I have been looking into getting one drift rod to do all of my drifting. On the other hand, I'm forced into getting one rod, because that is all I can afford. I am leaning towards the STR1024C from GLoomis, OR the TH1024 from TH Custom Rods. I have heard good things about both, and it seems like the rods are very similiar. What are the opinions from people that have used both?

Matt

Matt, I would say go with the TH, they give you a great rod and use's a GL3 quality graphite. I have a lot of Loomis rods but I have never had to pay full price for them so that is why I continue to buy them. I just e-mailed TH last night about some blanks and he has great prices on a quality product, he has Loomis blanks also. Don't know exactly which ones but he does have them

[ 12-27-2001: Message edited by: Firedog ]

If I could have just one rod, it whould be an imx 1024c. As for G. loomis I don't know about thier current product, my rods are about 3 years old. That rod is probably the best all around stick for steelhead/salmon. Any good rodmaker with access to lommis blanks or the "allstar elite" or "rainshadow" equivelent will do you right, add some high-end guides / cork and your all set.

I am very happy with my 1024 Loomis blank that TH sold me used. I use it as my main drift rod.

I'd recommend the 1025 or 1084 as the all around rod, although the 1024 is almost identical to the 1084 just 6"s shorter. There's nothing wrong with a TH or Rouge rod, or allstar they all make good rods. But if you have the addiction and plan to fish forever I would step up and spend the little extra money.
Keith

Oh, see, now you gone and done it. You done throne a twist into my whole thinkin. geeze! If I'm gonna be fishing small creeks, the 1024 is probably the way to go, buy if I start fishing larger rivers, ahhh, you made my brain noodles hurt. Okay, now here's the entire truth.

I have a lamiglass G1308T, witch is a stiffer rod that I use for plugs, larger fish, and bass. I was thinkin that since I have a larger rods, although not directly for drift fishing, go for a smaller rod. How does the 1025 sensitivity compare to the 1024? Does the extra power affect it?

Matt

RDL, Ive got a number of G. Loomis rods and love them all, my favorite is the GL3 1025, its with me every trip either as a primary or back-up rod. I haven't used a 1024 so I can't compare the 2, sorry.

Put it this way, when I broke my 1024 I paid the difference to get the 1025. Yes you lose a little bit of sensativity, but reality is your sensativity is in the graphite your using, I truly beleive a 1025 IMX is more sensative than a GL3 1024. You can use the 1025 for all types of fishing from steelhead to silvers to chinook, etc.
The two rods that are always with me are my 1025 and my 1084, the 1025 with 12 lb maxima and the 1084 with 10 on it.
Keith

all I can say is that what I have heard about TH custom rods in the rainshadow blanks (all here on the board) is good news. I'll find out in a couple of weeks as I just ordered TWO of them Question is: how do I explain this to the wife ??? I have great expectations, and from e-mailing with Travis at TH, I don't think I will be dissappointed. Will let you know how they perform. A little more than a Lami, but much less than a Loomis. You get what you pay for.

1024 GL3 is my goto rod year round. It is the most sensitive rod I have ever used, and is very light. Since the day I bought it my fish catching percentage took about a 400% upswing. This rod will handle any steelhead you throw at it and this fall throwing spinners for silvers we caught 2 35+ pound Chinook on this rod. One wouldnt have been landed if we were not in a boat though he was netted in a rapid. I have 2 buddies that fish a 1025 and they wish they had bought a 1024 after trying mine. I have used both and found the 1025 to feel twice as heavy as the 1024, after a day of casting my arm starting feeling fatigued. I can cast the 1024 all day and never get tired. The sensitivity is about the same maybe a hair less than the 1024, but the 1025 does have a lot more backbone and you can horse fish in. If 50% of the fish I caught were over 25lbs i would probably buy one and use it a lot

If you drift fish for chinook a lot and occasionally steelhead get the 1025.
If you steelhead more get the 1024.
For plugging I use a 1021c that is similar to the 1025 and can be converted to a drift rod for chinook if the need arrises.

Thanks for the kind words... we try hard to please.
The difference between a Loomis and a TH Rod.. first of all we use the Rainshadow blanks... 43 million mod. blanks GL4 quality... better than the GL3, just shy of the IMX.
Secondly you get a better built rod... you can't compare a custom built rod to a factory rod, they don't compare. Any professional rod builder's finish and wraps will be tighter, smoother and cleaner.
One of the big differences when have seen in the last year or so is the quality of blanks, Rainshadow blanks are straight, true and clean. Very few belms.. the, "other" blanks have quite a few blems, in each blank.
Lastly is price and warranty, the warranty is the same, "lifetime" just as the other major labels, but instead of a $45 fee to replace the rod you stepped on------- Rainshadow charges $25.
Price is about 1/2 of a GL3 and you get a GL4 rod ...
I should also state that you need to SicTi guides we offer as well. Titanium frames, Zirconium rings.. they are awesome especially if you fish braided line.. well worth $25 a rod..

Thanks for your time and support!

Travis
TH
www.thcustomrods.com

I love my TH Custom rod! Period.

RT

Hey Rip let me give you a twist just to think about. I just had a rainshadow IST1023 built. Great Rod!!!! Call Debbie & Rik at Rollin River Custom Rods 360-225-5902 they are in Woodland. Nice price to Tell them Dan sent you. Just my .02 cents worth.

Get the TH Custom rod. I bought one from them and Im very impressed.
Oh and Travis..... Can you fix a a small problem on my rod? I about ripped a guide of it and there isnt anyone around my area to do the repair. I will be in your area next friday through wed chasing some south coast steelhead.

TH,

Question for you. You mentioned it is $25 to replace the Rainshadow rod if you were to break it. What happens next? By that, I mean, does that simply get me a new blank and then I have to have the blank built again, or does Rainshadow send me a completely built rod for replacement? I've been wondering this as I ponder where to get my next rod as well.

Paul, send it to me and I'll fix it up and have it ready for next Friday..

Saltine..
If the rod breaks due to a defect, Rainshadow doesn't charge a penny and we rebuild it for free.
If you break it Rainshadow charges $25 and we still do the warranty work for free.. either way you win... and we do the work for free

TH

www.thcustomrods.com