Rod builders, I'm ashamed, is there any hope? 2024

Alpster reply :

I recently removed the guides on my old CR724 IMX and spiral wrapped it. It turned out great and I was anxious to do the same with the GLX. However, in my typical graceful way, while I was taking off the old guides on my factory CR722 GLX while heating one of the old wraps, I tried to move the rod and applied some pressure and it bent (broke). I now have a beautifull G-Loomis GLX rod blank that is only 5' 2" long. >

My question... is there any use in finishing the rod at this length? I have a 5' 6" Lamiglas heavy pitchin stick that I love for pitching under overhanging trees and skipping tubes under docks, etc. I am wondering if this little rod is worth trying to finish or should I just toss it, and learn from the experience? It's real heartbreaker to throw out a $325 rod because of a stupid mistake. :'(

Any creative ideas would be welcome. Ice fishing is not an option for me.

Thanks!

Ronnie

guest reply :

Geezers Ronnie,

You might look into selling them as Q-sticks. J/K

From what I gather here you broke 10" off of a 6' rod that had a medium power rating, probably a fast tip.

10" is a lot of tip, now you have an extra extra fast tip. But i'm not sure that it would have changed the backbone or power.

If the power hasn't changed that much then I see a 5'2" straight grip jerk bait, and tops rod. I use a 5'6" pistol med fast for weightless plastics like Zulu's, even tops like chugbugs. Currently building one for sale on the website.

I wouldn't toss the rod it could work for something like tops, etc.

Something to think about.

KU_Bassmaster. reply :

Correct me if I'm wrong, but doesn't the GLommis Xpeditor service cover that?? I thought they cover it ALL??

Alpster reply :

KU,

This particular rod was replaced less than 3 months ago by the expiditor service, due to a broken tip. I took a factory rod that was perfect and ground off all the guides to rewrap it. I broke the rod due to my own negligence. I am going to give G-Loomis a call, remind them of how much $ I have spent on their rods and beg for mercy, but I don't expect them to honor their waranty. After all, this my responsibility. I decided to rebuild the rod, G-Loomis did nothing wrong. If they will replace the rod or blank under warranty I will be more of an advocate for their products than ever, if that's possible. This screw up belongs to me and me alone.

Ronnie

KU_Bassmaster. reply :

Yeah I understand. Just thought that if they will cover somebody slamming it in the car door that this wouldn't be any different. Don't you think they would be more apt to send you the blank?? That is really what you want isn't it??

Good Luck!!! ..... and from what I hear I wouldn't at all be suprised if they take care of you.

justtrying reply :

ronnie,

man, i'm sorry about the broken rod.

were it me, instead of thee, i would call loomis, if yes, thank the Lord, if no, just put it aside as a lesson.

i know it's a little late now, but, i've found a very easy, very fool-proof way to take guides off.

i just take a razor, & cut a little on top of the guide (i try to cut it through the thread, but, if i don't it still is ok.

then, i take a heat gun & in a matter of seconds (very few seconds), the epoxy opens up & Voila, just pull the tab off that's cut, hold a piece of string & turn the rod. as it unwinds, it takes most of the epoxy off. i then take a plastic knife & scrape remainder. ..works great. ...i've done about 20 & haven't had any problems whatsoever (thank the Lord!)..

to remove tips, i take a pair of forceps, clamp them on the tip so they will be sticking out on the side.

then, as i apply heat, the forceps will begin to rotate down, just as soon as glue loosens. ...with the tip, i take a little longer, apply heat Very sparingly til tip loosens.

on a bright note, i took my 7'9" shikari out today for the first time. i plan to use it for frogs in heavy cover & tubes for bedding bass. today, i just used it to throw a c-rig. ...Man, it was like throwing a surf rod. ..it's not pretty, i built it as a work rod, but, it absolutely has the best action of any rod i've built. ..Loook Out Big Mammas in Santee Cooper!!!!!

ronnie

YakAttack reply :

Wow Alpster thats a real pickle you got there.

