ACTION
Rod action refers to the flex characteristics of a rod,
varying from Slow to Medium to Fast to Extra-fast. An Extra-fast action
rod flexes mainly at the tip. Slower (or softer) action rods flex throughout
the entire length of the rod. Medium action rods fall in between. G.
Loomis tailors the action of each of their rods to the particular fishing
application for which they're designed, taking into account the preferred
lure action, optimum casting power, fighting response, the feel of the
rod, and countless other variables.
BLANK
The rod blank is the tapered tubular shaft, before guides, handle or
hardware have been added. G. Loomis prides themselves on making the
lightest, most advanced graphite blanks in the business. They're both
the backbone and the heart of G. Loomis rods.
LOAD & RECOVERY
When you load a rod, you're weighting it, forcing it to flex. This loading
directly affects the ultimate unloading: the rods ability to cast a
lure or weight. Once the weight has been unloaded, there's a period
of recovery: the amount of time it takes for the rod to stop vibrating
and come to rest. The quicker it comes to rest, the less friction is
applied to your line and the further and more accurate your cast will
be. This is the principle behind every one of G. Loomis' rods, and the
reason they spend so much time and money developing new graphites and
designs. G. Loomis has built their reputation on rod that load more
easily, fire longer casts, and recover instantaneously.
STIFFNESS
When a rod is described as "stiffer", is generally means the
rod has a crisper, more powerful feel. If two rods weigh the same, the
stiffer model will generate higher line speed. However, if one of the
rods is lighter, the lighter model will generate just as much or more
line speed. This is part of the magic of the GLX family; they have super-light
weight and major casting power without unnecessary stiffness.
POWER
G. Loomis rates the power of their rods on a scale of 00 to 6. This
rating should give you an idea of how each rod in the series compares
in terms of lifting, fighting and casting strength. Because each series
is rated independently, a 2-power Spin Jig rod, for example, does not
feel the same as a 2-power Hot Shot rod. If you need to compare the
power of rods from different series, please contact Fisherman's Shack
for an appraisal.
POWER (FLY ROD)
Rod power refers to how much the rod bends during a cast or while fighting
a fish. Many people refer to the power of the rod as stiffness. The
softer the rod, the smoother the feel at shorter distances. Softer rods
generate slower line speed resulting in less distance potential, providing
more delicacy and shock protection of light tippets. Soft rods often
contribute to tailing loops. In general, stiffer rods produce higher
line speed, more distance and control in the wind. Stiff rods produce
tight loops and can require more hand and arm strength to use. Also
remember that in many cases using a fly line that is heavier or lighter
than the recommended line on a rod will help achieve the perfect balance
for the individual angler.
Medium: This
rod will cast comfortably at short through moderate distance.
Medium Stiff: The most versatile rod stiffness. The rod is comfortable
at short distances, and has enough power to make long casts.
Stiff: For increased distance and tighter loops, this power ratings
is still comfortable to cast.
Extra Stiff: Extra muscle for fighting very large fish. Not an
easy-casting rod.
TAPER
The taper of a rod from its tip to its butt largely affects the rod's
action. Fast-action rods generally have a "quicker" taper,
transitioning more rapidly from a smaller to larger diameter. Slower-action
rods transition more gradually, imparting more flexibility to the rod.
There are a variety of styles of tapers, especially in fly rods: compound
taper, reverse ground tapers, progressive tapers, etc. Each of these
affects the feel of the rod, its ability to cast at long versus short
ranges, and how it responds when setting the hook or playing a fish.
The taper we employ in each situation is based on the particular fishing
application and the optimum rod feel.
TAPER (FLY ROD)
The rating system used by G. Loomis has been created to help you select
the best rod for you. Rod taper refers to where the rod bends during
casts and while fighting a fish. Many people refer to the taper as the
action of a rod. In general, slower taper results in casting larger
loops, because the rod will bend more into the lower portion of the
rod, causing the tip to travel through a wider arc. A faster taper produces
tighter loops and offers a broader distance and comfort range.
Medium Slow:
The rod bends into the butt at moderate distances. Best suited for short
casting with smaller flies, and mild wind.
Medium: The rod bends comfortably in the middle, at medium distances.
Medium Fast: The most popular taper, offering an excellent feel
from short to long casts, and tight loop control.
Fast: Most of the bend will take place in the upper 1/3 of the
rod while casting, providing narrower loops, increased line speed and
wind handling control. It is the most popular choice for distance casting.
Extra Fast: For extreme line speed, providing distance and control
in windy conditions.
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