What's up with G.Loomis?

R.Mac · Post by **R.Mac** » Fri Feb 13, 2009 6:44 pm

This may be an old question, but I've been trying to use their expediter service, and it seems like they just don't have any rods in stock. How can a company like Loomis be out of rods???
Customer service said that they have been trainig personal on "new machinery" and won't be in full production until everyone is trained????WTF.
She also told me that Loomis makes over 700 different lines of rods and couldn't say when a spinning rod in IMX (my replacement) will be available.I say B.S.
Something sounds fishy in Wa. Any thoughts?

Paul W · Post by **Paul W** » Fri Feb 13, 2009 8:22 pm

I called Loomis about 3 weeks ago to use the Expeditor on a busted GLX flyrod. I got the same response, that my replacement rod was backordered for "about a month." When I asked if I could get a different line weight instead, I got the same answer "all the models are backordered". The guy who runs my local flyshop told me about this back in January, that he has orders he cant fill b/c Loomis in his words "shut down production" for a month....but obviously it seems to be taking longer than that.

Paul W

smittyfish · Post by **smittyfish** » Fri Feb 13, 2009 9:26 pm

I just got my 844 GLX in the mail. But when I called I was told the same thing. It took over 2 weeks to get my rod. But I did get it. It was worth the wait for only $50.

programgeeks · Post by **programgeeks** » Fri Feb 13, 2009 11:09 pm

Very odd indeed. I have never had any problems getting a replacement rod from G-Loomis. I always get it within a couple of business days. I wonder what's going on.

Makes one wonder what happens to the lifetime no questions asked warranty if the company goes belly up.

Mike Baskett · Post by **Mike Baskett** » Fri Feb 13, 2009 11:25 pm

Loomis is not going anywhere, especially belly up. From what an in-the-know source relayed to me, some quality control type issues popped up and they jumped on it to see where the issues were to make sure their product turnout remains the quality we have all come to expect, and enjoy, from them. Loomis will not knowingly turn out sub-standard product, just to meet demand and make the buck. Therefore, production is reduced a bit to double check the finished product. In my dealings with them, I can say firsthand that product quality and customer service are two of their highest priorities.

Bill K · Post by **Bill K** » Sat Feb 14, 2009 7:46 am

I do not believe G. Loomis owns the company anymore, he sold to a Japanese firm, I believe. So maybe that, if true, could be part of the problems of late with the company. Not the same old tried and true ownership. Bill K

cib11b · Post by **cib11b** » Sat Feb 14, 2009 7:55 am

I am pretty sure Gary Loomis retired and sold his company.. So that could have something to do with it.

cib11b · Post by **cib11b** » Sat Feb 14, 2009 7:59 am

I am pretty sure Gary Loomis retired and sold his company.. So that could have something to do with it.

some guy · Post by **some guy** » Sat Feb 14, 2009 8:13 am

I heard the same thing Mike. There are some QC issues going on and everything will be back to normal in a few weeks.

I think G loomis hasnt changed their design because the rods they make are incredible. They don't have to hop on the newest "trend" to try and move product. They rely on the same components that made them who they are today. You can't argue the sensitivity and power of the GLX line, let alone all the specialty rods. They have a rod for every application.

You get what you pay for. You should never skimp out on rods, reels or line. I learned those lessons the hard way

Guy Williams · Post by **Guy Williams** » Sat Feb 14, 2009 8:17 am

I thought Shimano bought them a few years back. I looked it up and ya in 1997 Shimano bought loomis so that may be the problem / or not.
Guy Williams

Andy Lippert · Post by **Andy Lippert** » Sat Feb 14, 2009 9:56 am

Here's what's going on with G. Loomis right now...

First...Gary Loomis is retired, yes, however, G. Loomis was purchased by Shimano in 2006/2007 and has owned it ever since. All rods are still hand crafted and made in Woodland Washington, not anywhere else overseas. Shimano simply owns the company, nothing more, nothing less. Gary Loomis started it, created the best product on the market and that legacy of quality and craftmanship is still carried on today up in Washington.

