Just prior to me running into a Gloomis 11'6" GLX 8/9wt blank, I was ready to order a Loop fly rod for Salmon fishing. I've alway been interested in their series of rod offerings. At the risk of being scolded on this website, has anyone built on a Loop fly blank, specifically the Green Line series in the 8wt 12'4" version? Thanks.

Have not build one, but have owned one. Sold it to friend . We both praise the rod. Loop put the guides on the stiffest side of the blank. It si fantastic rod if your timing is right.

I've built two Green Lines - a #4-5 9'7" and a #7-8- 8'8" SW though. I've had two more, a 13'2" and a #5-6 9'3". All nice rods but I think that they really end up being best by building one yourself just like you are planning. This is because some components that they use are/have not been the best. Especially I find the oversized snakes they use to be a bit heavy. Also reel seats in the first models were not the best. The new ones are good stuff.

But to your actual question. I think that I've cast the 12'4# GL only on short and few occations. The impression that I have is that it is a nice rod - no big tricks to be learned. Powerful and progressive in action. Dampens well also. The new blanks have also carbonfibre scims and are very durable. Loop's reputation has suffered a bit of some of their rods braking easy but since they introduced the carbonfibre scims to their rods, I've not heard a single Loop rod braking. Also note that Green Lines comes with two tips - a great insurance on fishing trip. Then a word of caution - if you happen to use acetone on the blank for some reason use it carefully. The blank finish seems to be relatively sensitive to it.

BTW the 11'6" #9 Green Line is a sweet and an amazing rod. Might be worth checking out too.

Hope this helps!