I cant add anything to whats already been said, but please keep us posted on the outcome of the call with Loomis. I have never used one of there blanks to build on but if they take good care of you on this mishap I might very well be inclined to build a few on there blanks.

Tommy

flechero reply :

I'd go for the expiditor... you have spent way more on Loomis product than most people ever will... besides unconditional is just that.

I see your point but they expect to have stuff like this or they wouldn't advertise that clumsy friends and car doors are no problem.

The other option is to cut 2 feet off the lamiglass and use it as a +T sleeve and have a real multi-modulous, glx tipped, ex-hvy flippin rod!

Sorry, just trying to keep the mood light. ...lol

guest reply :

Tough break dude, :-/

But don't assume that Loomis won't come accross with another blank for the expeitor fee.

I got a $200.00 tournament bass rod from St. Croix for $20.00 bench fee after overtightening and breaking the reel seat the first day I got it. (I think I win the stupid contest)

Anyway, please get back to us with what they say.

In the meantime I'll try to help you sell it.

"YO SHORTY....... Wanna buy a custom rod"

No need to thank me.

avid

guest reply :

Alpster,

I'd be real interested in what they say.

Re-wrapping into another layout is considered a modification to the factory rods. I read at one time they wouldn't honor any modification failures on rack rods. On custom build blanks they would only honor the blank.

There is a big difference between a door closing on a rod, and the owner cutting the guides off to modify the rod, and breaking a blank.

Just my .02¢

Good Luck..

BASSMACHINE reply :

Hey if you decide you don't want to keep the blank let me know I might be interested in purchasing it from you if the price is right. I need a good jerkbait rod.

Alpster reply :

Quote
Alpster,
I'd be real interested in what they say.

Re-wrapping into another layout is considered a modification to the factory rods. I read at one time they wouldn't honor any modification failures on rack rods. On custom build blanks they would only honor the blank.

There is a big difference between a door closing on a rod, and the owner cutting the guides off to modify the rod, and breaking a blank.

Just my .02¢

Good Luck..

RM,

I make no bones about it being my fault and I am only calling out of curiosity and to let them know that I appreciate their service. I will be perfectly honest with them about how it happened. If they are willing to give me some/any credit toward the purchase of a new blank I will accept it, if not I will not be dissapointed. Also before I call them I have already bought another G-Loomis blank. As a matter of fact I just got the shipping confirmation from Mudhole for a new MB844 blank.

Mud Hole Custom Tackle, Inc.

Sales Order

Acct. No. Date Order #

******* 1/11/2007 SO500**

Mud Hole Custom Tackle, Inc.

400 Kane Court

Oviedo FL 32765

407-447-7637

www.mudhole.com

Bill To Ship To

Ronnie Van Huss

Associated Land Professionals

7 Marl Road

Farmingdale NJ 07727

United States

Payment Terms Ship Via Ship Date Tracking Numbers Comments

Visa Shipping Rate By Order Total 1/11/2007

Oversize? Credit Card #

No ************

Item Quantity Description Rate Amount

LNSG-129 1 Fuji SiC Concept Cast Guide - Gunsmoke 40.05 40.05

MHDWT-M 1 MH Wood Body Casting Trigger Seat 16.95 16.95

MB844-IMX 1 GL 7' Mag Bass 12-20# B.590 T6 IMX 148.00 148.00

Subtotal 205.00

Shipping Cost (Shipping Rate By Order Total) 15.95

Total $220.95

I win, no matter what!

Ronnie

Alpster reply :

Quote

i just take a razor, & cut a little on top of the guide (i try to cut it through the thread, but, if i don't it still is ok.

then, i take a heat gun & in a matter of seconds (very few seconds), the epoxy opens up & Voila, just pull the tab off that's cut, hold a piece of string & turn the rod. as it unwinds, it takes most of the epoxy off. i then take a plastic knife & scrape remainder. ..works great. ...i've done about 20 & haven't had any problems whatsoever (thank the Lord!)..

ronnie

Ronnie,

That's exactly how I remove the guides, except I use a tiny bit on a dremel motor to take the epoxy & thread off the guide foot. Removing the guide is not what broke the rod. While I had the blank heated to remove the old epoxy, just as you described above, I tried to reposition the rod on my table and when I lifted the rod it kinked because it was warm. I just wasn't thinking, very dumb thing to do. Unfortunately, it hurts even worse when know the right thing to do and forget to do it. This is not the end of the world, there are a million rods out there, this was only one. I will figure out a way to have some fun with it, I always do. LOL

Ronnie

YakAttack reply :

Congrats on the new purchase.

