The big rod debate....

[painter]

I own one or a couple of each rod mentioned. They are all good......for the purpose they were designed for. In my opinion, to truly get the best rod you should narrow down it's purpose. That is what type of lure(s) you use and which species you are hunting. If money wasn't an issue (and it always is...) I would own a boat full of G Loomis'. The point is get the very best rod that you can afford. Have fun.

Tim

[steve-hamilton]

i own a few frontiers, a gl2, a few gl3's.....

i'd definitely go with the compre (my experience) over the frontier or maybe even gl2.

the quality of rod isn't that different, but the warranty process is 10000% times easier on the compre (my experience).

however, once you get to gl3, imx, or glx, there is no comparison, and that includes that avids.....(my experience)

[muskymatt]

I used to use a heartland series rod , then I bought a compre years ago. Now I use strictly St.Croix and G-loomis.

St.Croix are really nice but once you use a Loomis!!!

Amazing rod, you can easily feel the difference.

[GetTheNet!!!]

I used to use a heartland series rod , then I bought a compre years ago. Now I use strictly St.Croix and G-loomis.

St.Croix are really nice but once you use a Loomis!!!

Amazing rod, you can easily feel the difference.

I thought this should get posted again, just for emphasis. Amen!

[Crunchy]

I appreciate all the advice given, but one last thing....anybody have anything to say on one or two piece rods?

[toobinator]

Crunchy: If transporting a 1 piece rod is not an issue, than go that way. The joint on a 2 piece rod looses some sensitivity over it, and that is the weak point in the rod.

IMHO

Ed

[Spence Scout]

Go Compre

The newly designed Shimano compres are a great choice of rod. IM8 graphite construction with their Fuji guides. Go 1 piece like Toobinator said if its not a transportation problem. 2piece rods do loose a bit of sensitivity due to the blank dissconection. The new compres are affordable, light weight and are a pretty good sensitive rod that would benefit you in any of those species you have mentioned.
They do have that limited lifetime warranty as well. This is under manufactuers defect or some sort of flaw in the rod itself.

If a rods defective youll useualy break it out on your first few trips on the water. Where as if one breaks several months in or even a seasons use. Most likey youve knicked it on something, somewhere causing the blank to weaken or chip. Then when u least expect it youll cast and the tip will break or blank will break.

for $100 the compre be my first choice