IM8 or 30 ton graphite?

[rcg703]

I know the higher the IM or tonnage rating the more lighter and sensitive the rod is, but is one any better than the other? I'm looking at 2 budget rods, an Abu Veritas 2.0 (30ton graphite) and a Lew's Speed Stick (IM8) and can't find any real distinguishing characteristics. Aside from the Veritas appearing to be a bit more stiff, they're both light and feel good in the hand. I can get both for just under $60 but it's tough picking one without feeling the sensitivity while on the water.

[Fishin' Fool]

A lot of people seem to like the Veritas 2.0. I haven't heard much about your other rod if that helps you at all.

[TylerT123]

Apples to oranges. You can only compare the IM rating of a rod to other rods in that company. A Lew's rod with IM8 graphite will definitely be more sensitive and have higher quality graphite than an IM7. There are many components that go into rod, resins.... the list goes on. I like to learn as much as I can about a product before I buy it but I gave up on learning about rod blanks, just too much information to learn and companies don’t give enough info. 

 

I’d go with the Vertias, it has a better reputation than Lew’s.

[burrows]

So what would scII or scIII

Compare to in IM 7 or IM 8 ?

 

[Dtrombly]

I had the Veritas 2.0 in 7'3" MH/F last year. It's a good build, powerful, pretty sensitive. Though I wouldn't pay retail for it again. Too many better options out there, if you're talking about the Lews TP1, I'd take that over the Veritas. 

[Fish the Mitt]

46 minutes ago, Burro said:

So what would scII or scIII

Compare to in IM 7 or IM 8 ?

 

I would check out this thread. Good info here and @Delaware Valley Tackle could answer anything this thread doesn't touch.

 

[Fishinthefish]

IM rating isn't an industry standard rating, it's a company standard rating. Within the own company the rating will tell you the difference in quality of the rod, but one company to the next, the IM7/8, 40 ton ETC rating means absolutely nothing.

[Russ E]

i have a 7ft. MH speed stick and the 7 ft. 3in. MH Veritas.

my Lews has a softer tip and seems more sensitive. they are both decent budget rods.

[rcg703]

Thanks for the info so far guys! Trying to understand rod blanks makes my brain hurt lol

[Angry John]

Material is just one aspect of the rod.  The resin, mandrel used and a ton of other factors are critical to making a quality rod.  If your just looking for a quality build total rod weight is as good of an indicator.  This is a more total rod approach and is not subjective, making direct comparisons much easier.  It's a decent starting point before reading that specific rod reviews.

[FishDewd]

I have both a speed stick (american hero) and a TP1. The SS is IM6, and the TP1 is IM8. They're both pretty light and seem to have a fair amount of sensitivity, but  it's hard to say which is lighter or more sensitive. And I've never owned many mid-high end rods to compare them too. What I can say for sure is that they are less sensitive than my Diawa Fuego 8' drift rod that only gets used once in a blue moon when I go up north to fish the fast rivers of northern TX. And they certainly can't compare to the Carbonlites I've handled in stores. I've never had or held a Veritas though, so can't help much there.