You've already purchased your rod. Do you really want to know what we think? If so, ok, here's what I think.

I think for the price you paid for that Loomis GL2, you could have purchased an Allstar Elite 1265c. The Allstar Elite line of rods is on par with a new Loomis GL3. Not the end-all-be-all of a high end rod, but certainly better than the GL2.

But...

There's certainly nothing wrong with a GL2 1265 either. You don't need the sensitivity of a GL3 (and cost) for beach fishing...at least I don't think you do.

Allstar offers a lifetime warranty, where Loomis will rake you over the coals on a warranty issue. I've heard of quality control issues for both companies.

Personally, I would have pushed you towards Allstar, but oh well, woulda, coulda, shoulda.

I upgraded 3 of my rods to the Allstar IMX series. Quality sucks on those rods for the price..even if I only did pay half price. Not like the IMX of old. Even my older GL3's were of higher quality than my new IMX's.

Oh well.