Edge Rods- Gary Loomis’ new company?

[dezracer1466]

Any fishing Edge rods yet? Seems Gary Loomis got bored after selling to Shimano and started making rods again. I just ordered two, so I’m eagerly waiting for them to get here! They look awesome and are priced pretty well.

[ThomasD]

Not a new company and don't buy into the hype. Bought a few edge rods about 5 or 6 years ago. One arrived in a cheap tube broken in half. Took several weeks just to get a response from them and a few months to get a replacement. Both rods looked like they were assembled by a drunk monkey. One had several guides covered over with epoxy and the other had the handle set crooked to where there was a sharp edge that cut your hand just picking it up.

[dezracer1466]

That’s not good! Hopefully quality has improved, I’ve got 2 on order. I guess I’ll test those two before I order any more!

[ttranger]

I've seen Edge rods and they look great, but they have a horrible reputation for customer service.

[ECobb91]

Edge rods have been around for 15years now.

After Loomis sold to Shimano and was in remission, he wanted to offer blanks to the hobbyist/custom builder but Shimano said no. So in 2009 he formed North Fork Composites (NFC) to manufacture and distribute blanks, and Edge Rods as a factory builds. It’s my understanding that Gary Loomis has had no input in the G. Loomis brand since then, the only thing that makes current G. Loomis rods a “Loomis” is the use of the name.

there’s been plenty of talk on rod building forums about NFC customer service. In years past they were known for issues, that’s now been been resolved for atleast a couple years now. They’re the primary blank manufacturer that I order from for myself and the only issues I’ve ever had was with the rod decals that I don’t even use anyways. I haven’t found a better blank especially for the money. A $125 NFC XRay blank rivals that of the St Croix Legend Xtremes and Loomis NRXs.

now Edge rods also had issues in the past. From my understanding, that’s also been resolved. If you’re not happy with it, I’d suggest returning the rod then contacting a custom builder and use an XRay or XRay-C02 blank.

[dezracer1466]

Edge rods have been around for 15years now.

After Loomis sold to Shimano and was in remission, he wanted to offer blanks to the hobbyist/custom builder but Shimano said no. So in 2009 he formed North Fork Composites (NFC) to manufacture and distribute blanks, and Edge Rods as a factory builds. It’s my understanding that Gary Loomis has had no input in the G. Loomis brand since then, the only thing that makes current G. Loomis rods a “Loomis” is the use of the name.

there’s been plenty of talk on rod building forums about NFC customer service. In years past they were known for issues, that’s now been been resolved for atleast a couple years now. They’re the primary blank manufacturer that I order from for myself and the only issues I’ve ever had was with the rod decals that I don’t even use anyways. I haven’t found a better blank especially for the money. A $125 NFC XRay blank rivals that of the St Croix Legend Xtremes and Loomis NRXs.

now Edge rods also had issues in the past. From my understanding, that’s also been resolved. If you’re not happy with it, I’d suggest returning the rod then contacting a custom builder and use an XRay or XRay-C02 blank.

That’s great info, I appreciate it! I guess we’ll see. I ordered two rods, each was $149 plus they have a coupon for 25% off right now, so I took a $243 gamble for two rods. I’ve wasted more on stupider stuff!

[JJohnSind]

The rod you got for $150 is their Delta line. Though it is their entry level, the blank currently sells for $100, the Seaguide reel seat (w/add-ons) is $30, the titanium guides are probably around $100, the handle is $30. Absolutely phenomenal rod for $150 finished! I know the cost of materials is a lot cheaper for them, but builders can’t compete with that finished price. X-rays, as previously mentioned, is in a class at or above NRX’s. I know my finished rods with those blanks are lighter and just as sensitive as the NRX+’s. Order fulfillment times are LONG, so plan ahead. Some of us have determined that the wait is worth it, there really isn’t an alternative if you’re valuing weight and sensitivity. I HAVE had some quality control issues in the past, but they have made everything right. I am really hoping they start offering more in their Carbon Air line (C6O2) - it’s even above the X-ray line.

[NEBASS78]

I tried a EFX Pro rod, I wasn't impressed at all. The carbon grip on the rod butt wasn't finished very well so the carbon butt grip was really sharp and uncomfortable. A few of the guides were not aligned at all, quite obvious just looking at the rod.
They had free return but that was the only good thing from Edge Rods.
If you return anything back to them they will tell you it will take 5-6 weeks for a refund, which is a complete joke. I gave them a week to do the refund which didn't happen so I just contacted my credit card provider and got my money back.

If you like to deal with a terrible company/customer service this is the company for you, otherwise there are plenty of bad reviews of Edge Rods.

[JJohnSind]

I haven’t gotten my hands on any of the Edge Rods, I think it’s more a subsidiary of the blank company, North Fork Composites. It’s the blanks that are special, and I’ve just accepted that there will be long wait times and a small percentage of returns/exchanges to be able to build on them. Edge is just one iteration of how their blank can be made into a rod. There are plenty of accomplished builders out there that can make much better versions of their rods, if that’s what you’re after.

[diggy_]

My friend has nothing but Edge rods. He loves them.

I did buy a NFC blank which was delivered within a week to the builder and I have rods that build on them. I like them a lot.

[slipknobber bot]

Nfc xray blanks are some of the best out there. Can't speak on the already built rods

[lperry]

I have one of the Edge Epitome rods that I have not fished. It is extremely light-3 oz. on my cheap digital scale. The looks and feel of the rod is impressive. I searched their website today and cannot find the Epitome listed. New note; I have fished the rod and love it so far. Fished it on moving baits which I know doesn't give much feedback on sensitvity but I am really glad I bought it at the introductory price.

