Gary Loomis Rods

[NateG]

Has anyone tried one of the Gary Loomis rods, I think it's called the HTO series or something like that.  They look like a beautiful rod and the price point is great, $100. I'm assuming they're just as good as G Loomis.

[zamguy]

I havent fished with them, but saw a few in a BassPro this past weekend.  They are TFO, "Texas Fork Outfitter" rods designed by Gary Loomis.  They are heavier than GLoomis rods, and they seem to have about a 70-30 bow in them with tip pressure.  With that kind of action, they would work well with spinnerbaits, swim baits, etc.  For me, they would not work well with buzz baits, worming, jigs, etc.  They are very nice looking rods and color coded for strength.  I think there will be a lot of them sold @ $99.99 each.

[bigjim5589]

Actually, they're made by "Temple Fork Outfitters", which is what TFO stands for. There is a review on Tackle Tour, which basically says it's a decent rod for the price, but nothing spectacular given the Gary Loomis name on the rod. TT also said they were not impressed with the looks, saying they were plain. But they do have sic guide inserts, but do not have exposed blank reel seats.

I haven't looked at or held the rod, and have only seen pictures, but I'm not one who gets excited about the bling on a rod anyway, function is more important to me. Sounds to me like it might be right inline with the BPS Extreme rods, which I own a few of and by TT's comparison, the rod they reviewed, was only slightly heavier than a GLoomis GLX rod they used for comparison. BPS Extremes are a bit heavier.

TFO makes some excellent fly rods, and I have one, so I would not be hesitant to try out one of their casting rods. However, right now Extremes are selling for $70 @ BPS, so strictly speaking dollars spent, and based on TT's review, I think I would buy another Extreme before I would buy the TFO rod.

[scottydoesnt]

I thought they looked good in person, but a little too blingy for me.  the Sic inserts are a polished gold color.  i like they way they use different color graphite in between the handles to distinguish each rods power.  One other thing also is, they only make fast action spinning/casting rods so there isn't really any options unless that is what you are looking for.

For $100, I think the abu veritas is a better rod.

[NateG]

Actually, they're made by "Temple Fork Outfitters", which is what TFO stands for. There is a review on Tackle Tour, which basically says it's a decent rod for the price, but nothing spectacular given the Gary Loomis name on the rod. TT also said they were not impressed with the looks, saying they were plain. But they do have sic guide inserts, but do not have exposed blank reel seats.

I haven't looked at or held the rod, and have only seen pictures, but I'm not one who gets excited about the bling on a rod anyway, function is more important to me. Sounds to me like it might be right inline with the BPS Extreme rods, which I own a few of and by TT's comparison, the rod they reviewed, was only slightly heavier than a GLoomis GLX rod they used for comparison. BPS Extremes are a bit heavier.

TFO makes some excellent fly rods, and I have one, so I would not be hesitant to try out one of their casting rods. However, right now Extremes are selling for $70 @ BPS, so strictly speaking dollars spent, and based on TT's review, I think I would buy another Extreme before I would buy the TFO rod.

You're right on with the Extremes, they're great rods.  I just can't help but check out "new" stuff.... haha.  I've also been looking at the Abu Verdict.

[bigjim5589]

I just can't help but check out "new" stuff

I know what you mean! 

Those TFO rods may also be great rods! Just because the folks at Tackle Tour didn't give them a great review doesn't mean others won't like them. Opinions will always vary. But right now, for the price difference, if I wanted another rod, I couldn't justify paying an extra $30 for the TFO, when both rods are in the same $100 price category.