What price hike? Maybe I'm missing something. I'm not in the market for any rods because my wife tells me 4 rods and reels are enough. I bought a 1264, spinning rod, a year ago Christmas for $165. This year it is listed at $163. Nice rod. IThe only problem is that I had to have three of the lower rod guides (single attachment) replaced with guides with the double attachment because they got loose.

I also have a Cabelas C44X a few years ago for the same price. Never have had problems with the guides (single attachment) because they are attached better. Also have used the Cabelas XML. But now you can only get 7 1/2 foot Cabelas XML rods or step down to a Fish Eagle II.

You might want to compare to Lamiglas Certified Pro too and see if you can get it on sale.

I can't see myself spending $300 on a G-Loomis.