I was looking at the G Loomis Web site, checking out the New 1143C IMX rod that they recently placed on the market. After reading the details, I decided that I wanted one. So I called my local Tackle Store and requested one. He said, no problem and put one away with my name on it. I later go purchase the rod and without question I am on my way. After getting home I notice that the reel seat is one that I didn't expect. Closer examination revealed that it was not the handle and reel seat that was used in the Rods description on their Web site. Hum, now somethings not right with this deal. I began to inquire about why I didn't have the Loomis type 94 handle which was indicated and I expected and instead uses the type 12 handle which I don't like. This type handle just doesn't do it for me. Plastic and cork under that much tention from the large Shimano Reel seats sometimes splits the plastic in the corners of the reel seat's front clamp. I love the type 94 handles because they fit my hands perfectly and they don't fatique as fast, as well as me. Don't get me wrong, I love my Loomis Rods, have many and will continue to use them, but here is the Rub.


After getting back to my long time friend that works at the local Tackle store, I learn that I new a few things about this Rod that they were not aware of. First, they didn't realize that they were misrepresenting the 1143C IMX as having the Type 94 handle on it's Web site. Second, the tackle store also noticed the same error in it's catalogs. Lucky me, I have a good relationship with this store and they did everything they could to get me the Rod the I initially wanted. After they checked into it, the only thing they (G Loomis) could say is that the factory only build's the Rods with the type 12 handle as directed and were totally unaware that they were marketing the product with inaccurate details.


Was pleased when my bud said how he stood up for me and My credibility after someone's insinuation that I was just pranking and that it was all made up by me. After they finally indicated that there were Zero in stock of the one (Rod) described on the Web Site and that the only way to get one would be to have it custom made, I decided to go with the 1143C GL3 that does come with the type 94 handle. The difference in the blanks was foreshadowed by my preference for comfort in my choice of handle.

This is not intended to be a flame of G Loomis but illustrates how the best in the business can use ongoing input to improve the flow of business and communication with it's customers.


I was just wondering, how important is the Handle, Grip and reel seat when you choose a Rod off the rack? I prefer to get my Rods pre -assembled. I like the feeling of taking it to my local tackle store when I break one which is not often and saying here it is, give me a call when it's done. I also buy lots of stuff online and most of the time they get it right. Just glad to live in the city where it is easy to get answers.

Anyway do a search and you will see how things got so confused.

http://products.gloomis.com/gl/products/...D=1070937338635

What's your favorite Handle and reel seat and match it to your Rod of choice?

I hear ya man... The next most important thing
besides the action is the handle.One of the
reasons I build all of my own steelhead rods.

I'll spend a few hours at least working on the
cork rings at the seam beetween reel seat
and cork to make sure that it feels seamless. I
also like to taper the handle so my pinky finger
wraps around a little tighter. I cant really
explain it, but The rod just feels better in my
hand.


Heres a couple of examples of both with trigger
and without:

Hookem,

I have used HSR 1025c rods almost exclusively in Ak. for the past 6-7 seasons with relatively few problems, until this past summer. The new rods reel seats were very poor quality, they are the type 13 and they strip very easily, I had 5 or 6 guests have the reel fall off the rod right in the middle of fighting fish.
As much as I hate doing it, I brought out my own personal rods (older HSR 1025) for the second half of the season and had no other problems, hope next seasons new rods have better reel seats.
I have never had a complaint about G Loomis before Shimano took over.

I field tested the 1143 IMX last fall 2002 for Loomis and when I wrote up my evaluation I recommended that they go with the blank exposed reel seat that they have on the 1143 GL3, but they chose to go with the cork reel seat. It's an excellent rod but would be even better in my opinion with the other reel seat. I don't think you can go wrong with either rod but they should have the proper handle listed in the catalog so as not to confuse......you were right to be upset.

Piper,

Nice work! Man that last one has my kinda Trigger and grip. Guess I am to lazy to do it myself. It's just so easy to go in the store and pick one.lol

AKKings,

My fishing buddy has had trouble with his STR 1025C IMX handle and reel seat. He applauds me for not taking on the problems that he has with that same type 12 handle. You also could have something there about Shimano now being in charge of quality control. Just hope that they are listening, because we fisher people are serious when it comes to loyalty and we hate to be taken advantage of. Again I am not intending that this become a flame or bashing, but a vehicle of discussion regarding the importance that the handle and reel seat have on our decision to purchase or choose a Rod.

Jigman,

You gave them great advice. They should have listened to you. It's us user's and tester's that can appreciate the quality and comfort of a handle. This is where hands meet rod. Our hands and fingers stay in one position on the reel for long periods of time and it's just as important of a concern as how many grams are saved by X, Y or Z material in decreasing the weight of the overal rod. Like throwing out the baby with the bath water.