Timber,

I used to be a Loomis only guy until thier quality went to hell. I sold almost all my Loomis rods and replaced them with Allstar. I do have 2 Loomis GL2 Salmon rods left, I will keep those until the fail, then they are getting replaced with Allstar rods. I currently own 13 Allstars.

Ive turned a few guys on to Allstar rods. My roomate has a couple. He has a Loomis 1143 and an Allstar 1143, Guess which one he fishes with most?? The Allstar.

The reason I use them is the cost factor. I can buy 2 Allstars for the price of one Loomis. Ive only ever had one break and that was just the top 6"s. Allstar replaced it for $15.00 shipping, That was it.

I have nothing against Loomis rods, except for the fact that the prices have gone up as the quality has gone down.

I also have a couple Rainshadow rods built by TH custom rods. I plan on getting a couple more for my own personal use.

It really doesnt matter what brand of rod you use as long as you like the rod and it works well with your style of fishing.

Grandpa,

Whatever you intend to purchase, go with a longer rod!

I have been using the 10'6" Shimano Convergence- gotta say I like it. I am not to partial of the reel seat though- a liitle weak (electrical taped does wonders). For the price and the way I go through rods... worth the 5000 pennies!

As far as the reels. I like the Quantum level winds. 6:1 ratio for those slack liners!

I like both Loomis and Allstar, giving the edge to Loomis. I do have and Allstar 1086, and I have put the screws to some big fish. I have 4 Allstars and haven't broke one yet. I do have a buddy(4salt)who has broke a couple.

What do you guys think of the long, fly-rod looking rods? I don't know who makes them but I see more nad more of them each year.

Lot's of good input. I am your worst nighmare. Don't own the gear, just show up on the buddies boat. However I do bring a great deli!

Any suggestions on best places to buy, Internet or local? I think it is time I buck up...

I just broke two 8'6" Abu Garcia rods, or my buddy did, and he replaced them with some beautiful Rapala 9'6" graphites. I am going to try them out this weekend, they were $67 at Sportco, they look fantastic in quality. I of course covered half the cost since they are a better rod than my Wally-mart specials that broke.

Has anyone been using the Rapala rods?

I don't want to hijack this into a "bash Allstar" thread, so I'll just say this. I bought a couple of Allstars because of the good things I heard here on the board and because I liked the price. They are nice feeling, good looking rods. My problem is that now I've lost confidence in using them because they broke so easily under what I would consider light use. They are now relegated to back-up, or guest rod status.

Ted's in Lynnwood discontinued carrying them because so many were returned for warranty exchange. The over-the-counter warranty was great the first time I needed to replace my 1143. When my 1141 broke, I was told I would have to deal with the factory directly.

Bottom line, I've got to agree with Timberman. IMO, they aren't as good a rod as G Loomis, even the GL2.

Steve - I bought the Rapala 9' 12-25# as a guest rod. My brother-in-law used it on a trip we took to Alaska in June. I caught a couple of kings with it and was definitely impressed.

I'm surprised no one has mentioned either the 1264 or 1265.

They are great mooching rods, but maybe they are too long for down riggers??? I'd tell you to go for the Allstar 1264.

As for rod brand, hey, buy whatever floats your boat, or your wallet. I own both Loomis and Allstar and use and like both. Haven't busted a rod from either brand, so I can't complain about either. I like them both.

As for "quality" issues, take a good hard look and examine your rods before buying them. Yank, bend, twist the snot out of it before buying it. If the cork is lose, has divits in the cork, or the eyes messed up, or it snaps when tinkering with it, don't buy it. Pull an Ugly Stick on it and bend the snot out of it in the store. If it snaps, oh well, not your problem. If a store won't let you test out a rod, or flips you crap about it, I'd consider going to a different store.

Parker,

I have a 1265 that I use for downriggers, it works great. But, the rod I use 95% of the time for downrigging is the St. Croix 10' heavy. I tend to like the longer rods, they are alot more fun when you have a big fish on.

Downriggin........How's the weather? Where are you lurking these days....Nice to hear from you. Got a chance to advertise your hat at Neah Bay a couple of weeks ago. People look at me funny and probably wonder how an old fat guy could be on an aircraft carrier....Nice illusion while it lasts. Anyway thanks for the input on the Convergence rod...We have given a few away at the PSA meetings and they sure look nice for the money. I have heard that they are very limber though. Any thoughts on that. I have to admit that I have always felt better spending $200 on a rod that $60 but I might get over that pretty soon.