G. LOOMIS RODS FROM A MORE TECHNICAL PERSPECTIVE……
Ever wonder what makes a G. Loomis rod special? I mean, they aren’t the prettiest rods I have ever seen. Frankly, they’re kinda’ plain. The marketing seems fairly subdued and there’s no hype. No “nano” this or secret that. You know, they really aren’t “cutting edge” component-wise never having a split grip, an EVA handle, an exotic reel seat, fancy paint, or who knows what else. So just what makes Loomis the world’s best fishing rod?
Start with the heart of any rod, the blank. All Loomis blanks use woven graphite material in their construction. GLX rods use a proprietary aerospace woven graphite material only available to Loomis. This material is used on some of the most advanced military and commercial aircraft. Additionally, the resin used in the GLX is very thin and very technical. After all, graphite is by nature an anti-friction material, so it’s quite a challenge to get a resin to not only adhere to these graphite fibers, but to hold this material together once the blank is formed.
Loomis uses a special method to roll multiple sheets of various graphite materials on the mandrel. This allows a mandrel press pressure of about 2200 psi on the mandrel as the sheet is rolled rather than the typical 600 psi all other rod builders use. By doing this a much harder (higher modulus), stronger, and more sensitive blank is created where the overall weight is far less than those blanks using less pressure in manufacturing. Special resins also keep the weight down. Lover weight = more sensitivity.
All fishing rod blanks require some reinforcement where the graphite material overlaps and Loomis uses an all carbon fiber “scrim” or reinforcing material in all of the G. Loomis rods. The GLX blanks are all graphite through and through. Many other Loomis rods may contain some GLX graphite sheet material as well as other non-proprietary woven graphite sheet materials. Some models will even include some fiberglass sheet in the “recipe” depending on the technique and use design of that series of rod. Overall Loomis’ technology is cutting edge and remains the standard by which all other brands aspire and are judged.
Once the blank is finished quality components from the world’s best manufacturers such as Fuji, Recoil, etc. are used to make a classic rod with premium cork handles, wonderful guides, bullet-proof reel seats, and great fit and finish.
The real test however, is what happens when the finished rod is in your hands and on the water. Once again, Loomis proves it superiority by improved catch ratios vs. any other similarly priced rod. So next time you consider a new rod, think about the superior sensitivity, light weight, matched power, and lifetime warranty that comes with every Loomis rod. Lurking below that unassuming exterior are the attributes of a world class champion!
Posted via web from American Legacy Fishing Co’s posterous
- American Legacy carries a HUGE selection of G. Loomis GLX rods in stock.
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