IMHO Loomis GL3, is a great rod.
I own a 9'6" Orvis, and a 9' Loomis, and am not sure I'd recommend the longer length. It does help with mending, but I'm very suspicious of it's alleged propensity to keep the backcast higher. A shorter rod will throw tighter loops, which are easier to keep up in the air, and will obviously cast farther.
Jay