I was curious if anyone has tried out the new 1161s as of yet? By the looks of the ratings from the 1141s compared to the 1161s, they have the same ratings but one is more $$$.

Just curious if anyone has played around with these yet to see if there is actually much difference or possible benefits of the extra length. I can't foresee how it could be much different but am definitely curious.

The differences in the 1161 over the 1141 is the handles are different, the fore end is smaller and the butt is larger and a cork composite instead of the plastic end.

The cost associated with the graphite of the new steelhead series falls between say a GL3 and an IMX in the 1141.

The GLX 1141 is still a lighter , more senative rod. And hosts a hefty bill to match.

The other obious difference is the 2 inch length increase. Is it usefull? I personally dont think it matters at all.

The biggest difference in the rods is the unload speed. Both rods are "slow" actions. They bend thru the whole rod and are extremely flimsy feeling. But the new Steelhead series graphite is also faster. That means that the rod can unload faster, (Straighten out). What this can do is make you feel the bite maybe a tad faster than the slower taper of the 1141.

For me there would be no more use for either of its big differences. 2 inches and a cool color. I doubt most could feel the difference in speed of the taper.

If I was going to get new doggin rods and my budget was for GL3's or Imx's Id probably opt for the 1161 just cause there new. Other than that It woulent make enough difference IMO.

Its marketing too. New colors and exciting new lengths. Lol

You certainly cant even compare the 230 dollar GL2 to the new series as far as feel, weight and senativity. So comparably, there all in the park as far as price. GL3, IMX or even the GLX.

GLX 9'6" 4 - 8 1/16 - 3/8 Slow Ultra-Light 29 10386-01 $415.00
IMX 9'6" 4 - 8 1/16 - 3/8 Slow Ultra-Light 29 10262-01 $345.00
GL3 Matte Black 9'6" 4 - 8 1/16 - 3/8 Slow Ultra-Light 29 10261-01 $290.00
GL2 Evergreen 9'6" 4 - 8 1/16 - 3/8 Slow Ultra-Light 29 11322-01 $230.00
GL2 Merlot 9'6" 4 - 8 1/16 - 3/8 Slow Ultra-Light 29 11321-01 $230.00
GL2 Neptune 9'6" 4 - 8 1/16 - 3/8 Slow Ultra-Light 29 11323-01 $230.00

The guy at Teds said the new rods have a Gl3 butt section with a IMX tip

Not sure if that is true

This is similar to what I was told as well.

I talked to the guys at loomis and they were a bit vague... I was under the impression that it's an entirely new blank design. I really like mine, it's the 1165C. The fast action took a bit of getting used to, but now I think it's about the perfect rod for the water and gear I generally fish. ~josh

Funny how Loomis's marketing strategy does not list the type of graphite the rods are made from

Loomis does not tell anyone what there formulas are. They are all completely custom graphite/blends that are propritary to only Loomis. They will not let that out. Before Loomis ever started Gary worked with aero space composites and has since developed his own for his line of graphites used for his rods. If he let it out any company could copy them.

The new Steelhead series is a completey new blend that has something to make it snap back faster. It may feel like a Gl3 butt and a IMX tip but it isnt. It may be a blend of IMX or GL3 and another ingrediant to make it faster though. Could even be a different tapered spindle to gain its faster feel.

Also, by keeping the secret, they can charge the prices we all pay. If others made the same it would get competitive and pricing would surely drop.

IMO, no other rod has compared over the test of time and hard use. Hopefully they stay that way...

bodda bing bodda boom

You hit the nail on the head

A GL3 is probably the same rod as a Rainshadow XST but costs way more but you can't tell because they don't let you in on what graphite is being used so you can't compare brands easily.

Pro deals baby, pro deals!

Dave,
Every RS Ive ever owned broke. Not sure I owned any of the XST series but plenty of RX7's have failed. Mostely due to improper tapers and such near the ferrels. Batson has always been great about the warrenty, but Ive got GL3's that are 7, 8 and 9 years old that have been thru allot harder abuse over alot more time and still are perfect.