Still hope that Loomis will help you somewhat on a new blank.

-Tommy

guest reply :

Alpster,

Yup blanks can turn to mush at 200+°. This is why I get on anglers cases about how they transport rods in the backs of truck beds or even in a car rear seat area in the summer time.

Now you know how much heat a blank can take, take the information and pass it forward.

Tight Wraps!

flechero reply :

Quote
MB844-IMX 1 GL 7' Mag Bass 12-20# B.590 T6 IMX

Nice choice! One of my favorites.

(The wife bought me that one for Christmas)

justtrying reply :

alps,

this is one of those, "pouring salt in the wound" kinda posts.

bro, please, please, Please, get your wholesale account set up w/mudhole. ..you would have saved $77-$78 on that order...........

or, if you don't have fed id & business license, just let me know & i'll have it drop-shipped for you.

ronnie

Mike B Fishin reply :

Alright, this is just a wild idea from a "mister fix-it".

Cut a straight seciton of titanium wire from a spinner bait, grind the wire down to fit inside each end at the break and epoxy the "internal splint" in place. Then rewrap with a guide foot over the break. The titanium wire will flex without bending or breaking.

A friend of mine broke 3" off the tip of a fiberglass fly rod back in 1973. He just glued it back to gether with Super Glue and it lasted for years. It was industrial Cyanoacrylates that we used at the Sunbeam factory. I guess there is not much pressure put on a fly rod tip section? Maybe there is not too much preasure 10" from the tip of your rod.

I used a section of graphite golf club shaft as an "internal splint" on a rod that broke near the butt. you can get a broken golf shaft from a repair shop for free. I cut the butt cap off, inserted the golf shaft, marked the length where it bottomed out inside the rod, cut it to fit 2" on either side of the break applied epoxy and used the rest of the shaft to push the splint in place. Then epoxied the front rod section in place. A little sanding, a thread wrap over the break and it looks good as new. It may have changed the balance a little, but not much.

Sorry, I got long winded. I would try the titanuim splint before I trashed the blank.

guest reply :

Alpster,

What's the word on the rod from Loomis®?

Tight Wraps!

Alpster reply :

Quote
Alpster,
What's the word on the rod from Loomis®?

Tight Wraps!

RM,

Still haven't spoken to them about the rod. I called them today and they are closed due to SNOW! They have a recorded message to that effect. Looks like winter has finally arrived for almost eveyone.

Ronnie

flechero reply :

Quote
Looks like winter has finally arrived for almost eveyone.

Even in central Tx... I'm off work today- we woke up to almost 1/2" of ice. Too bad the fed-ex man didn't make it before the storm... I had some rod building supplies on the way to tide me over until it thawed out.

Should have used UPS, eh' LBH? I bet they would have braved the weather to get my pkg here! ...lol

Let us know when you do talk to Loomis.

Alpster reply :

Quote

Quote
Too bad the fed-ex man didn't make it before the storm... I had some rod building supplies on the way to tide me over until it thawed out.

My Fed Ex guy showed up, got my MB844 IMX blank, guides & reel seat today. I already got the split grip & reel seat glued up. I have my Lamiglas crankin stick ready for guides also. I'm really trying to get ahead of the rod building in time for the Fork trip. I have a long "git er dun" list.

Ronnie

Low_Budget_Hooker reply :

Quote

Quote
Looks like winter has finally arrived for almost eveyone.

Should have used UPS, eh' LBH? I bet they would have braved the weather to get my pkg here! ...lol

Let us know when you do talk to Loomis.

EEeeeeeyup,lol. Hey, are you saying always sends their stuff via fedex? If so, would you have the addy for shipp/rec at loomis handy?

