to the discussion, i have yet to handle a 2018 EX6 that was heavy or unbalance but some of the 2015 models were. but then again, i haven't handled all of them, and Ive only fished with a 2018 JWR 892S.
my 2015 E6X was one of the ones out of the first batch that was well liked by most, the MBR taper in the 7'6 length is really awesome.
but by the same regard, i had the MBR in the 7 foot model and didn't like it nearly as much as the longer version of the same rod. Go figure. The first generation E6X's were inconsistent if you ask me. some models fished great, others not so much. I think Loomis realized this and corrected a lot of the issues for the second generation.
On 10/7/2019 at 4:48 AM, Hulkster said:Have you handled the 2018 models? they are a lot better than the first generation E6Xs. doubt there are any $100 rods that are better than those. esp. with full cork, hook keepers and made in the USA.
There aren’t, you are correct.
I'm with Shimano 1. Based on the green threads and the unfinished blank these rods will not fish properly. They don't look like they will catch fish......I've handled e6x and fished. They are nice rods for the $. Fished these from bass to steelhead.
When Loomis offered the E6X rods under $200 it was banner news on this site.
I remember going to the Fred Hull show in Long Beach and Loomis/Shimano had a big display promoting these rods and wrote my opinion back then. The early E6X rods had marginal workmanship you would expect from a Loomis brand. The E6X series was intended for average recreational bass anglers and meets that goal.
Today you have a lot of choices in the $150-$200 price range that are lighter weight and better balanced IMO.
Tom
On 10/6/2019 at 11:50 AM, Shimano_1 said:I don't understand why anyone would pay the asking price for the e6 rods. I'm sure they are decent but honestly there are several 100 dollar rods that feel far superior to me. Much lighter and more balanced. Several suggestions already of better options. Seems to me Loomis is riding their name on these rods. Of course my humble opinion. If you like how they feel/fish more power to ya
Curious to what $100 rods you think are better.
I actually saw some of these rods onsale at academy for 149.99.. it took everything in me not to buy one and try em out. They were the 6’6” and 7’ mag bass rods
I have been using Loomis rods for about the last 20 years. I just got my first E6X earlier this year. I got the 822S SYR for Shaky Heads, and I have been impressed with it. It reminds me of an IMX rod from 10 or so years ago, but actaully better because it has a softer tip, while maintaining a good strong backbone. I also have several St Croix Avid rods, and I like the E6X as much as I do my Avids. I think you would be satisfied with either. Go hold them in your hand and buy the one that feels best to you.
On 10/7/2019 at 11:41 PM, thunderblack said:I'm with Shimano 1. Based on the green threads and the unfinished blank these rods will not fish properly. They don't look like they will catch fish......I've handled e6x and fished. They are nice rods for the $. Fished these from bass to steelhead.
Yeah cause that's exactly why I said I didn't like em. U guys crack me up.
On 10/8/2019 at 4:04 AM, Stephen B said:Curious to what $100 rods you think are better.
Shoot me a pm if ur serious. Don't want to offend anyone else
On 10/7/2019 at 10:16 AM, Hulkster said:Getting back to the discussion
Haha......Nice job!