G-Loomis Walleye Rod Review

This article is intended to provide a basic overview of the G-Loomis series of walleye fishing rods. G-Loomis makes some of the finest rods on the market. If you are looking to upgrade from a mid-range rod, this guide will help you understand the choices available.

G-Loomis walleye fishing rods are individually designed for different walleye fishing techniques. They pay attention to detail to the point that even the line guides are carefully matched to each technique. G-Loomis offers several different models and has perhaps the best warranty in the business, Xpeditor Service, which guarantees any broken rod will be replaced with no hassle wherever you are fishing.

A word or two about graphite: Graphite fibers run lengthwise from the butt of the rod to the tip. The term “modulus” refers to stiffness… the higher the modulus the stiffer the rod. Rod builders put a light, woven scrim (the material that holds the fibers together) on top of the graphite to keep the blank round. A graphite scrim is much more expensive than fiberglass and much more difficult to manufacture. However, the fiberglass scrim adds weight to the blank, but not stiffness.

The following materials are used in the various walleye rod models:

GLX- Extremely light, yet strong. GLX is an ultra-high modulus graphite coupled with a super-light graphite scrim. The GLX rods are their top-of-the-line walleye fishing rods.

IMX- Very light, sensitive, and powerful, with graphite scrim.

GL3- High strain rate and an advanced resin system which means these fishing rods are really, really strong but light. They are also their most affordable rods.

GL2- GL2 offers superior strength and durability for any situation. GL2 was G-Loomis’s original graphite walleye fishing rod and has undergone significant changes in past years.

G-Loomis uses “Action” and “Power” to rate their rods and defines them as follows:

Action

Rod action refers to how a rod flexes, varying from Slow 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. Moderate action falls in between. G-Loomis designs their rods for individual fishing methods.

Power

Loomis rates the power of their rods on a scale of 0 to 8 to give you an idea of how each walleye rod in the series compares in terms of lifting and casting strength. Power can be thought of as the ability of the walleye rod to resist flex or as a measurement of how much each rod bends under a load. The 2-power rod flexes more easily than a 3-power, etc. Generally speaking, the heavier your choice of line and lure, the higher the power rating you’ll need.