G-Loomis vs. St Croix?

[Stormy]

I'm about to purchase a 4 piece 9' 9wt for fishing the Merrimack River for stripers and occasional trips to Florida (& Mexico next month). I'm looking at the GLoomis GL3 and the St Croix Legend Ultra. They seem to be very similar rods at the same price point. Are there any recommendations on which brand is better?

It would be nice to cast them side by side, but it doesn't look like I will get that chance soon enough.

Thanks

[Quicksilver]

I own a Loomis GL-3. The rod I own is not the weight you are looking at. I have cast a bunch of GL-3's at shows. I like the way they cast. Between Loomis and StCroix the latter has a better warranty. Before you put down money on either of these rods try a Temple Fork Outfitters TiCr in the #8 or #9 weight version. If you don't know a TFO dealer in your area pm me. TFO is the way to go.

[ikan besar]

If you break a Loomis rod, you will get a new one in 48 hours or less with their "expiditer program", which costs $45 - regardless of how you snapped the rod.

NO idea how long St Croix will take to return your rod after you send it to them and pay their shipping and handling fees.

Temple Fork has been getting many favorable reviews, so may be worth a look.

[bbanking]

I sugget you contact Dour Mcnair at the ActiveAngler.com. He just finished testing the St Croix for the factory and discussed it with me last night. He is also a G Loomis fan and will give you a heads up answer.

[stevec]

Imo, Loomis GL3 V. TFO....close but the the GL3 feels smoother in my hands. Own a GL3 9#/4pcs and think its thej perfect everyday rod. Can cast it all day. Scott also make great quality rods with a competitive price point.
If I had to make the decision blind, I would go with the GL3 but I am in no way knocking TFO mainly because I have A 7wt TFO Prof

[Ray]

I have a GL4 9-weight 4-piece that I love. I have cast the TFO rods a bit and would say they are very similar to the GL3. Maybe it comes down to company preference. I really like the Loomis stuff. I have a GLX 2-piece 7-weight too.

[DavidS]

Everyone here makes a valid point. I would just like to add, try out as many rods as you can. See which one best fits YOUR casting style for the situations you need it for.

[Quicksilver]

Bravo! Well said!

[SHORTFIN]

The worcester Sportsman show is next week 5th thru the 9th and if you give me advance notice i can arrange the stcroix rod to be available from the St Croix Factory booth.
bring a reel or i can bring one

Just have to make sure they have a casting pool ? They did last year

Capt, Chris
www.shortfin.com
cutmetal @att.net

[Stormy]

Thanks to everyone for your great input. It sounds like all the options are pretty reliable rods. I'm leaning towards the GL3 since several of you have been using them.

I hadn't considered the TFO, but did some research after QuickSilver suggested that. I was pretty impressed with what I found. I'll look much closer at them for my next purchase.

Shortfin - thanks for the Worchester show suggestion, I checked, but my wife has me booked :mad:

Thanks again to everyone.

Mark,