[614359]

A couple of weeks ago I asked about the G-Loomis BBR-966-C for blackfishing, Thanks for the info. Last week, I fished for blackfish with a St. Croix SWC80HF in 80ft of water using 10oz of lead. It was a very nice rod to use. Both rods are priced the same but St. Criox will replace damaged rods. Is there a big difference in these rods?

JackFish56 <*)))><

 

[Leprechaun]

After having plenty of good custom rods built and buying enough off-the-rack rods to fill the all the joist hooks on my basement ceiling, I fail to see the big advantage to using a Loomis rod or blank in a salt water application. Their saltwater series of blanks are either all basic standard modulus graphite or composite glass/graphite, no different than most other manufacturers, just more money.

In a fresh-water application there are more pronounced differences, with some of the ultra-high modulus proprietary graphites Loomis uses having an apparent advantage and a significant following, based on what I read on the FW Bass fishing boards. But even there, there are plenty of really quality competitive blanks being built these days. So "GLX" is Loomis' top of the line $300 blank. St. Croix has an "SC-V" that they use in their "Expert" line that is every bit as light, sensitive and FRAGILE. And less money.

Throw in the fact that Loomis wants $50 to replace a broken rod and frankly I fail to see any advantage to using their product at the excessive prices they charge. For what you pay up front, they already got paid for the replacement, IMO. They make quite a big deal about the replacement for $50. At what they charge it ought to be free. I know from personal experience that St. Croix does the right thing and for me they replaced a rod that was clearly not broken due to any possible fault of theirs, unless they manufacture Chevy Van Doors too. Of all of them, I'd go with the St. Croix first, then something in a Seeker or Calstar. If you want something more, look for a custom weapon built on a Cape Fear blank. I have two and they are absolutely awesome. Best I know of.

rgds, Leprechaun

 

[Captneilf]

Hi Leprechaun,

Very well stated. Not much I can add to your post. I did read an article where Gary Loomis stated, Would you rather have a rod that was 10% more sensitive or 10% more durable. I think that says mucho about how they design their blanks.

Regarding the replacement of "broken rods". This can turn into a can of worms. I think it is wonderful how these companies replace rods and blanks so frequently. As a custom rod builder it places me between a rock and a hard place. I think if a product is defective it should be replaced or fixed. However, if the consumer causes the destruction, he/she should be honest about it and accept the responsibility. LOL!!!!
That being said, if a manufacturer is willing to replace the product, go for it!!! It would be foolish not to.

In regards to an insurance policy. It seems to me the Company is trying to cover some of its cost. As I understand it, Loomis replaces the rod very quickly no questions asked. That is great if you need to use the rod in a few days. Otherwise you might have to wait too long a time for another Company to replace the rod.

Early last year a fare was using his Loomis rod for the first time. His rod was in a rod holder during the ride back to the dock. The seas were heavy with winds blowing. I walked to the back of the boat to check something. I was bounced around while walking the deck. After returning to the wheel house I looked aft. I noticed a rod that had an awkward bend to it. Hmmmm! I went to check it out. The rod was cracked where it would hit the top on the engine cover. Since everyone was under cover, it must have been caused by me. Now what do I do??? I knew who the owner was so I offered to replace his new rod. I was fortunate that it only cost me $45 to replace his Loomis rod.

Most companies have their products built off shore (other countries). Their labor costs are minimal compared to having the products made in the U. S. A. So they can replace products much less expensively.

How does a custom rod builder handle this same problem? Broken rod, factory replaces rod and customer expects his local custom rod builder to build on the replacement blank at no charge. Hmmmm!!! What to do!!!

How would you handle this?????


Capt Neil

Have Fun Fishing. Capt Neil
Custom Fishing Rods by Captain Neil

 

[Leprechaun]

Captneil - you are right, this is a sensitive subject, and I like to maintain something of a personal relationship with my custom builder(s).

If a custom rod lets go, for whatever reaseon I think that some agreement should be reached with the builder regarding compensation for his time. Most if not all the guys I've dealt with are small one-man operations and to expect him to eat the time and materials requires to wrap a fresh blank after a disaster and subsequent blank replacement would not seem fair to me. I think this is just one of the expenses that has to be anticipated and should be added into the entire decision process regarding the purchase of a custom rod. I understand that the going rate for guide wrapping is something in the neighborhood of 8 to 10 dollars a guide. So 7 guides plus a butt wrap would probably work out to around $100 worth of the builder's time/labor. I really don't see this as a major issue, maybe because my most used custom rods are all in the $300-$500 range and since I value each of them WAY more than that $100, its not really something I dwell on. Since I actually like my builders and enjoy their company and valuable guidence, its a small price to pay, when you factor in the thousands that have to be laid out each season in boat expenses, repairs, gas, bait and the such.

Nobody likes to pay twice for the same rod, but if its a choice between having my rods or not, I choose to pay.

Having said that, I also should disclose that I've never had a custom rod break so maybe I'm not really all that enlightened?

rgds, Leprechaun

 

[Captneilf]

Hi Leprechaun,

I have been fortunate in that my clients have not tried to rip me off. If a rod breaks ??? and the factory replaces the blank I work with them. I feel 50% labor cost plus component costs is fair.

Had 2 rods returned broken this year. Both rods had synthetic line used on them when they should have used mono. They are getting new rods and now realize that limitations of blanks in regard to synthetic line.

I have had others fall or step on rods and they are upfront about what happened and offer to pay to get replacements.

Sounds like you take very good care of your equipment.

I will be at the Nassau Colesium Show the next 4 days at the Shinne**** Star booth. Please stop by and introduce yourself. Would be nice to meet you.

Capt Neil

Have Fun Fishing. Capt Neil
Custom Fishing Rods by Captain Neil

 

[Leprechaun]

Captneil - You probabably will not remember, but we have met already. It was at the Lindenhurst Flea Market and you courteously spent about 20 minutes of your time with me and my buddy explaining and demonstrating the advantage of the spiral wrap over a convention guide placement. Very convincing. But not for me.

We also spoke about IBM and I told you about my solicitation of them up in Fishkill for Microscope sales.

Green cap with the pewter blackfish stuck on it.

You spoke of the differences between the various Calstars and you showed me a little number you made up on the GX7 blank. Very nice.

Anyway, we also spoke about your building something for me and you indicated that I should drop by your shop to check out some blanks, after calling to set an appointment. It'll happen yet.

rgds, Leprechaun

 

[Captneilf]

Hi Leprechaun.

Thanks for refreshing my memory. Sorry but I'm terrible when my memory is involved.

Fortunately I still remember where I caught Fish. HA!!!

Will be at NC Colesium next 4 days at the Shinne**** Star booth.

Capt Neil

Have Fun Fishing. Capt Neil
Custom Fishing Rods by Captain Neil

 

[615430]

Hey JackFish56
I was looking at the St. Croix SWC80HF also, my question to all is; would this rod be a " all around" kind of rod for private/party boat fishing, stripers, blues, blacks, cod etc. and what reel will be a good match for this. I should note that I'll be using this combo mainly for drifting and bottom fishing deep water. Thank you

 

[614359]

Mellow Yellow:
I was using a 3/0 Senator with the rod and it worked fine. It handled 10oz of lead with no problem and a 10lb blackfish too. The rod is priced at $180.00.

JackFish56 <*)))><