flechero

This thread has screamed to be locked/deleted since part way down page 1. And i still think it's completely classless to dog someone who does not have the ability to respond, regardless of past events. (or allow it to go on) :-/

The first left handed rifle I ever bought went on my "best money ever spent" list. Now, if I could just find a left handed skill saw... I hate having to use the knuckle of my trigger finger to hit the safety. ...lol

On a split grip... you will add more weight in the epoxy of a poorly fit grip than you'll save by using cork over eva. You would need an accurate scale that measures fractions of grams to realize a difference in those grips. Besides, 4 oz should not be a challenge in that rod. If you want foam, get foam... it's custom.

Glad it wasn't worse! I must be old school... I prefer stitches. ...lol

I'd hang on to either way but the cash value is well under the actual usage value... as stated above the cash value is probably $50 or so but the older C3's were much better performers than the newer ones. If you have a need for the reel, I wouldn't hesitate to use it. (but it probably needs a trip to ReelMech first, since it's been sitting for close to 20 years)

I also had both... sold the premier. I wish the premier was a better reel, I wanted to replace the entire fleet with them. I think the Core 50 and premier are 2 very different reels though... you pretty much have to use braid (or light mono) with the core since it holds so little line.

well done, the decals look fantastic. The wraps look clean as well.

Glenn, Will keep the entire family in our prayers. Take care, Keith

Depending on which east texas lakes, I use between 7 and 9 weights. (and am considering a short 10 weight for the gunch!) Casting short distances with big flies is not hard so match the rod to the cover you plan to fish and expected size of fish you encounter. I like Stasher's advice... for that cheap you can fish an outfit until you develop some real preferences and not be "out" money when you buy another.

You'll be on my prayer list, Russ! Take care buddy!

Well done, Eddie! Superb attention to detail.

I'm just thankful he used that little plane... a lot less people died than if he had a gun and went nuts. I've still only heard about 2 people plus the pilot.

There was a thread a while back about the best free video editing softwares out there... I can't seem to find it. Anyone have the link to that old thread or have a suggestion for a good video editing software that I can download free? Thanks!

Congratulations Ronnie!! I couldn't be happier for you!!!

It's actually the opposite. A properly fitted split grip is more labor intensive, thus negating any percieved savings that a couple cork rings can produce. Although the increase in sales volume probably more than makes up for any adjustment in the unit cost of production.

It's a gimmick that's caught on. The SG rods allow for fancy bling to be painted onto the rod both on the handle area and where the foregrip would go. As for weight reduction? How much does cork weigh? If that little weight is an issue I'd suggest some time in the gym. Sensitivity? First, I don't have my hands up on the foregrip area to begin with though the foregrip area missing is not that big a deal. What little dampening happens with the cork missing isn't worth not having the cork there. It's a personal choice matter really. X2 - no question....a marketing gimmick, pure & simple. Something to raise the cost and pull more green from your pocket! (Isn't America great!) They do look cool however, I'll give ya that - but only that. If you think they are more sensitive....then I have a heck of a bridge for sale in N.J. that you are just going to love! While it may be a gimmick in the commercial setting, certain corks weigh enough that a split grip will allow a rod to balance. If you full gripped a rod with exotic burl, for example, it would be uncomfortably heavy and out of balance. Sure you can decorate the split but that's a by-product, not the genesis. I realize your comment was probably directed at the commercial side of things but let's keep the facts in order to avoid further confusion. As for the balance comments in a true sense it's easy to measure with a fulcrum. Whether you hold with 1,2 or 3 fingers ahead of the trigger doesn't change a rod's balance or lack there of. Your grip only changes what you feel- which is about the most subjective thing in all of fishing. In moving baits, there is no need or cure for balance. But on a worm or jig rod where you are constantly without tension, it can make a tremendous difference. I have yet to meet someone that preferred a rod with extra tip weight.

I'm in the middle of a huge remodel- to the studs and changing the floorplan... and that's not my day job! Maybe next year.