Two problems have occured at the factory in Washington that has caused a back up in the production of rods. 1. They are retraining personnel on new equipment used in making rods. This happens and is SOP throughout the years as new technology is introduced into the rod making process. This alone wouldn't be a problem, but there is another problem that is coupled with this to create the "back up" in production that Loomis is currently experiencing. 2. When they constructed the ovens used in the rod making process, the construction of the ovens were mistakenly put too close to the concrete floor underneath them. Over time the concrete floor underneath the ovens deteriorated due to the improper construction, and Loomis has gone about fixing this problem, however the reconstruction of the ovens and the area surrounding them took longer than it was supposed to. These two problems together have created the backup that some of you may be experiencing.

Sometimes things happen beyond our control that cause hiccups and headaches, as nothing in this human world is perfect. G. Loomis makes the best rods in the world, and they weren't willing to cut corners and put out a sub-par product in order to satisfy every order that came to the factory during these unforseen circumstances. G. Loomis will be running full throtle here shortly and they will coninue to set the standard for rods and customer service in this industy, and in the fly fishing industry, as they have for many many years now.

I hope this clears up a few of the questions that some of you have regarding G. Loomis.

If you have any further questions, you can PM me or e-mail and I'd be happy to try an answer any questions you may have.

-Andrew Lippert

(Disclaimer: This is a personal response and is NOT an official response on behalf of G. Loomis)

JJCJR · Post by **JJCJR** » Sat Feb 14, 2009 10:43 am

G-Loomis has come up with a number of different stories especially to its dealers. We were told in December that they had a big problem with component parts!

Here's what they told BPS and I believe it's as close to the truth as you can get. They are retooling in an attempt to come up with a zero defect product. Training production people is also part of the equation. Right now inventories are in short supply if non existent.

They told BPS they will not be seeing rods till April.

Mitch · Post by **Mitch** » Sat Feb 14, 2009 11:37 am

What ever the problem is they are still the best rods out there and are and always will be worht the wait.

Chris N · Post by **Chris N** » Sat Feb 14, 2009 9:36 pm

Andy Lippert wrote:Here's what's going on with G. Loomis right now...

First...Gary Loomis is retired, yes, however, G. Loomis was purchased by Shimano in 2006/2007

2006? Really? Don't tell that to anybody that covets the CL820XFA!

circa 2001 or so, those were some killer sticks from WA, that was a line of quality stuff, those Calcuttas

Andy Lippert · Post by **Andy Lippert** » Mon Feb 16, 2009 7:06 am

Woops, I didn't catch that...it was 96/97 sorry.

Tobe · Post by **Tobe** » Mon Feb 16, 2009 12:10 pm

R.Mac wrote:This may be an old question, but I've been trying to use their expediter service, and it seems like they just don't have any rods in stock. How can a company like Loomis be out of rods???
Customer service said that they have been trainig personal on "new machinery" and won't be in full production until everyone is trained????WTF.
She also told me that Loomis makes over 700 different lines of rods and couldn't say when a spinning rod in IMX (my replacement) will be available.I say B.S.
Something sounds fishy in Wa. Any thoughts?

I'm sure you will get many stories from different sources and the truth may lie somewhere in the middle.
I donâ€™t think it sounds fishy, Iâ€™m sure you have nothing to worry about.
A reputable company like G Loomis should take care of their broken rod obligations no matter what.

blkdog812 · Post by **blkdog812** » Mon Feb 16, 2009 12:32 pm

had the same deal with a rod returned to fenwick for warranty. took two months. said they were retooling and filling other orders before runnning that model. just part of doing business. yea it sucks cause we all want it now

SoCalBassAssassin · Post by **SoCalBassAssassin** » Mon Feb 16, 2009 3:15 pm

I have been using G Loomis for years. Almost exclusively. I have used several split grip rods on spinning gear, and did not like it at all. I prefer a conventional cork grip. I believe if it ain't broke don't fix it. I don't think G Loomis is missing any business not conforming with the latest fads. BTW, The shimano split grip rods I used were from the about 10 years ago, and just can't stand up to my older G Loomis rods. I haven't bought a better rod for any price. However I still try different manufacturer's rods. I just like the way the Loomis rods feel in my hand. And I have to agree with someguy. It's definitely a matter of personal preference. When you get right down to it I also caught a lot of bass on a cane pole when I was a youth. Go figure..

tunaman · Post by **tunaman** » Mon Feb 16, 2009 9:12 pm

Sorry, but had to clean up this thread as there is some good information contained within... Let's keep it on topic please?