Geez Ronnie,....rub it in a little,lol.

flechero reply :

LBH,

I think both Ronnie and I had fed-ex coming from Mud Hole... they ship most stuff that way.

As for Loomis, they use this address for everything, shipping, warranty and regular mail:

G.Loomis, Inc.

1359 Downriver Drive

Woodland, WA 98674

Ronnie,

Sounds like you are ahead of schedule!! Glad one of us is! ...lol I'm beginning to think my CTS blanks are a lost cause. I owe Andy a phone call though. I need to think about what blanks I'll get instead. I have two T-series 6' 10" XF-H's on order (a 6-10 kg and a 8-12 kg... they rate em' funny over there. ...lol)

I did get the crankbait rod finished (well, I still need to finish over the sticker) I kept changing my mind on it... I finished the front of the reel seat with a winding check and didn't like it so I made an eva check since this grip is eva... didn't like it so I "threadmastered" a ramp up to and over the eva check and finished it tight to the edge of the threads on the seat. That was good except the eva looked crappy under the finish so then I sanded the surface of the finish and used a sharpie to blacken and hide the eva and then refinished. ...lol under a bright light, you can still barely see the eva. ...lol I think I'll leave it this way a while, there isn't much else I can do to one spot. ...lol

Alpster reply :

flechero,

The epoxy ramp looks great! I tried it on my noodle rod and it looked like crap. I fooled with it forever and never got to look right. I am attempting another one on the new IMX, but this time I am goint to try layers of thread wrap (finish saturated) and I think it will come out nicer.

I hope you get your blanks delima squared away soon. I think I want to give Shikari blanks a try, I'm hearing lots of good stuff about them.

Tight wraps,

Ronnie

YakAttack reply :

Quote

I think I want to give Shikari blanks a try, I'm hearing lots of good stuff about them.

Good luck finding them, if you happen to run across someone who still has them and they got a PSB662 please let me know.

Tommy

flechero reply :

Thanks, the ramp is way easier to do with epoxy gel. ...lol The only reason threadmaster worked so well for me is that the eva check was almost to the reel seat threads... it will suspend nicely at the bottom to fill and hold a good angle into the blank but at the top it's just too thin to hold itself as you want it.

Another thing I have done with it is to build up to the height you want (or close) and let it cure then come back and shape it down with a small file (I used the file I use for guide feet about 1/8" flat needle file) then a paper thin coat to shine it up and slick it off. It ends up as clear as if you did it in one coat and you can't see the lines you stopped and started at in the first coat.

The shikari blanks are almost gone... but very soon the new ATC blank (that bought shikari out) will be up and running. They allegedly have some "big hitters" from the industry working together on these and are supposed to be making blanks that will compare to some of the best around... I am looking forward to trying them!! Karen @ bingham can tell you a little about them if you want to know.

justtrying reply :

Quote

Quote

I think I want to give Shikari blanks a try, I'm hearing lots of good stuff about them.

Good luck finding them, if you happen to run across someone who still has them and they got a PSB662 please let me know.

Tommy

river warrior,

i bought some blanks from a couple of vendors before they were all out of the "good ones." ..i just glued up a 662 that i'm building for my brother.. a day earlier, i may have considered letting you have it, but this is one of those classic, "day late dollar short" deals. LOL ...but, hey, i bet if you go to the rod building org meeting in feb, you'll be able to find one, and, at a good price.

ronnie

justtrying reply :

alps,

the last ramp i built, i used rod bond. i dropped a few drops of black paint in it to color it.

it went on very easily & smoothly. i dipped my finger in alcohol & smoothed the ramp, let it dry, put a coat of threadmaster on it & Voila, it looked pretty good. ..better than the thread ones i had done. LOL

ronnie

Alpster reply :

Spoke to Andrew in customer service at G-Loomis today. He was a very nice guy and laughed when I told him I broke my own rod. He was genuinely sorry that he could not replace my rod with a blank (no way to justify it in the computer), but assured me that the factory built rod would be replaced, didn't matter how it was broken. I challenge you to call any other company in the world and confess that you broke their product by your own negligence and have them replace it under the waranty. With this one, I have 6- G-Loomis rods and will continue to be a faithfull customer.

