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G. Loomis GL3
By Steve Hammarstrom
face="Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva" size="4">When I started fly fishing I
wanted to purchase an excellent rod. Unfortunately, at the time, I was on a fairly tight budget. Still, I wanted
a rod I wouldn't "grow out of" in a couple of years. A 9 foot 6 weight was a natural choice for the conditions I
would fish. After doing some research I decided on the G. Loomis GL3. The GL3 competes with more expensive rods, yet
won't compromise your budget. With the 6 weight, I am able to fish a variety of waters from large tailwaters to
smaller spring creeks for anything from trout to panfish.
I love the look of G. Loomis GL3 rods, especially the non-glare stealth black matte finish. The components are
excellent for the price. The guides are single foot to reduce weight, with titanium carbide-nitride coating on the
guide frames for corrosion resistance. The black aluminum reel seat, high-quality cork grip, and hook-keeper complete
the rod.
The rod's strength is impressive. It provides all the muscle necessary to handle a 24-inch Brown and the sensitivity
for smaller streams where 12-inch Cutthroat are the big ones. The GL3 comes with a high strain (strength) rate and
handles the bumps and falls of stream fishing.
Performance is excellent. The rod loads well and distance isn't an issue. In fact it casts as nice as rods twice its
price. Its medium-fast action is a little more forgiving for the beginner to intermediate than a fast action rod. I
found the GL3 casts nicely in the 35 to 50 foot range, but has the power to get to the backing. The slightly larger
loops that the medium-fast action generates, drop the fly softly on beaver ponds and have the strength to cast
streamers and weighted nymphs.
Although G. Loomis doesn't offer an "unconditional" guarantee like many companies offer, they will replace the GL3
(and most of the rods in their catalog) for $45. Loomis sends a new rod (same model as the rod you'll return) and
pays for the shipping to take back the defective or broken rod. There are plenty of rods in the same price range with
an unconditional guarantee, but most lack the quality this rod provides.
The only drawback for me was the rod tube. The rod comes with a sock and PVC tube. The tube is bulky and has a pop-on
cap. Many rods in the same price range have an aluminum tube with a screw top or a fabric covered PVC tube with a
zipper top.
G. Loomis has a variety of GL3 rods from 4 weight to two-handed spey rods in the 15-weight range. They also offer
travel rods in 3 and 4 pieces. For individuals with smaller hands the GL3 series has select rods with a smaller grip as well.
Summary:
This is an excellent rod. The GL3 rod is true to the Loomis tradition of exceptional rods at a price that is
difficult to match.
Specs:
Retail Price: $250
GL3 9' 6 Wt. 2 Piece
Rod Weight: 3.35 oz.
Steve Hammarstrom is a new contributor to GearReview.com. Steve specializes in fly fishing.
For more information, contact:
G. Loomis
1359 Down River Drive
Woodland, WA 98674
800-662-8818
loomis@gloomis.com
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