I exclusively use G. Loomis, and North Fork Composite (customs)...they are both companies started by Gary L. It's just a preference thing--I really like their fast actions and sensitivity. But with the current state of the economy I was planning on spending a little less on a 7ft spinning rod for skipping tubes and senkos under docks in clear water reservoirs, and light lining tube baits for smallies.

I almost exclusively jig fish now and thus have went to fishing a lot of baitcasting gear with fluorocarbon lines. But I have to admit I'm still not the best at skipping light lures like tubes/senkos under docks with casting gear...I've really only been fishing a lot of casting gear for the past 3 to 4 years.

After Bluebasser caught a bunch of bass under docks on a senko (on my lake thanks for that Clayton), which I couldn't get to b/c I didn't even have a spinning rod in the boat I knew it was time to purchase a new one (sold all my old ones).

So has anyone fished one? How does the graphite compare to Loomis? Is it anywhere in the ballpark of at least imx or gl3? And what are the actions like? I was thinking of trying a 7ft ex-fast med action....but I'm unsure how their powers/ratings compare to Loomis'. I'm also very familiar with Croix powers and Shimano too...so anyone help...?

I was wondering this myself. I don't have an Aetos and haven't seen a user review.

I do have a Fenwick smallmouth rod and consider it to be in the same class as my Avid. I would hope/expect the Aetos would be even better, given the extra $50 or so price tag.

i haven't fished one but i was at the TW store when they first came in and played with one. the very thing i noticed was how skinny the handles are, moreso than any other loomis, st. croix or shimano rod i've ever held. i didn't even realize i cared about how fat or skinny handles were until i got a couple of villains and realized that i actually cared a lot if it was too skinny. perhaps not a big deal to you but that alone was a dealbreaker for me.

I give up they are officially an unknown at this point...

I spoke to a gentleman that field tested a few, and he was highly impressed with them, but I personally have not had any hands-on experience with them.

I ordered one tonite to seat a new Patriarch spin reel ...be a while till i get it out on the water but I will eventualy post.

I exclusively use G. Loomis, and North Fork Composite (customs)...they are both companies started by Gary L. It's just a preference thing--I really like their fast actions and sensitivity. But with the current state of the economy I was planning on spending a little less on a 7ft spinning rod for skipping tubes and senkos under docks in clear water reservoirs, and light lining tube baits for smallies.

I almost exclusively jig fish now and thus have went to fishing a lot of baitcasting gear with fluorocarbon lines. But I have to admit I'm still not the best at skipping light lures like tubes/senkos under docks with casting gear...I've really only been fishing a lot of casting gear for the past 3 to 4 years.

After Bluebasser caught a bunch of bass under docks on a senko (on my lake thanks for that Clayton), which I couldn't get to b/c I didn't even have a spinning rod in the boat I knew it was time to purchase a new one (sold all my old ones).

So has anyone fished one? How does the graphite compare to Loomis? Is it anywhere in the ballpark of at least imx or gl3? And what are the actions like? I was thinking of trying a 7ft ex-fast med action....but I'm unsure how their powers/ratings compare to Loomis'. I'm also very familiar with Croix powers and Shimano too...so anyone help...?

St Croix rods seem to always have a little more power than what they are rated, Shimano rods are about on par with other rods power ratings. An Avid 6' 6" M/F or 6' 8" M/XF are both really good Senko/tube rods. Or for a little more you could get the LTB 6' 8" M/XF which is my personal favorite for Senkos. Both the Avids are 3.8 ounces while the LTB is 3.5 ounces so you get a little sleeker and lighter rod with a split grip instead of a full handle.

And you're welcome for that highlighted part

St Croix rods seem to always have a little more power than what they are rated, Shimano rods are about on par with other rods power ratings. An Avid 6' 6" M/F or 6' 8" M/XF are both really good Senko/tube rods. Or for a little more you could get the LTB 6' 8" M/XF which is my personal favorite for Senkos. Both the Avids are 3.8 ounces while the LTB is 3.5 ounces so you get a little sleeker and lighter rod with a split grip instead of a full handle.

And you're welcome for that highlighted part

Having a custom built on a North Fork HM 804 spin jig blank...by this great builder I found in Michigan. I sold my old rod I wasn't using.

BTW Clayton payback sucks.

 

If I remember right you were using a LTB 6'8"M XF...that was the best Croix action I've fished, but I'm just not a St. Croix guy.

I plan on buying one for cranking pretty soon.  We shall see how it works out.