2017 BUYER’S GUIDE
G. LOOMIS GETS LIGHTER
The G. Loomis GLX series has been around for a while, but the company has decided that lighter is better and released 35 new GLX bass rods that
are up to 20 percent lighter than previous versions. New handle configurations increase comfort and ergonomics too. $420 to $465
gloomis.com
SIZE MATTERS
ICAST saw a handful of rod makers debut
their big guns — models made for slinging hefty
swimbaits, jumbo crankbaits, magnum spoons
and the like. Here’s a look at five new meat stick
releases.
1. ALX Rods Expert Series
The series includes an extra-heavy big spoon rod,
extra-heavy swimbait rod, 20-foot-diving crankbait
rod and hair jig rod designed by ledge expert Ben
Parker. $249.99 to $274.99
alxrods.com
2. 13 Fishing Muse Black Swimbait
A sculpted full-grip EVA foam handle helps with
launching big baits. Six rods in the series vary from
7 feet, 9 inches to 8 feet, 6 inches long and from
heavy to XX-heavy. $215 to $235
13fishing.com
3. Denali Swimbait Series
Three 7-foot, 10-inch rods are rated for heavyweight
swimbaits – up to 12-ounce baits for one model.
They’re rated medium-heavy, heavy and extra-
heavy. $149.99
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denalirods.com
4. Okuma SBX Swimbait
A trio of 7-foot, 11-inch rods offer heavy, extra-
heavy and extra-extra-heavy power for throwing big
baits of up to 14 ounces. $229.99
okumafishing.com
5. Lew’s Custom Speed Stick Series
SuperDuty
Lew’s added four 7-foot, 11-inch SuperDuty rods
(medium, medium-heavy, heavy and extra-heavy).
The largest handles baits as heavy as 10 ounces.
$169.99 to $179.99
lews.com
DECEMBER 2016 I FLWFISHING.COM
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