There are a lot of good rods but I vote Loomis.

Here is a better question: Whats the best way to find out which high end rod you prefer?

Do basically have to keep buying from different companies until you find one you're satisfied with? If that's the case, I think I'll stick with my Falcons.

Interesting numbers here: http://www.profishingresearch.com/eShop/rod_rankings.asp

According to that survey, the pros prefer G. Loomis, followed by Fenwick.

I have tried all different kinds of rods and have found, hands down, Dobyns to be the best. For whatever kind of fishing you do, they have a rod for it. I haven't found a rod with any more sensitivity than Dobyns. Try it for yourself because the rods sell themself.
Karol

GLoomis GLX their great. These rods are soooo sensitive, I believe the bigger fish are more apt to pick up a bait and hold it rather than bite and run. I've been able to feel this remarkably better with this rod. I use it for worm or jig. I've stepped on them and broke it in two pieces and sent it back and it was replaced at no charge. Then had a insert on an eye fell out and it was replaced at no charge. I THINK THERE THE BEST...and I own a few

I have honestly used just about all the rods out there. There are some really good custom rods out there. I had some Loomis rods once. I took some out for the first time on the water. First fish on one was a 4 pounder..... SNAP!!!! Six to eight inches of rod breaks off when the fish makes a run at the boat. Sold them the next day.

Dobyns has my vote hands down. This is the most sensitive rod I have used. My wife would only use a 6' rod until she went with a 7' Dobyns one day out in California. She came home and told me I had to try these rods as they were the best rod she had ever thrown. She now only throws a 7' Dobyns. Her wrist isn't sore after using a Dobyns, as it was with any other rod.

The action on the new Dobyns' rods is just undescribable. Seriously, you have to use one to really understand just how balanced they are and how they feel so great when casting.

there are plenty of amazing rod company's out there but if your looking for custom, Hendrix Rods are definitely the way to go. they have a NO questions asked lifetime warranty and are made here locally at funNsun in hurst. all of the cork is custom board and sanded down for your preference and type of blank it's going on and all of the rods are perfectly on spline. give mike a call at 817-229-9341, his customer service is unbeatable and many others can attest to that

Take a look at the Hendrix Rods, they blow the G Loomis away. Literally.

I love my new 10X HENDRIX RODS the best rod i have ever used!!!!!! THANK YOU HENDRIX RODS!! hands down the best rod i have ever used

STEEZE ROD !!!THEN FALCON !!!

Here's what I noticed throughout this thread



So often each reply would say that "Brand XXX is absolutely THE BEST because of blah blah blah (pancake)". Then I look down at each person's sponsors and low and behold ... they're sponsored by Brand XXX. Suddenly (even though that rod may have been struck in Heaven itself) their opinion means squat ... its like they are paid to say that. Kinda disappointing. Or maybe I'm just a jaded old fart!

mmmmm pancakes

I've handled a few Steeze rods ... I'd fish em if someone would give them to me. Probably the high end Loomis too. Can't afford them ... I got kids! Powell rods look affordable and lotsa choices (online) ... no local dealers. Same with a lot of the rods named, limited dealer network.


I'll stick with my Lowriders and Caras. If y'all know any manufacturers that want to sponsor just a "fun fisherman" I'm their "boy". I tried the Falcon folks and we had a good laff over the phone (when I called them about a service issue). BTW ... great customer service the couple of times I've needed it.

I do find it interesting to see which rod company's get the most rep. There are some companies whose rods have little background to them and in comparison, very little "on the water use" but somehow they are magically better than G. Loomis. I think people are getting kinda wacky when they compare these companies to a high end GLX. To each is own, I guess the 40% discount is worth discrediting yourself for.