Need a new float rod for steelhead and salmon. What are your thoughts on Lamiglass' Dave Vedder series of rods? Should I save up for a Loomis?

Oh no

I like Loomis rods the best, and never really used the Lami much.
I know there are plenty of guys turning to TH custom rods (Rainshadow). He does do great work, had him make me a mooching rod from a Sage blank.
Look at the price TH has and they are hard to beat, especially for a custom rod.

I have the 10.5' 8 - 12 lb Vedder rod and it's a great rod. For the money, I doubt there's much on the market that can beat it. Also, it has a nice counter balance in the butt that makes it really nice when you're holding it for a long time.

I have had 2 of these rods and broke them both. Both broke just above the ferrel and both on the cast. One time casting a bobber and jig and once on a light piece of lead. Lami replaced the rod both times at no cost...but I just don't trust this model. I am a true Lami fan, but I have no faith in this blank.

Is that the only lami blank you have no faith in?

CatchAzz

I have the Vedder series Lamiglas (8-12 lb. rating) and I love it. A friend has the Loomis and it is a fine rod also. I think the biggest difference is the action. For a float rod I think the Loomis is too fast an action, and is more difficult to cast a float set-up. The Lamiglas is more of a medium action designed to cast a float rig.
For a dedicated float rod, I would go with the Lamiglas. If you plan to also use it as a drift rod a lot of the time, then I might consider the Loomis.

Don't assume the Loomis is a better rod just becaus it costs a lot more. The Vedder rods are awesome! The one rated for 10-20 lb line is a real meat stick.I use ot for chums and Thompson River BIG steelhead. The 8-12 is a sweet light rod, that you can fish all day without getting arm weary.

Those are the only two rods I use for float fishing. I sold my loomis float rods whenI got the Lamiglas vedder rods.

Don't assume the Loomis is a better rod just becaus it costs a lot more. The Vedder rods are awesome! The one rated for 10-20 lb line is a real meat stick.I use ot for chums and Thompson River BIG steelhead. The 8-12 is a sweet light rod, that you can fish all day without getting arm weary.

Those are the only two rods I use for float fishing. I sold my loomis float rods whenI got the Lamiglas vedder rods.

I second the vote for Rainshadow! A custom rod IS better. The Rainshadow is similiar to the GL3 and will run you $100 less. Get the color thread you want, put decals on, your name, whatever. Have TH build you one or better yet make your own! I have built a couple and now Im hooked. All my buddies want me to make them one once they see 'em.

Good luck in your rod search.

Fool