I LOVE my Shimano reels,and would not trade my 8 Castaics,my 3 Curados ,and my 3 Cardiffs fer nuttin! BUT, Magmaster, I'm with Brian/"805", Ummmm who owns G. Loomis? Ummmmmm, why, it's..... TADAAAAA! SHIMANO!!!! (I've also heard from SEVERAL people that have owned G. Loomis rods for many years, that the quality of workmanship has markedly declined... and at that price they should be Flawless!! Try the B&R Rods, they are REALLY nice! and GREAT PRICES! -Just Google 'em .... Good Luck