It's my understanding that all the rods will have Fuji guides and reel seats. They are going to try and keep the prices down in the reasonable range so guys can afford to buy them. I don't think we'll ever see the wood reel seats again, the blank exposed reel seats are lighter and more sensitive and I think are here to stay. I'm pushing for cork reel seats on the spinning rod versions of the float rods similar to the reel seats on the 1141's.

B. Gray-
Those arent just rumors...

...and they are SWEET rods!!

IMX what!?!?!?

I got a 10' lami that I really like, but I think it could be improved. When float fishing you are holding the rod up a bit higher to keep the line off the water, so rod weight becomes a factor after several hours of fishing. I like a fast tip for solid hook sets, yet a strong butt for control. I like the idea of a counter balance. I am with Osprey though...they don't come cheap...

Is G-Loomis coating their rods these days?

Thanks everyone for the input, I turned in all the specs yesterday. I also got a glance at a demo rod that is the sweetest thing I've seen from Loomis yet! I think the rods we'll see from Loomis this next fall/winter are going to be the best stuff they've had yet.