August 09, 2024
By Shane Beilue
- In this episode of Tackle Junkie (above), Game & Fish contributor Shane Beilue conducts an on-the-water evaluation of the newly revamped line of GLX bass rods from legendary rod maker G. Loomis.
The name G. Loomis is synonymous with high-quality fishing rods, and much of that reputation has been built on the GLX rod series. GLX rods have been a popular choice among the angling public due to their balanced feel, sensitive blanks and a variety of technique-specific actions. G. Loomis recently upgraded the GLX series to make a great rod even better.
What follows is our impressions after using the new GLX over the course of several weeks.
Aesthetics are always important in a fishing rod, as the “look” of a rod is often the first attribute that makes us pause to consider it. The muted black finish, combined with minimal gold lettering, looks sharp and exudes class.
G Loomis has incorporated several upgrades in this new version of the GLX, and the CI4+ reel seat is a great addition. This reel seat is found on their premier NRX+ series and is lighter in weight than previous iterations found on the GLX rods. G. Loomis states the CI4+ reel seat offers improved sensitivity and is more rigid, making for a secure connection of the rod and reel when under heavy loads.
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Weight is further reduced in the Fuji K tangle-free guide train. These guides have the SiC (silicon carbide) inserts, and the “tangle-free” designation refers to a wider base at the foot of the guides to prevent braided line from forming a wind knot or loop around the guide.
Premium cork handles round out the classy appearance of the rod, but also offer a great feel when gripping the rod. Some rod models offer split-grip cork, while others have a solid one-piece handle.
That’s a run-down of the upgrades, but how do they translate to performance on the water? The rod for our Tackle Junkie review was the GLX 894C JWR, which is a 7-foot, 5-inch, heavy-action rod designed for dragging worms and jigs offshore. In addition to these techniques, I also spooled up braided line and fished shallow with swim jigs and buzz toads to round out the performance review.
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The updated GLX rod is everything G. Loomis advertises: superbly balanced, lightweight and highly sensitive. When dragging a 3/8-ounce shaky head offshore, I could easily detect when the bass picked up the lure, but also feel the rock and gravel substrate of the lake bottom. The rod has plenty of power for solid hooksets, whether shallow or deep, and there’s no fatigue factor after using the rod for several hours straight.
This premium experience also comes at a premium price. The specific rod model used in the test has an MSRP of $525, and other models in the GLX lineup are even more expensive. Realizing that’s a significant investment, our job here isn’t to tell you how to spend your money, but simply what to expect should you make the leap and decide to purchase. I can say from experience, should you make the investment, you won’t have buyer’s remorse.
- Shane Beilue is the host of Game & Fish's “Bass Crash Course" video series. Watch episodes here.
