I dont want to start a battle between brands I am just seeking input. I have Falcon Caras in various sizes and I want to step up my game for the upcoming season. While falcon rods have been great I know there are better rods out there. Kistlers feel amazing but the seem to have shorter handles. I feel more comfortable with the longer handles. I am trying to decide between GLoomis which I know are amazing just extremely expensive and Powertackle rods. Before spending a ton of money I am seeking all the help I can get. Thanks in advance.

GLX

Gloomis is my first choice.

St. Croix Avids second.

Fenwich HMGs third.

It is all a personal choice...I fish with many brands of rods. I prefer some over the others in diff. situations. I prefer the split grip rods. Some do not like them. Gloomis has never blown me away...they sell good products but many others do the same...Shimano Cumara - my all around favorite...I aslo like the Dobyns Extreme G2 rods. The Falcon Expert and Caras are also very nice..I want to try the power tackle rods but have not had a chance yet...I do not prefer real heavy rods...go to the tackle store and look and feel them for yourself. The worst thing you can do is buy a $250+ rod and not like it.

If G-loomis is what you want - i would search the BBC - there seems to be a lot of used ones for sale. It is pretty hard to find any used power tackle rods for sale. Good luck

I haven't used very many but I do like the Fenwicks and Shimanos.

St. Croix Legends are nice rods. Loomis is good but as far as service I have not been to lucky with them. St.Croix call customer service and they will take good care of you. They have a great line of rods @ various prices to fit your budget. the over all quality of the rods are exceptonal and sensitivity is awesome.

As stated earlier, it all depends on the person and what he is looking for.

good luck,

My first choice used to be G-Loomis but since they don't make the foam handle, I now go w/ the Cumara.

First and going down.

All Star
G Loomis
Carrot Stick
Falcon
Castaway

which ever good rod is on sale, Kistler, Powell, Carrot Stix, don't make me any difference............as long as its on sale.

I have concerns I would buy a freight train if it was on sale

For what you are paying on high end Loomis, try a custom Demon rod. Grant can hook you up and builds very sensitive rods. Most of my rods are Falcon T7's but have several Hendrix and now Demon rods.

I like St. Croix rods. I fish with Legend Xtreems, Legend Tounament Bass, and Avids. I find them to be just as if not more sensitive than GLX Jig&Worm rods. I used to fish a couple of the Falcon Expert 2009 series, but was not impressed. Needless to say those rods are on ebay right now. I also fish with JM-Elite rods, and those are not as sensitive as the Croix's or Loomis's, but they are strong, Light, & durable.

Airrus Pulse R is a nice rod also, I have one of them and its light, good backbone and looks cool if thats important.

i have some old all stars and old american rodsmiths and now i am just using USA Custom Rods

Well personally, I’m a St.Croix fan.


TFP

St. Croix fan myself. I have a carrot stix, and an Okuna rod which are both nice. Been getting more and more hooked on few rods from Rapsody lately though. Using the Maestro Bass series. They're only available online.

G LOOMIS 12 of em.. love em all.... however... I have bought
a couple of dobyns 683c 684c.. very impressive really getting
to like the split grip and balance (w mg50) is perfect..

I'm starting to lean in this direction too...

Carrot stick
Castaway

Alpha211,
have you considered a few custom rods?
i have a couple and i wont buy another mass produced stock rod.

RobertR here on the forum makes customs for Fish Hazzard Rods.

you should at least consider a custom rod. i assure you the price for a custom rod is as competitive as some of the high end St Croix or G Loomis

+1 St.Croix
For the money I have been very happy with mine.

+2
I also use Falcon Cara

Loomis..hands down for anything under 8ft..lamiglas for long sticks

Since you mentioned you were looking at Power Tackle, I'll throw in. My buddy fishes with their stuff and got me to test drive a couple of his rods. Loved them! Just bought a P-143. Very sensitive and balanced. I've heard their warranty and customer support is first rate too but haven't had to use them yet.
Cheers,
Jim

www.usacustomrods.com
These are the rods that I now fish with, great price and quality and very unique.

If going with custom rods check out shockwave rods at shockwaverods.com. Just had him make me one; have used it enough to know it is an excellent rod; however, hope to really put it to the test this week. This is the only custom rods I have had in a while. Will probably be getting more shockwaves.