St Croix vs G Loomis

[badgerboyng]

I want to get a rod for swim jigs (1/4oz, 3/8oz, plus trailer) and for pitching jigs into cover and weeds. I am very familiar with the St Croix rating system, and I think a 7' MH Fast Avid X would be a good choice. St Croix's MH is very powerful. However, I am completely lost when it comes to G Loomis. Their website is pretty unhelpful... but from what I hear, the IMX is a much better rod. What are your thoughts on an IMX versus an Avid X? Also, which specific rod (power, action, length, model #) would you recommend for me? 

 

Due to a very special circumstance, I am able to get a St Croix Avid X or a G Loomis IMX casting rod at a substantial discount. Both rods would be the same price. So please do not recommend anything other than an Avid X or IMX, and please do not base your recommendation on price. 

[Raul]

No matter how great is the Avid X it's still an inferior rod to the IMX, an Avid X is comparable to a GL3.

[JDNKC]

I have several IMX rods and love them.  The 6'6" 783c is my favorite and the 843c 7ft MBR rod is close behind.  I love the 803c worm rod and I have the spinnerbait rod as well.  The Carolina rig version is not my favorite compared to the others.  These rods do not disappoint and are super light and sensitive.  I would get one of the MBR rods as they are very versatile(783 or 843) depending on your preference in length.  

[Silas]

Having both the Avid and the IMX in several lengths. I really like the Avid 7' MM Moderate for all around versatile casting. 

   However, in my experience, my IMXs are more sensitive and more pleasurable to fish with. 

   IMX is the beginning of the greatness of Loomis rods. I have had and sold the Gl2 and GL3 rods and the E6. They feel "lifeless" and "generic" to me. 

    

[kickerfish1]

Another vote for the IMX especially if this is the classic IMX.

[badgerboyng]

What's the difference between the classic IMX and the MAG IMX? Also, is a 3 power, which is listed as medium heavy, powerful enough for pitching? Or is a 4 (heavy) power better? 

 

[Sammies77]

Avid vs imx? You can buy a 200 dollar avid or 300 dollar avid, it's up to you. 

 

The older and classic imx is a different story. 

[NHBull]

Prices being similar, the IMX all day long 

[Fishin' Fool]

Nobody really addressed this point you brought up. In my mind G Loomis sets the standard for power on rods, meaning that a medium is a true medium or they use 2 as their designation. If you get the IMX you'd probably want the last digit of the rod to be either a 3 or 4. The length of the rod is in inches therefore a 7' MH would be designated as 843.

[roadwarrior]

IMX 844C

 

[JDNKC]

7 hours ago, badgerboyng said:

What's the difference between the classic IMX and the MAG IMX? Also, is a 3 power, which is listed as medium heavy, powerful enough for pitching? Or is a 4 (heavy) power better? 

 

I have always pitched with a medium heavy, but I mainly pitch and flip docks.  In heavy cover you might need heavy, but it depends on if you plan on using this rod for other techniques.  In my opinion, MH or 3 power is more versatile.  Like I said 783c or 843c are my recommendations depending on your preference in length.

[Poolshark]

4 hours ago, roadwarrior said:

IMX 844C

 

 

 

This ^

[badgerboyng]

5 hours ago, roadwarrior said:

IMX 844C

1 hour ago, Poolshark said:

 

 

This ^

 

 

Just to clarify, you are both recommending the 7' Heavy Mag Bass? It's rated for 1/4-1oz lures, so I think it will work for swimjigs and pitching. 

 

I'm also going to get a spinning rod for tubes, grubs, small worms, Ned rigs, and wacky rigged senkos, primarily used for smallmouth. I was going to get an Avid X 6'8 Medium X-Fast, but based on this thread, it seems like the IMX is superior. What's a better choice for that, the 802s JWR (6'8 medium x-fast), or the 803s (medium heavy)? 

