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G. Loomis GL3 Fly Rod

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G. Loomis GL3 Flyfishing Rod Review

There are basically three types of fly rods on the market: low-level or introductory rods, mid-level rods and high-level rods. Which one is right for an angler depends on their situation. I am a big fan of mid-level rods because many of these products can perform as well as a rod that costs twice as much and most come with a strong warranty.

When I was a guide in Colorado many years ago, I purchased several G. Loomis GL3 Rods because I wanted to own a few rods that were of decent quality to put in my client's hands. Because this product retails for $265, it was cost-effective for my situation. At the time, I really didn't know what to expect from the GL3, but I must say, the performance of this fly rod has been impressive and I often find myself using this rod over one of my high-level ones.

The G. Loomis GL3 rods that I purchased were of the five-weight, nine-foot variety. Although the fast-action of this fly rod does not lend itself to soft and delicate presentations, it works out well when nymph fishing or during times when bigger dry flies or small streamers are effective. Some may say that the GL3 is a bit stiff, but I've found that beginners do exceedingly well when learning with this rod and it is a product that they will be able to always put to use.

A tribute to the GL3 and the G. Loomis company as a whole is the way that broken rods are handled. This company does not offer a traditional lifetime, unconditional warranty. While this may turn people off initially, keep in mind that G. Loomis will replace any rod due to poor workmanship and they will also repair any rod for a modest fee. What sets G. Loomis apart is their "Xpeditor Service". For just $50, they will send a brand-new rod to replace one that has been broken for any reason and for $15 more, the replacement will be express- shipped. When one considers that most companies with unconditional warranties charge a service fee of $40-$60 and then they may just repair the rod instead of replacing it, it becomes apparent how amazing the "Xpeditor Service" really is. This is why I will be a G. Loomis customer for life.

The GL3 fly fishing rod is one of the best mid-level rods around and the fact that they can be expediently replaced for a minimal charge makes them the perfect choice for heavy use. For beginners looking for a good fly rod to grow into, or for those who are in search of a workhorse rod that gets the job done, the GL3 is the right choice.

Also check out this review of Simms G3 Waders and this Galvin Open Back OB3 Fly Fishing Reel Review.