With the extensive time testing Ive put both thru nothing has compared to the Loomis line. But thats just me. Ill pay the extra for the sound mind and sound warrenty.

However, with Loomis's patented blends, I doubt RS XST's are the same blends. I think it would take allot of luck for RS to hit it perfect...these are only my opinions though.

I've never seen a Rainshadow go down unless it was the fault of Beezer

i don't know what you guys are smoking, but there ARE competitive brands. a certified pro has around the same feel and equal, or better quality than a GL3.

the only reason prices aren't competitive is because they are fixed through agreements with the shops that sell loomis. simply put, if they charge less than the loomis MSRP, loomis stops selling to them wholesale and they lose any reason to sell their stuff anymore. then you have the loyal customers that want to buy a status symbol, so they fork over $300 for a rod worth $150.

I fished a CP for years... went to the Steelhead series in a similar length rod and it's a world of difference. I recon the mag taper 9'6" would be pretty similar, but I sure enjoy how light and fast the loomis is. It takes a good effort to put light weight and duribility together and make it work, and that costs money to make... and buy. Just ask a backpacker, it's expensive to save a few ounces; but worth every penny at the end of a long day. ~josh

Kyle spoke it.

Not trying to sway your 1161 purchase in the least Thrasher, hell I'm planning on fishing one of the new 1165's in the near future but... Regarding RS (or any other reputable manufacturer for that matter) being inferior to Loomis... "Dream happening". Without a doubt Gary Loomis' works in his early "pioneering" years were way ahead of their time. However in more recent times, or the Shimano era, "Fear No Fish" workmanship and materials leave much to be desired. (At least where 300 plus dollars are involved.)
I have personally built 100's and purchased probably close to 100 factory built rods over the years and to this day the only rods which I have broken on repeat occasion, legitimately fighting fish not operator error, were factory assembled Loomis models.

A great warranty is only such to an angler that has plenty of back-up rods to get them by while their IMX is back in Woodland being "evaluated"...

In concluding this board member inspired mini-flame, I say buy the new Steelhead Series model and give us the facts on it's performance.

and i didn't mean to bash loomis, i've played around with their rods and they're very nice, but not at the level where i'd consider paying 300 plus dollars.

but then again, i'm a guy who enjoys drift fishing with glass sticks, so i'm generally in the minority where my opinion is concerned.

Loomis is owned by the Japanese, they use standard prepregs that aerospace uses, in fact Loomis resin is much older technology than what is being used today for airplanes, yes, even their new secrect prepreg.

They are overpriced for what they are, how they are made and what they give you. There is nothing secret about the technology they are using to build their new series, it is all about marketing and Loomis does that very well so does Lamiglas. The original owner of Lamiglas when they started in Kent in the early 70's worked at Boeing and the original rods were cured at Boeing so Lamiglas comes from an aerospace background and even they are overpriced, but as long as they do the marketing and sell rods,, good for them.

When it comes to composite fishing rods, you have to decide what is right for you and if you want to give a bunch of money to a company because you think it is far superior to any other rod out there.
For some applications I have found an Okuma to work and feel just as good as any high priced rod and you can buy 4 Okuma's for the price on one low end Loomis or Lamiglas. Got to decide how much of your money you want going to Japan or someones pocket that is good a marketing.

Joe... you're welcome to use my 1165c steelhead series any time if you want to fish one before you fork out any $$$$ to buy one. Let me know, I'd love to run a Rainshadow for a day... after talking to you on the phone about them, I'm a bit intrigued. ~josh

I truly appreciated all of the educated insight into the topic of Loomis Factory made rods.

What I am still gathering is that no one has really had any, hands on "live" experience with the new 1161s, while on the river. I am still more than curious as if this new rod is merely a product put out by a string of marketing geniuses or actually a product worthy of purchasing.

I am aware that there are other rods out there, Lami, RS, custom made...etc, but I was merely curious about this 1161 v 1141.

Keep all the insight coming!!!!

The link below really gets into rod building and explains it pretty good.

http://www.steelheader.net/ubbthreads/sh...5/o/o/fpart/all