Ronnie

YakAttack reply :

Thats great news Alpster. I have never built on or fished a Loomis rod before, but after reading this, they might have earned a new customer.

BASSMACHINE reply :

Alpster that is totally awesome! Loomis is a top notch company but even I was skeptic that they would send you a new rod after you broke it trying to alter a factory rod. Just awesome.

Siebert Outdoors reply :

Quote
Spoke to Andrew in customer service at G-Loomis today. He was a very nice guy and laughed when I told him I broke my own rod. He was genuinely sorry that he could not replace my rod with a blank (no way to justify it in the computer), but assured me that the factory built rod would be replaced, didn't matter how it was broken. I challenge you to call any other company in the world and confess that you broke their product by your own negligence and have them replace it under the waranty. With this one, I have 6- G-Loomis rods and will continue to be a faithfull customer.
Ronnie

So I guess that is a No on my pm eh? LOL. Its great to hear they helped you out and took care of you. That sure was great service. WOW.

Just for that I think I might need to order another rod! Hmmm. better stop thinking about it I was just kidding

FOR NOW!

guest reply :

Alpster,

That's great. You have learned a big lesson. Keep the factory rods as they were sold, and, build new on the same blanks the way you want them.

Tight Wraps!

justtrying reply :

Quote
Alpster,
That's great. You have learned a big lesson. Keep the factory rods as they were sold, and, build new on the same blanks the way you want them.

Tight Wraps!

rm,

i know that's the best way, but, i sure learned a lot w/out having to buy new blanks...PLUS, now i have the rods i want (split grip & spiral wrapped) and not a lot of rods standing in the corner, trying to be sold.

i know, i know,..i was fortunate that i didn't break any of mine. ...but, if i had to do it all over, i'd probably do it again. ..acutally, it would have been worth sacrificing one to get 15 good ones.

now, just a note - i was at a boat show a year ago & saw some rods that i really admired, started to buy one. ..today, i went back to the annual boat show, saw some of the same kind of rods.....didn't want to buy one, tho! ..after building rods awhile, i think my rods are just as good as any i saw! (please, please, i'm not trying to sound like a braggart or anything, but, honestly, a lot of rack rods, even high end ones, aren't as good as i used to think they were.)

ronnie

flechero reply :

Great news, Alpster!! Just another reason to stick with Loomis! I just wish they would offer more blanks that they sell as rods... I have another IMX and another GLX need (ok, want). ..lol

Quote
i was at a boat show a year ago & saw some rods that i really admired, started to buy one. ..today, i went back to the annual boat show, saw some of the same kind of rods.....didn't want to buy one, tho! ..after building rods awhile, i think my rods are just as good as any i saw! (please, please, i'm not trying to sound like a braggart or anything, but, honestly, a lot of rack rods, even high end ones, aren't as good as i used to think they were.)

justtrying,

Although I spend a bunch of money on this "hobby" of rodbuilding... it has saved me money in experiences like you described. I sold all my factory rods, and used that money for blanks and components... I ended up with more (and I like to think better) rods and money left over. it's a win-win, I used the excess for reels... now I have new rods & reels and the monkey is drunk with satisfaction... ;D

Mike B Fishin reply :

Quote
Spoke to Andrew in customer service at G-Loomis today. He was a very nice guy and laughed when I told him I broke my own rod. He was genuinely sorry that he could not replace my rod with a blank (no way to justify it in the computer), but assured me that the factory built rod would be replaced, didn't matter how it was broken. I challenge you to call any other company in the world and confess that you broke their product by your own negligence and have them replace it under the waranty. With this one, I have 6- G-Loomis rods and will continue to be a faithfull customer.
Ronnie

That is great to hear. I feel better about the money Santa spent on the IMX and GLX. So Loomis won't deny warranty if I cut 2" off the rear grip of the IMX? Thanks for a reply.

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Rod builders, I'm ashamed, is there any hope? 2024

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