I had Little Skookum Custom Rods in Shelton build a steelhead rod from a 1084 Rainshadow blank and it's become my favorite rod. It's beautiful, sensitive, light and yet has alot of power. I've never owned a Loomis rod but have fished several and caught fish with them. They were fine rods as well and I considered buying a Loomis. A Rainshadow blank costs considerably less than a comparable GLoomis and that made my mind up. I feel like I've gotten a rod of Loomis quality, perhaps even better, for less money. My .02.

Ron