Picked up a couple Loomis NRX rods -

[bassboogieman]

At the Sportsman's show yesterday, and after a few minutes of what can only be described as lust, put them back in the rack. Nice rod? YBYA, but $500 is out of my range for a rod. The monkey was whispering in my ear the whole time - but for once I said "NO". They were about the sweetest rod I've ever held in my hand (I said about) and it was very hard to walk away, yeah it was that nice. It felt really nice in my hand, and what I really was taken with were the middle micro guides which were semi-recoil. Very small double loops of titanium wire - I doubt one of them would even register on a postal scale. Those rods are truly sweet, anyone blessed with the ability to have a couple (few, whatever) in their rod lockers, yeah I'm jealous.
I was impressed with the warrnaty that applies to this rod also - Loomis has a great (but everyone that buys a Loomis pays a bit "extra" for them to offer it) warranty, but for the NRX - you get a "get out of jail free" card with your purchase. Should you break a NRX, after the tears are shed, you can exchange it "no questions asked" for a replacement - free. After the first replacement, any future breakage - cost's $100 to have the rod replaced, but I'm told they'll be more discriminating in determining the cause for the breakage. So if you'r fishing buddy steps on it and breaks it you may not get a replacement, which you probalby wouldn't need anyway because you'd be in jail for at least manslaughter.

[3dkicker]

If you like Loomis then give TFO some time and Gary will have some sweet rods coming out. The rods that he's making are very nice and not anywhere near the high prices that his old rod company is producing. And you know that Gary was involved in the build himself....who makes Loomis rods now exactly?????

[bassboogieman]

The G. Loomis brand is now part of Shimano and that includes the NRX rod. G. L. had input on the TFO (Temple Fork Outfitters) rod desigh, but isn't involved in the build. He's also providing blanks for Kistler and his Zbone rod, from his main focus - North Fork Composites, his rod blank company. I'm actually not a Loomis user, I prefer another brand, just happened to pick up the NRX as it's gotten a lot of attention - which it deserves, only negative is the price. Today you have to be careful when discussing Loomis - the name doesn't necessarily mean what it did a few years ago.

[Jrob78]

Boogie is right, from what I understand, Gary Loomis only gave input on actions and powers for the TFO bass rods. He didn't have any hand in the build or the components.

I'm sure the NRX rods are truly awesome but for my money, I would look at the Legend Xtreme and Legend Elite series from St. Croix. They also feature the new Nano Resin system and come in a little cheaper. For that kind of money though, I would be looking custom.

[3dkicker]

Not the information I was told by a friend who's selling the TFO's. Said that he spoke with Gary personally and can call him anytime. Was told that he is hands on in the building process but maybe not putting the guides on himself.
Let me speak with my friend again this weekend and see what I can find out. If I can I'll call Gary myself and get the scoop.

[3dkicker]

Here's the scoop I got from two reps for TFO. Gary is involved in the builds. Brochure has all the information. Also was told that I could call the phone # on the brochure and talk to the owner of the company and confirm that Gary is involved in the build process of the rods. Both reps have spoken with Gary himself about the rods. Was told that another company, not Shimano, was involved in spreading rumors that he wasn't involved in the build. Gary left Shimano over them building a new Loomis rod without him or taking one of his designs and building the rod without his permission. It's one or the other. Don't want to spread false info so don't take my word about why he left as fact. Still not a good move to tick off one of the premiere rod builders.