want to build daughter an 8 wt rod for and occasional trip to fla. or michigan. I built her a 9' 6" 6 wt for trout 0n a dan craft blank she loves it. I am looking at a 3 pc gl3mloomis blank or a rain shadow 9 ' 8 4pc a dan craft is also in consideration as I like their service. Price will vary > <$50
have prior problems with gl3 gone away?
rain shadow seems a little slower ,dan craft is "medium fast" which is comparable to rain shadow.
Will be a xmas present.
advice or input on pro -con appreciated.

Never heard of any problems with the GL3 series from G.Loomis. Your bigger problem is that Loomis no longer sells blanks so even if you find one you have no warranty for a replacement blank and cannot build another even if you needed to. I would choose one of the others at this point.

Try the 8' 5 weight Traditional 2 from Cabela's.
The rod is mistakenly rated a 5 weight but is a beautiful casting 8 weight capable of casting the whole line with accuracy. Recently had a Hardy rep cast 90' within a 5' circle with mine and his statement was "nothing wrong with that".
Very inexpensive blank but everyone likes the feel and action.

Gene Moore

Yes, the GL# blanks will be a thing a of the past.

Also, IMHO, stick with the 9 footer. Much better line control in terms of roll casting, mending, pick more line up off the water, etc...This will be of great value in MI as well as FL.

I like the RX7 when it comes to performance and then price. They are a MED-FAST action. Also, I, like most of the forum members, have herd that Dan Craft blanks are a GREAT VALUE.

Good luck!
Paul

I too have never heard of any G Loomis problems, fly rods or gear rods. Have an 9 ft 9 inch 8 wt GL3 that I've had for close to 14 years with no problems. The Rainshadows are popular steelhead blanks here in the Pac NW as are the Dan Crafts.

Hey Spencer...

I too have that rod. I remember when Steve Rajeff and Tom White showed that rod to me when it first came out many moons ago. I landed about a 55# Chinook on it. (Not that I condone that rod for that large of fish....)

Anyway...your mention of that rod brought back many good memeories with it.

Paul