[willwork4fish]

I replaced a guide on an Edge Delta Bass in the fall, for $150 they're well priced, if you like carbon grips then it's a great price (I don't care for them)...I replaced 1 guide and re-wrapped another that was noticeably misaligned. Deltas are decent enough blanks and in my experience the most consistently straight of all the NFCs. I've gotten them for as cheap as $40 during sales...don't think I've ever paid more than $60 for a Delta and wouldn't pay $100 for one as there are better options at that price.

For the most part I've settled on IM's (real sleepers), sanded Xrays (fantastic) and C602s...the C602s are the best blanks available now IMO.

They're customer service has improved in the past couple of years, it used to be absolutely horrible and now I'd call it acceptable.

[Drakestar]

Main thing you have to learn about Edge Rods is that you'll be waiting for them to finally ship without any updates, often 6+ weeks. That's just the way it is; they don't make them to order, but I've always had to wait.

The blanks are amazing, the rods they make are great in performance but only good on craftsmanship. Epoxy is sometimes sloppy, carbon handles have rough edges etc. I had 2 Kistler Zbone 733 LMH when Kistler was still using Edge's X-ray blanks, and those are some of the best rods I've ever fished. Bone-chillingly sensitive, with a very raw feeling (different from what a highend Megabass, Daiwa or G Loomis rod feels like). I ordered one of the original Epitome 725s (very similar specs to that 733) and it's a great rod, but I don't like it as much as I liked those X-ray Zbones. I'd probably order a Black Widow in matching specs from Edge than another Epitome; the Epitomes are lighter, but IMO there's something in the C6O2 blanks that got lost from the original X-ray blanks. Also got a Black Widow Swimbait rod (806), and it's a great rod for 8" Huds, large glides etc.

There are only two Epitomes so far, the original 725 MH as a casting rod, and then a spinning version of that same rod more recently. It's on their webpage (https://edgerods.com/product/epitome-mbr-725-1c) but I think they have limited availability.

[ss30378]

I have 14 Edge rods from all the lines but the delta. I have the epitome 725, Silver widow 736SJ and 721 casting rods. The black widow 6100 spinning, 735, 734 and 733 casting. EFX pro 735 casting, First strike 6101, 865-2 spinning, 6101, 662, 706, and 787 casting and I do have a custom delta blank (705 casting) rod so I have tested all the blank lines.

Things to know about Edge rods, blank actual power does not always match the ratings on the site or on the rod label. Example, my 734 black widow is Med power rated but is a more of a ML and my 735 is a MH rating but is H-XH in actuality. Also not all like run the same blanks, the FS line is all IM but what I've learned but the Black Widow line can be either HM or IM depending on the specific rod. The Silver Widow is all x-ray and the epitome is all the C6O2 blank. If you want to clear the confusion on all this call and ask for Steve Pitcock who is their sales and shipping manager. He knows the rods pretty well and can tell you what NFC blank the rod is built on, it's actual power (not sticker rating) along with production schedules to get a realistic timeframe when you can get the rod in hand.

It may sound like a pain compared to click and order but there's a reason I have 14 of these now. As others have said, there is usually a wait to get your rod but when they have their 30% off sales you can get a lot of rod for the money.

[fishnhams]

You can call till the cows come home but I’ve only had them answer or return a call twice out of around 20 tries. I have 5 different models of the black widow line. The 734 casting is my favorite all around rod. Last year I ordered a 733 spinning rod and when it showed up the lock ring of the reel seat was put on upside down so that you couldn’t mount a reel on it. More recently I canceled an order right around the end of November. I just received my refund today out of the blue with no response to a handful of emails and voicemails. I would never recommend these rods to anyone however I do like fishing with them.

[wmitch2]

I've been a Loomis guy for over 30 years, but the OLD Loomis before the sale to Shimmano !! I probably have between 35-40 IMX rods. I LOVE them !! HOWEVER, now when you get one replaced (with Expediter) they upgrade and send you an IMX PRO. Costs more but not the same quality rod. That being said, I had the chance to "Play" with a couple of Edge Rods at the ISE show in Sacramento last year. Not Impressed !! Not the same "Feel" at all !! I was very disappointed. Plus, hated the Graphite Handle big time !! I would suggest if you want one, that you go and see and touch one before you buy. JMHO

[steve1206]

I've been a Loomis guy for over 30 years, but the OLD Loomis before the sale to Shimmano !! I probably have between 35-40 IMX rods. I LOVE them !! HOWEVER, now when you get one replaced (with Expediter) they upgrade and send you an IMX PRO. Costs more but not the same quality rod. That being said, I had the chance to "Play" with a couple of Edge Rods at the ISE show in Sacramento last year. Not Impressed !! Not the same "Feel" at all !! I was very disappointed. Plus, hated the Graphite Handle big time !! I would suggest if you want one, that you go and see and touch one before you buy. JMHO

35-40 Pre-1997 IMX rods is a big stash....

[Chris M]

Just cane across this post. If anyone is interested in a CF rod, checkout Trika Rods. They have outstanding customer service. If you don't like the product or it breaks for ant reason they will replace it up to a year after purchase. No questions asked. I have several and never had a problem.

[ECobb91]

Im not 100% sure, but it is my understanding that Trika rods are built using NFC Xray blanks.