St. Croix Lt Or Imx

[JTP]

WHich rod would be good for jigs and which action in the series?

[LMB KING]

I prefer Imx

[Skog]

I don't any st. Croix but I do have 2 IMX. A SJR843 and a MBR843. Both are 7' MHF and they are great. I fish bottom jigs on the MBR and swim jigs on the SJR

[ColdSVT]

Both? Lol

I have the LTB MH 7'3 fast....works nicely for jigs in most situations

[Tywithay]

The Legend is more sensitive, in my opinion. However, the reel seat can be a bit uncomfortable for some. Definitely recommend getting your hands on one with a reel to see if it feels right. I still think there's better options than both of these, that cost far less. The IMX is especially disappointing for the price. Nice rod, but not worth nearly $300....it'd be tolerable if it were around $200.

[iabass8]

If possible,make sure you can at least handle the LTB rod. The rods fish pretty good but the SK2 reel seat is hands down the most uncomfortable thing I've ever used. Some like it though.

[F14A-B]

I agree with Ty..... I am not seeing the new IMX At 3 bills..... I also don't care for the hump handle of croix.... But the blank is quite good

[kickerfish1]

I am not a big St. Croix fan. The previous generation Loomis IMX series are solid rods but haven't handled the new IMX series rods yet. For jigs like any other bait it would depend upon jig weight and cover. I still fish an IMX MBR 844 which is a very versatile rod for many applications but not necessarily a rod or even a series of rods I would seek out for ONLY JIG FISHING.

 

Like Ty said in that $250-$300 ballpark, there are better options out there for a pure jig rod...

[SNK]

Both Tywithay and Kickerfish1 have stated there are as good of rods out there, but for less, would either of you care to elaborate? I was planning on getting the SJR843 IMX, but if I can get as good of quality and sensitivity at a savings, I would be interested in researching such rods, as I would think the OP may also. 

[FishTank]

I like the St.Croix spinning rods but have not been a fan of their casting rods.  I can't say why, just a personal preference.  As far as your question goes, if you are throwing something around a 1/2 ounce into some coverage I would go with the MBR844C.  It is just a great all around rod.  My personal favorite is the GLX 803C jig and worm rod.

[Capt.Bob]

I prefer the St Croix rods over anything else in their comparable price range, I have a preference for a full handle and one piece reel seat over the split grip, but I do have one LTB but it is an older model with the one piece seat and split cork handle ( compromises),  it is a great rod and I find it more sensitive and lighter weight than the IMX in the comparable action and length. But would agree, you should feel them in your own hand if you are not familiar with them, both are very good rods. I would go with a MHF action in a 6'6" or 7' for an all round jig rod, for lighter jigs under 3/8 oz  and open water, I prefer a MXF with the same length range. Good luck like others have said both rods are quality blanks, up to you to choose the components you prefer,,,,, or buy the St Croix blank and have it built your way, always the best choice!!  

[Tywithay]

Both Tywithay and Kickerfish1 have stated there are as good of rods out there, but for less, would either of you care to elaborate? I was planning on getting the SJR843 IMX, but if I can get as good of quality and sensitivity at a savings, I would be interested in researching such rods, as I would think the OP may also.

I've got several rods in that price range and the most sensitive I've used, for the money, is the Kistler KLX. It's more sensitive than both rods you mentioned, in my hands. The build quality is flawless as well. The Kistler Helium3 is similar in price to the IMX and it's even better. Dobyns Champion is another good option. It's on par with those two in sensitivity, but balances much better. You'll be able to get them 25% off in a couple weeks during Independence Day sales. Another rod that totally outperforms the price range is the 13 ***. It suffers slightly in build quality. Nothing major, but I've seen minute mistakes like excess epoxy, or guides that are a little crooked. The blanks are fantastic though. I thought it was every bit as sensitive as my GLX, at half the price. They'll also be on sale for the 4th as well. That's just a few. I feel like most manufacturers have caught up, or even passed, the two you mentioned in recent years. Loomis especially seems to be holding on to their reputation, and not putting out products that are competitive for the price ranges, aside from the NRX. The St Croix is a slightly better value, but has its own issues. Because of the minimalist handle design, the rods over 7' tend to be very tip heavy. I also had issues with the small cork handle below the reels seat. It flares out and pokes into your palm, ended up bruising my hand after a few hours. I realize not everyone minds it, but it's definitely an odd design.

[kickerfish1]

I would look at the Megabass Orochi XX series for overall performance. The ONLY downfall I have noticed since I have fished several rods is the more than average amount of cork filler. The sensitivity in mind is much better than both rod series in question. I was skeptical at first as this is the low end megabass series of rods with more of a minimalist look. The sensitivity, balance, touch of bling, and build quality is right up there. Chances are you wont be able to purchase one on sale but for the money they are incredible. Icast is supposed to showcase new models so it may be beneficial to wait a bit.

[Bluebasser86]

I'd take the LTB, the new handle is really comfortable to me and they're very sensitive. I've got a 7' MH/XF, 7' 3" MH/MF, and a 7' 6" MH/F and all make good jig rods for different situations. If I had to pick one I'd go for the 7' 6" MH/F though. 

[WIGuide]

I'd go with a St. Croix LTB.  I've had zero issues with the handle and the way it feels.Never been bruised by it that's for sure...not sure how that would even happen. To each their own though, but all I can say is the LTB's are great sticks with awesome sensitivity and I doubt you'd be disappointed.

[Raul]

First things first, if you can handle your options choose the one that feels best, in those levels there´s a lot of subjective considerations, sensitivy is one, you can´t measure perception.

 

I´m a GLoomis man, why ? because I like the feel, the ergonomics fit me, when I handle the rod it feels like an extensión of my arm.

 

Kistler rods are nice, I owned a couple but never really liked them, the problem ? ----> the handle

 

St.Croix rods are nice too, I did own a Leyend Elite, the problem ?  -----> the feel

[JTP]

Both? Lol

I have the LTB MH 7'3 fast....works nicely for jigs in most situations

What reel do you have on there? i have heard that they are tip heavy? Im looking for a jig rod next for 3/8 - 1/2 oz jigs 1-20 feet mostly rock. Was looking at the 7'3

[ColdSVT]

What reel do you have on there? i have heard that they are tip heavy? Im looking for a jig rod next for 3/8 - 1/2 oz jigs 1-20 feet mostly rock. Was looking at the 7'3

 i have a lews Tourny Pro on my LTB...balances nicely

[*Hootie]

Here's an idea, buy one of each rod mentioned on this topic...lol.

Hootie