No, people that are uncomfortable with guns are usually just uncomfortable with guns. Besides, you don't go down to the convenience store and pick up a permit. After the fingerprinting, FBI and other state agency background checks, we are required to take a class covering the laws and conflict resolution/de-escalation. Then a quick proficiency shoot. I think you would be shocked if you knew how many people were carrying around you... and that would make you surprised at how nothing happened around you. ...lol worry about the criminals that carry, not the legal, law abiding citizens. Even if the natural had a permit- he didn't use a weapon in the course of his crimes and he has lost the ability to have a permit now anyways. The only time I'm not carrying is when I'm sleeping or in a prohibited area. Concealed means concealed. RW, ever see anything when we roomed together? For the last 7-8 years, I've been carrying... never even a second look from friends, coworkers, congregation, etc. I travel with my boss occasionally- even when we have to double up on hotel rooms, never been spotted. Criminals don't wait for you to call 911... you are your own 1st line of defense, whether you want to be or not. I owe it to my family to be around to protect them and provide for them.

Thanks for letting us know. Glad to hear the surgery went well. Will keep Dan in my prayers.

I also carry a few extra spools... one with braid and two with lighter mono. (it helps having several reels of the same model that way you have multiple options.

Glad it turned out so nice!! I pray that you never have to warranty that blank.

Roger, So you would have been able to use the expediter? I missed that in the other pages of replies. I do understand your reasons for declining... although I would do it and then sell the new rod to front the purchase of your alternative but that's just me. For as little as this will be worth to you, I have used both the expediter and the regular warranty... both were smooth and easy for me. Just to say that they don't automatically deny regular warranty claims in hopes of "selling" a replacement through the expediter.

That's the most absurd thing I have ever heard. Step on the rod or just break it so you can get a new one and expediter is ok but ask for a rep to look at it to determine if it's a defect and then forfiet any right to use the NO QUESTIONS asked policy??? You have got to be kidding???? Is that actually in writing anywhere? I would go on a lifelong negative PR crusade against Loomis if that policy is in ink. I will regret having ever defended Loomis,as I have staunchly defended them for all the years I've been here at BassResource.com if that is the policy. Hey Dan- Since we are not experts in rod breakage, how can he be penalized for asking Loomis to inspect a break to make a warranty decision? Wow... this certainly changes things.

They are less expensive... and don't carry the brand recognition that Fuji does. I don't know if I'd say they are really a downgrade... each company makes a variety of quality levels. For other reasons, I prefer the fuji's but I have used Pac Bay on some rods in the past and was pretty happy with them. I'd take the Hialoy over Fuji's hardloy. And for a few cents more, I'd take Alconites over both. But I don't buy guides by the 1000's... just 10's. ...lol So a couple dollars per rod overall, isn't a concern to me- but would be HUGE to a manufacturer.

Roger, Its sucks that this happened, period. I am however a little suspect of the story... since you are the first person I have ever heard of that Loomis denied use of the expediter service. And the only one I have heard displeased with the Loomis customer service in many years. (outside of general shimano bashing) but your statements about being more qualified than the Loomis staff to evaluate a warranty on a graphite rod, is off base. A career in machining and metal work (regardless of tolerances or equipment operated) qualifies you as an expert in metal work only. Your last post comes off as pretty arrogant and demeaning, at best. As for the impact... I often wonder how people can account for every moment a rod has been in their possession... do you have a camera in the rodbox to see it bouncing around against all the other rods and stuff? Has it never once fallen over when leaned? Never dropped it while trying to land a fish boatside? Never had a missed hookset fly back and hit it? Never "sort of" stepped on it on the deck? The possibilities are endless and few people ever consider beyond what they have actually "done" or remember doing to them. If that rod was truly defective, it would have broken almost immediately. I'm sure my post will anger you but I think if someone talked down to you about your abilities as a tool & die maker, you would be pretty insulted.