Haven't used the Loomis yet, so I'll give no imput on that. However, for smaller lighter stuff, I reccommend the new Dobyns rod made specifically for lighter hardbaits and big walking baits like the LUnker Punker. My friend is a pro staff member for Gary. I think its the 795? Whatever model, what an incredible rod. Really good for hardbaits under 7" or so. For the larger stuff, you'd be hard pressed to find a better hard bait rod for the price than the Okuma 711H. It will throw a big hardbait a long ways and has a nice, softer asction to it that the original 76H. Plus, it can do double duty in a pinch if you find yourself without a rod to throw the medium sized soft baits or only want one rod to bring for a tourney