G. Loomis GLX Center Pin Series
Center pin reels have become a popular tool with anglers who prefer to use the float-fishing method to present their bait or fly to a wary steelhead. The rods needed to properly fish in this manner are long and light so as to keep excess line off the water without wearing out the angler's shoulder in the process. The GLX Center Pin Series offers four lengths, from 11'3" to 15', and actions ranging from light to medium. They are equiped with Recoil guides that reduce weight thanks to their ringless design and slinging rings on the handle to allow the reel to be placed in the exact right spot to help counterbalance the extra length of the rod.
The 2010 suggested price ranges from $550 to $635 depending on the specific model.
St. Croix Legend Elite
New for 2010, the Legend Elite steelhead rods from St. Croix offer 13 models of spinning rods and six casting rods. Based on the high modulus SCv and SCiv rod blanks, these rods have a powerful lower section that wears fish out during the battle yet maintains a sensitive upper section to feel the lightest of bites. These series of rods also maintain a light feel thanks to the use of Fuji rod guides that are titanium-coated. The lightweight guides reduce the top-end weight of the rod, which reduces strain on the angler, who has to keep the rod in an upright position for hours at a time.
The 2010 suggested prices range from $370 to $400, depending on the model.
Lamiglas XMG 50
The 12 steelhead rods in Lamiglas's XMG 50 series of steelhead rods are built on high modulus graphite rod blanks that provide anglers with a rod that is light in the hand, but powerful when bent over on a hard-charging steelhead. Along with the lightweight rod blanks, Lamiglas uses Fuji Concept guides that reduce rod weight yet provide low friction performance found on rod guides that cost twice as much. The most unique features of these rods are the graphite rod handles for both the casting and spinning models. These rod handles are easy to clean compared to traditional cork handles and offer a comfort-touch reel seat that is a pleasure to fish with.
Suggested 2010 price is $340.
