I am going to buy a new Lami rod. Because of the price ($99) I am leaning towards a 8'6" medium NW Special. I will use it for bank fishing rivers for Salmon and Steelhead. I am going to put my Calcutta on for Salmon and my new Corado for Steelhead. Being a realitive newbie to river fishing I was hoping for some feedback on this rod. Should I buy it? Or should I fork out a little more $ for a better Lami? Any other manufactures in the $100-130 price range I should consider? thanks in advanc...

I would go with the Loomis 1025.
The Lami NW is not a bad rod.
For that price I might have to pick one up, you can never have too many rods.

It'll be fine. When I started fishing for steelhead 20 years ago, those Lami's were the top end, and we raved about how good they were. They're better now, but some other rods are even better yet. Even back then, we still got outfished by old timers with floppy fiberglass sticks. Anyone remember Carl Gehman of Gehman's Sports in Camas, and the noodles he used to sell?

I have one that I don't use if you are intrested I have far to many rods that collect dust.

I had a Lami NW Special rated for 8-12 lb when I first started fishing. It was a good beginner rod, and I liked it until I tried a Loomis rod.

I had problems with the Lami. It broke twice at the ferril (I admit I am harder on rods than most). I have spoken with others who have had NW specials and heard the same ssstory. The first time I broke the Lami, it took 3 months to get a warranty replacement.

Over all I think Loomis makes the best drift and casting blanks. You should be able to get a GL2 1024C (8-12 Lb Line rating) for $160 bucks. The GL2 is a very durable rod material (Even I haven't been able to break a GL2). Loomis is usually good about their warranty issues. although they have gotten tougher since Shimano bought them out.

Spend the extra $30 and get the 9' Lami 1324 8-12# medium. The extra 6" is all in the tip. Some will say that it's just a Lami but it works good for me!

FJ...out.

[ 01-03-2002: Message edited by: Fish Jesus ]

I've used the Lami NW Med-Heavy for a dozen years and it's been a great rod. When I broke the tip (from mis-use) Lami got it back to me in 3 weeks. I also have a Lami med-light that's been in service since the early 80's. I've have them matched with Curado's and catch my share of fish. I think the Lami NW is a good value. I don't feel the extra $ 60 bucks will catch you any more fish.

Spend a few extra bucks and move up to the Certified Pro series 9'. You will like the rod better, and use it longer, before you feel like you need to upgrade.

The Lamiglas NW Special is a good rod to start with. I think my wife paid $120 for my rod. The 8' 6" rod wont wear out your arm. However you might be better off spending some more bucks for a rod with a better warranty. You might be able to get a lami 1000 or certified pro 9 ft rod. Also check out TH Custom Rods.

As noted the Lami NW Special is a great stick for the money.But.........at $109.00 do your self a favor and check out the ALL STAR 1024.Better graphite and a much better warranty(over the counter)tough to beat.

And no, I don't work for Superfly. :p :p :p

Are you confused yet?

I've used Lamiglas drift, salmon and fly rods for a good many years (since they were making them from glass) and have enjoyed excellent service from all of them. Last summer we took one of the new Lamiglas three-section 7-foot travel spinning rods to Mexico. It was rated for 12-pound line and using it we landed dorado up to 40-pounds. Graphite rod breakage of any kind (other than slamming your rod in a car door)is usually caused by high-sticking and I doubt that many experienced steelheaders are guilty of high-sticking.
Lamiglas technology is as good as any out of Woodland or Bainbridge Island.

Les Johnson

you might want to check out www.gofishin.com, they got some nw specials for $79.00 free shipping

watch fred meyers, the lami's arn't selling much there and go on special quite often like 1/2 price, i know this because my neighbor picked one up not to long ago

To confuse you even more, Lamiglas has just come out with a new rod called the Rogue River Special.

It is an 8'6" that was developed to target Rogue Springers but I have been fishing my sample for Coho and Summers and like it a lot.

It is a bit heavier than I prefer for Steelies but will be just right for Springers.

It has the butt action of about a 1314 and a tip action between a 1306 and a 1310.

The rod is priced to retail right around $100..... what the retailers end up putting on it is yet to be seen.

There are a few of these rods in the stores in Southern Oregon but I anticipate this rod getting into a wider range of stores in the near future.

Ask your dealer of choice get one in so you can check it out.

I think it is a step above the NW series but not priced out of sight.

I've got the 8-12 Norwest Special. I paid $120 for mine 2 years ago. It's been a great, fun rod. The sensitivity is not too bad, but for the money either go with an All-Star or the G1000.

The rod is fine for big fish. A bit more interesting with big fish, but still do-able. Got a 20lb silver, 25lb chum, and several BIG kings on the rod. The problem I have with the rod is my lower guide. The eye fell out.

thanks for all the advice, yes I am confused...

having the best equipment doesnt compensate for not knowing or not fishing. I think loomis is an overrated rod anyway. I got a shakepeare intrepid spinning 8.6 for 45 bucks it feels better and outperforms my buddies gl2 that he is ashamed of saying the price. go with the lamiglas northwest special. I bought the same one for river fishing cause my other one it is a lot lighter rod. good for saltwater fishing, not those down stream runs but landed over 150 fish this fall on the lamiglas and its a good pole. griggs has something to do with it. Ben

I had one given to me two weeks ago and I have fished with it twice. It came with a broken tip, but I fixed that in two minutes. Fishes nice, and the price was right. Thanks Brad.

my brother swore by lamiglass rods until he tried my shakespeare intrepid this fall it only cost $50 bucks and i love it he went home and benched his lami and bought an intrepid

I've got a nw special and 2 of the model 1000 lamiglas rods. I much prefer the 1000's as the med heavey action makes for better hook sets and loads up a little better for long casts. Not to mention for a few extra buck the warranty difference is ( I believe) 1yr vs lifetime and lamiglas is very good about there warranties.
just my .02 worth.

After reading all the insightful replies and doing some more research I've decided to get either a Lami 1324 T or a Lami 1306 T. Based primarily on word of mouth and warranty issues. I have been fishing a couple of Browning Syntac 8'6" medium rods for almost a few years and they are great rods for the money, but with as much time and dedication I have put into the sport I feel that I can justify spending a bit more on the rod. Besides that new Calcutta needs a plush perch. Thanks all!

Trail, I have a Calcutta perched on my 1324-T. It has a nice feel to it!

FJ...out.

Fishing is my religion dammit!

That's the exact rod I have and use for salmon/steelhead. Mine's a 10-20 lb and 1/2-1 1/2 oz. Have had it for about 5 years and love it. Haven't had any problems with it either. It's a little light for bigger fish, but I've got 'em in. For driftfishing it's just fine, but if your gonna pitch plugs/spinners for salmon like I do some times, it is a little light for that too.