>>Loomis 1266C shorepounding with braid or mono when a big
>cast
>>is desired/required
>
>If you can cast a swimbait on that rod with braided line
>without snapping it off I'm seriously impressed :-)
>
>

Up to 4-5oz or so yes, no problem. Real big stuff not so much. Like anything with braid you must be in tune with what is about to happen hahahahaha I can throw a punker a mile with braid on that rod. More wind resistant plugs I do a little more deliberate feathering of the spool, because yes, explosive things can happen with a weapon like that!!! I don't use it for big soft stuff. Big hard stuff only for the most part. I have snapped a plug off a few times (as most any rod will fishing braid with heavy stuff from time to time) but in general I don't have problems. That blank is somewhat variable as well, I have 2 of them purchased 3 years apart and the earlier one is a little stiffer than the other.