Does any one know what Loomis made there rods and or blanks out of - 20-25 years ago ?? Graphite, glass.

Bill - willierods.com

G.Loomis debuted in 1982. Their initial catalog featured rods made from Narmco 33 million modulus graphite. In 1986 they introduced the world's first rods made from Hercules IM6 fiber. By the late 1980's, they did offer IGFA offshore trolling blanks made from fiberglass. But their general business has centered around graphite almost exclusively. So too did Gary Loomis's earlier company, LCI (Loomis Composites, Inc.). They did not offer finished rods until about 1984 or 1985. I'd have to go back and look at the catalogs to be sure about the exact date, however.

The new company, which many have speculated about, Northfork Composites, will launch at ICast next week. I have already seen their catalog and therefore have a good idea what they're going to offer and how they're going about things. I suspect they are going to be hugely successful.

I could say more, but have been asked not to do so.


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Thanks Tom
Got a guy that had a rod made for him about 25 years ago. Broke it when a fish went under the boat - reds - Now I am wondering if this 8'6 2 pc rod was a composite and that is why it lasted so long, my guts are telling me a composite may be better ?

Bill - willierods.com



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 07/11/2009 10:38AM by bill boettcher.

If it's a gloss grey, it is standard Narmco 33 million modulus fiber. It probably last a long time because the guy knows how to use his equipment and doesn't do dumb things with it. Unfortunately, time and luck caught up with him and his rod on this last one.

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That is the kicker, he through it away ??? I'll ask, maybe he knows the color of it. Then I am seeing that some composites are a matte clear and some are black, guess that might depend on how much graphite they use.

Bill - willierods.com

Any carbon or carbon composite is going to be charcoal grey in color. If you see black, you're most likely looking at paint.

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Any carbon or carbon composite is going to be charcoal grey in color. If you see black, you're most likely looking at paint.

If we're talking 20 years ago, G.Loomis, Inc. produced 3 different blank series. Regular graphite which was natural clear gloss. IM6 which were painted gloss burgundy, and IMX which were natural, unfinished, buffed charcoal grey.

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Looking at a lot of composite blanks they are usually black. Maybe to cover the tanish glass color. At least Batsons seem to be. Plus I will figure that 20 years ago blank prices were at least half the price they are now.

I know paint from clear when I see it

Can't wate for my cable on this computer.

Bill - willierods.com



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 07/11/2009 09:04PM by bill boettcher.