Although you think you know what you're getting, in reality you may not.  If you understand the art of rod building and the components and intracacies that go into the process, then you probably don't need to read this guide because you understand how rod manufacturers cut corners and "fool" the consumer.  If you are like most others out there looking at this, then read on. 

I'm just going to address Lamiglas for this guide.  I'll take a look at G Loomis and other top manufacturers in another one to come. 

If you were to take a look at the Lamiglas website, you'd find a listing of rods that would suit your every need and desire.  But with that comes a big choice, what do you buy?  There are so many options, it gets almost insane at times.  How do you take what you see online, and apply it to finding a good deal on eBay.  You have to understand what you're looking at.  Hopefully this guide will help. 

Lamiglas has broken it's rod selections into six categories: Fly, Salmon/Steelhead, Bass, Muskie/Walleye/Freshwater, Surf, Saltwater.  In each of these, there are different levels of rods composed of different materials/composites.  Here's where the going gets tough.  I'll work with the Salmon/Steelhead selection for the purpose of providing examples.  Within that category, there are nine listings for rod types.  However, that's just what you see on their online store.  In reality, there are actually thirteen!  Lamiglas has seperate rod lines/series for different distributors. 

If you go down the list in the Salmon/Steelhead section, you'll find Ti2000/IM700, XMG50, Certified Pro, Certified Pro Fiberglass, G1000, Rogue River, Norwest Special, G200, and Classic Glass.  They run in order of quality, and with that - price.  The Ti2000/IM700 are a special breed of rods, directed to the "extreme" angler that has to have the toy of the century....until the next "toy" comes out that's even better...hmm...  Anyway, the XMG50 series is very good, they are among the highest quality rods produced and are definitely worth their price tag.  However, if you want a rod that does it almost as well, then the Certified Pro is it.  It's more affordable than comparable rods from other manufacturers, and it's more durable and better built in many cases as well.  (The Fiberglass series is something most of us will never need to understand, so I'll skip it...for now.)  The G1000 series is good, but not great.  It's made with above average guides from a top manufacturer, FUJI, and uses graphite rod blanks that are very good for the money. 

Then, as you dive into the next sets of rods, there's a new concern.  What are you REALLY getting??  Here's where it gets interesting.  You have the Rogue River, Norwest Special, and the G200 series rods.  Well, let me shed some light...  The Norwest Special is a G200 with upgraded guides.  It's the same blank though.  The Rogue River rod is a SLIGHTLY higher quality graphite, but it's nothing special, not noticeable improvement.  The G200 series is the bottom of the barrell, so-to-speak.  They're ok rods, but not worth the price tag.  Lamglas has created FOUR other G200 graphite rods that are marketed to the "budget" fisherman who want's the Lamiglas name. 

For example, if you were to go to Sport's Authority and look at the Lamiglas rods on the shelf, they would be green rod blanks with gold guides.  These are similar to the Rock Creek, Cascade Pro, and G200 series rods.  There is no difference in the blanks, only in the color of the guides and the grpahite.  Some use gold, some use chrome, some use black.  How is the average consumer supposed to know that?  They're not.  These rods are NOT made in the USA.  They are not held to the same standards as the Lamiglas rods you might buy online from Lamiglas.  They are made in China, and use inferior materials.  If you pay more than $75.00 for one of these rods, you're paying too much.  They are not what you think.  They use PacBay ceramic guides, which are very bad if you were to use braided line, and they are not wrapped by professionals, and the graphite is not spun to the appropriate tollerances.  If you want one, understand what you're getting and don't be fooled by the eBay sellers that try to pass these rods off as "REAL LAMIGLAS QUALITY."  They aren't BAD rods by any means, they're just average.  It's just that you shouldn't be paying "top dollar" on eBay for something that you can walk in to your local sporting goods store and find for $15 bucks less, and NO shipping!

If you were to call Lamiglas yourself, you can confirm EVERYTHING in this guide.  If you have a doubt, I've even provided the phone number for the company in Woodland, Washington.  1 (360) 225-9436. 

Beware of these imported, lower quality rods that sellers are RAVING about.  They aren't the Lamiglas that the rest of us have come to respect and appreciate for their quality and performance. 

                      People, just be aware of what you're buying and hopefully this guide will help you do that.

CAunLTD