Champion XP/IMX Question

[BankBasser]

I thought I was all set with a new Champion XP 703c ready to go for weightless and small t-rigs. Then I came into possession of an IMX 843c through a trade. Now I'm all confuzzled. The weather here in Iowa has been a bit off (to say the least) so all I've had the chance to do is toss some weights in the yard. My conclusion with dragging a weight across the yard is the XP balances really good, but the IMX is probably more sensitive. Would this be the general consensus as well? I'm thinking mostly bottom contact in the 1/4oz - 3/8oz max range.

 

When does the madness stop?  

[Robert Riley]

The madness is eternal. But from my experience with Champions and limited experience with IMXs, I'd say that you are pretty much right. 

[JackKlassen]

I have a 703c myself and while it is an incredibly light/balanced rod, it's not as sensitive as some of my other rods in its price range (St. Croix LTB, Orochi XX). I've only fished an IMX once but would definitely say the IMX would be the more sensitive of the two.

[islandbass]

Was your call comparison apples to apples, ie, rods both in the same power and class, same line used in both cases?

 

With the reputation of IMX being primo in the sensitivity department compared to some of its competitors, it might not be as surprising. 

 

Can you give a guesstimate on sensitivity on a scale of 1-10 for both rods? I realize it’s subjective but the curiosity is killing me, lol. 

[Tywithay]

I haven't used the newer IMX Pro rods, but I would rate the champion on par with the previous generation IMX. Might even be a touch more sensitive, though the balance may just allow me to focus on the bite better. The IMX is not a great performer, in my opinion, given the price. I have rods at half the cost that compared favorably and many that outperformed it altogether. 

[optimator]

I have a new IMX-PRO. I've fished it side by side with an older GLX. There really is no comparison between them. The IMX-PRO is a much better rod. I can't say that about the new GLX rods as I haven't fished one yet.

[BankBasser]

7 hours ago, islandbass said:

Was your call comparison apples to apples, ie, rods both in the same power and class, same line used in both cases?

Both 3 power and both using the same reel with the same line.

 

7 hours ago, islandbass said:

Can you give a guesstimate on sensitivity on a scale of 1-10 for both rods? I realize it’s subjective but the curiosity is killing me, lol.

It kills me, too.  I'm not sure if throwing some weights across the grass is a great indicator of a rods performance, but, the IMX just seemed to have slightly more going on. Nothing earth shattering and probably negated by the Champions balance... which is hard to ignore.

 

7 hours ago, Tywithay said:

I haven't used the newer IMX Pro rods...

This one isn't one of the newer IMX Pro rods. It looks to be the same rod I've seen in a lot of the promo videos from around 2014. I had an old LTB (serial number had it at 2006) 7' mh/f that was like a broomstick I traded for it. I'd never fished a Loomis and thought "Why not"?

 

34 minutes ago, optimator said:

I have a new IMX-PRO. I've fished it side by side with an older GLX. There really is no comparison between them. The IMX-PRO is a much better rod. I can't say that about the new GLX rods as I haven't fished one yet.

Good to know. Something more for the ocd to dwell on.

 

Even though they're both a 3 power rod the Champion seems to have an ever so slightly softer tip, which combined with the balance may be what wins out for where and how I'll be fishing it. Ultimately, getting out and actually fishing them will tell me what I need to know. I've learned a lot on this site and like asking for others opinions as I think the discussion brings up points that may not have been considered. Thanks tons for the input, all!

 

[lmbfisherman]

15 minutes ago, BankBasser said:

Both 3 power and both using the same reel with the same line.

 

It kills me, too.  I'm not sure if throwing some weights across the grass is a great indicator of a rods performance, but, the IMX just seemed to have slightly more going on. Nothing earth shattering and probably negated by the Champions balance... which is hard to ignore.

 

This one isn't one of the newer IMX Pro rods. It looks to be the same rod I've seen in a lot of the promo videos from around 2014. I had an old LTB (serial number had it at 2006) 7' mh/f that was like a broomstick I traded for it. I'd never fished a Loomis and thought "Why not"?

 

Good to know. Something more for the ocd to dwell on.

 

Even though they're both a 3 power rod the Champion seems to have an ever so slightly softer tip, which combined with the balance may be what wins out for where and how I'll be fishing it. Ultimately, getting out and actually fishing them will tell me what I need to know. I've learned a lot on this site and like asking for others opinions as I think the discussion brings up points that may not have been considered. Thanks tons for the input, all!

 

Sensitivity in my opinion is also different for everyone.  If you feel that the IMX you have is more sensitive and if you are using it for bottom contact.  Seems like a no brainer to me.  

[islandbass]

Thanks, BankBasser!  I really appreciate it. I look forward to seeing   how your initial observations of sensitivity from “land” fishing, which I also know too well, lol (I coined it cul de sac fishing), will compare to “on the water” fishing. 

[BankBasser]

6 minutes ago, islandbass said:

Thanks, BankBasser!  I really appreciate it. I look forward to seeing   how your initial observations of sensitivity from “land” fishing, which I also know too well, lol (I coined it cul de sac fishing), will compare to “on the water” fishing. 

It's looking like next week we may see consistent warmer temps. I offered up an old Berkley graphite rod to the gods of fishing as a sacrifice. Here's to hoping for at least a couple weeks of spring before the next snowstorm. 

[optimator]

47 minutes ago, BankBasser said:

It's looking like next week we may see consistent warmer temps. I offered up an old Berkley graphite rod to the gods of fishing as a sacrifice. Here's to hoping for at least a couple weeks of spring before the next snowstorm. 

The warm weather starts here today too. As far as the rods go, don't get caught up overthinking everything. Not that I don't do it too, LOL. Fish them both and see which one is best for you. Get outside and have some fun, that's what it's all about!

[islandbass]

On 4/20/2018 at 7:17 AM, BankBasser said:

It's looking like next week we may see consistent warmer temps. I offered up an old Berkley graphite rod to the gods of fishing as a sacrifice. Here's to hoping for at least a couple weeks of spring before the next snowstorm. 

Right on! I’m gonna pop some popcorn ? awaiting the next report. 

[BankBasser]

OK, I had a chance to get out a couple times this week. There's a difference, but it wasn't mind blowing. I could feel fine with both rods, just differently. If both rods were a pane of glass that had just gone through a light rain, the Loomis had been squeegeed. You can still see fine through both panes, but the Loomis had a bit more clarity to it. Had I not had the Loomis to compare with I'd have never felt the difference and been totally happy with the Dobyns, in this area.

 

However... After some time with each rod I was more aware of the Loomis while the Dobyns just sort of did its thing without making itself known. Not that the balance on the Loomis is bad, the Dobyns is just better.

 

In the end, I'm keeping the Dobyns and already have a buyer for the Loomis. I bought the Dobyns off their refurbished store page and think it's a great rod, especially at that price. I'll fish it this year (maybe more) and make the jump to an Extreme and have the best of both worlds.