[Raul]

For fishing places like this

 

:

 

and skipping to docks might be considered similar, a 4 power ( 784/844 ) is the best option, I flip/pitch/skip to those with my MBR784 and it's perfect for those techniques, I feel the 723/783 lacks the kind of power you want, but it's powerful enough when not performing those techniques.

[roadwarrior]

The MBR 844C is described by G.Loomis as "Heavy", but I consider it MH. If a fellow only had one rod, this would certainly be a contender. With regard to the spinning rod, I know you will like the Avid 68MXF.

[Alpster]

I am also a fan of the IMX. I have several rods built on these blanks. LOVE them!

[kickerfish1]

Go with the IMX casting and the Avid spinning. Both are really solid rods and you get to experience a mid level offering by each company. 

[Smelter96]

I dont own an IMX but do own that exact Avid X. And thats exactly what i use it for. So much power, fantastic rod. I highly recommend 

[JDNKC]

7 hours ago, badgerboyng said:

 

Just to clarify, you are both recommending the 7' Heavy Mag Bass? It's rated for 1/4-1oz lures, so I think it will work for swimjigs and pitching. 

 

I'm also going to get a spinning rod for tubes, grubs, small worms, Ned rigs, and wacky rigged senkos, primarily used for smallmouth. I was going to get an Avid X 6'8 Medium X-Fast, but based on this thread, it seems like the IMX is superior. What's a better choice for that, the 802s JWR (6'8 medium x-fast), or the 803s (medium heavy)? 

I have the 803s for a spinning rod.  It is the most sensitive rod I own paired with braid.  Great rod, but because it is only 6'8" it is pretty stiff.  Depends on what you are using it for.  I use a medium action spinning rod for drop shots.  

[badgerboyng]

Thanks for the replies, everyone. I'll get an IMX 844C, it sounds like an amazing rod. As for the spinning rod, I still have to decide between an Avid X and IMX, but I don't think I can go wrong either way. Thanks again.

[Hulkster]

I believe the IMX is a superior blank to the Avid, which is comparable to the GL3/E6X (which are also very similar). its up in Loomis' higher end rod offerings. up here in Canada they are almost $400, but are by all accounts, amazing.

[badgerboyng]

On 3/1/2017 at 1:19 PM, roadwarrior said:

The MBR 844C is described by G.Loomis as "Heavy", but I consider it MH. If a fellow only had one rod, this would certainly be a contender. With regard to the spinning rod, I know you will like the Avid 68MXF.

In regard to the spinning rod, do you recommend the Avid because it's better than the IMX, or is it because you think it's a good idea for me to try one rod from each company? 

 

If I were to choose a G Loomis spinning rod for tubes, grubs, wacky rigged senkos, and Ned rigs, which rod would you recommend? After looking around the forum for posts that might've already answered my question, I noticed you said the PR844S was you favorite smallmouth rod. Would you recommend that, or is the tip too soft for what I intend to use it for? If you recommend a different rod, which power and action? 

 

Sorry for asking so many questions, but I know you're a smallmouth guy and I can tell you know a lot about G Loomis rods. I might as well ask you now while I have the chance. 

 

Thanks

[roadwarrior]

The PR844S might be a little too heavy for everything you have in mind (Ned Rig), but it is an exceptional rod.

This was the fish I caught on the BassResource RoadTrip to Guntersville:  http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-videos/lake-guntersville-2012.html

7.49 lbs on a Fat Ika/ PR844S/ #4 Yo-Zuri Hybrid

[Alpster]

15 minutes ago, roadwarrior said:

The PR844S might be a little too heavy for everything you have in mind (Ned Rig), but it is an exceptional rod.

This was the fish I caught on the BassResource RoadTrip to Guntersville:  http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-videos/lake-guntersville-2012.html

7.49 lbs on a Fat Ika/ PR844S/ #4 Yo-Zuri Hybrid

 

Not going to mention that he was fishing with a pretty awesome guide when he caught that fish. Also it took 4 people and an extra boat to land it. There is always a good story in the drama that is fishing. LOL