Roger

SoCalBassAssassin · Post by **SoCalBassAssassin** » Tue Feb 17, 2009 6:14 am

tunaman wrote:Sorry, but had to clean up this thread as there is some good information contained within... Let's keep it on topic please?

Roger

[Edit on my previous post] I have never had any issues with service through G Loomis, so I am not sure why you are having these issues. But I am sure they will resolve your issue ASAP as they always have in the past for me.

Thanks tuna. Got a little carried away.

some guy · Post by **some guy** » Tue Feb 17, 2009 6:59 am

wow. This must have got ugly last night. It did get off topic, but Loomis is slow right now from what i hear, but they will take care of you. Rest easy.

Tobe · Post by **Tobe** » Tue Feb 17, 2009 8:32 am

We were starting to hear what blanks Loomis made their GLX's out of and now it's gone. The bickering over guides was getting off topic but I'd like to hear more from Rod Wynn about the blanks and where they are made.

tunaman · Post by **tunaman** » Tue Feb 17, 2009 9:26 am

How about starting a new thread then on that topic? I'm sure you'll get lots of input.

For this thread, that wasn't what the author was asking and is not relevant to this discussion.

Roger

Tobe · Post by **Tobe** » Tue Feb 17, 2009 9:36 am

Sorry, I thought the topic was whats up with G Loomis.

Darkman · Post by **Darkman** » Tue Feb 17, 2009 10:29 am

hippie wrote:i have a few custom rods and a couple broken dobyn's rods but i always pick up my GLX for jig and worm fishing

Roger I totally understand you...but where is this post relevant to the thread

Ive Said to you before that I dont envy mods at all...but on this you nuked so much it doesn't make any scenes..why not nuke it all

some guy · Post by **some guy** » Tue Feb 17, 2009 10:30 am

Darkman wrote:
hippie wrote:i have a few custom rods and a couple broken dobyn's rods but i always pick up my GLX for jig and worm fishing
Roger I totally understand you...but where is this post relevant to the thread

Ive Said to you before that I dont envy mods at all...but on this you nuked so much it doesn't make any scenes..why not nuke it all

My guess is there was a trail of pm's he had to deal with.

tunaman · Post by **tunaman** » Tue Feb 17, 2009 10:46 am

Darkman wrote:Roger I totally understand you...but where is this post relevant to the thread

Ive Said to you before that I dont envy mods at all...but on this you nuked so much it doesn't make any scenes..why not nuke it all

Missed one... probably should have nuked that one also - sorry. At this point, I'd suggest just ignoring it and moving on. Thanks for everyone's understanding on this.

Bottom line is, there are apparently delays in the Loomis production which are impacting some folks' warranty exchanges. There have been a couple of theories regarding the nature of the delays, and one plausible unofficial explanation offered up. There have also been others who have experienced similar delays with other manufacturers... I believe that about sums it up?

Miss ya Erick - hope things are going well with you my friend?

Roger

Tobe · Post by **Tobe** » Tue Feb 17, 2009 1:27 pm

upriverLMB · Post by **upriverLMB** » Tue Feb 17, 2009 6:24 pm

I donâ€™t get it. If you have a G.Loomis to return it is way more than likely, unrelated to an issue with material or workmanship. SO pay your $50 a-hole fee and wait for a replacement. IF you canâ€™t wait buy another to replace it while you wait, THEN keep both OR sell the replaced rod on ebay.

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