G Loomis IMX vs. IMX Pro...really just a discussion on history of Loomis series'

[humbleangler]

Over the last several years I've been developing a taste for better and better (more expensive) equipment but have not yet been able to justify the leap into the ultra high end stuff. I'm very pleased with the performance of my current arsenal of rods and Dobyn's has made me a customer for life, but I've always wanted to try a Loomis. I wasn't a huge fan of their entry level E6X line when checking it out in the store and I've read more than a few negative reviews from others after actually fishing them too. So that leaves the IMX Pro series as the next step up...but $350 is big jump from my usual sub $200 budget...plus, I can't help but think if I was to actually spend that much on a rod I might go with the Shimano Expride or just say "F it," realize this is already a rare big splurge and just go all the way with a GLX or even NRX. Long story short, I ran across a very good deal on a closeout of the older 6' "Classic Bass" series, picking up a CR722 IMX for $178. Does anyone have experience with this rod? Can anyone tell me when this series was discontinued and replaced with the IMX Pro? What are the differences between the two? Sensitivity, strength, actions, craftsmanship/features? Would love a timeline of all the GL, IMX, GLX, and NRX series and your thoughts on each. What would a GL2 compare with today? GL3? etc...

[The Pond King]

I also bought the G. Loomis CR722 IMX today for $178. There was only two left in stock on that site, and it’s sold out everywhere else. 
 

I’ve been looking everywhere for the old school CR722 IMX as they’ve been sold out everywhere for a while, but I’ve been continually searching for it incessantly because I really wanted it and was bummed out I didn’t buy it when I had a chance a long time ago. I got lucky today. You did too!

 

G. Loomis has discontinued the old Classic series. The classic series are now only available in the IMX PRO line. I prefer the super old school look with big foregrips in this case because I intend to use it as a jerkbait and topwater rod and that foregrip will come in handy. 
 

The G. Loomis CR722 IMX was recommended to me from people on this forum as the best 6’ length casting rod available. 
 

I emailed G. Loomis and asked what changed with the IMX PRO, and why they discontinued the old school classic CR722 IMX for the IMX-PRO 722C CR. They told me it was updated for aesthetics, and they also told me that the IMX PRO is lighter and more sensitive, but I take the latter part with a grain of salt. I also didn’t like that they got rid of the big foregrip because for my intended purposes, I prefer having the big foregrip as I’ve mentioned, and it completes that classic old school look. 
 

I visited Cabela’s for the first time today as I’m in Texas for business right now, and I got to handle the E6X and IMX PRO. The E6X is an excellent rod for the money. It’s way better than the Avid, in my opinion which is in the same competitive $200 price point. 
 

However, on the other hand, I did not find the IMX PRO as impressive as it should be for a $350 rod. It’s way overpriced and didn’t feel anymore balanced or sensitive in my hands compared to the E6X. I don’t see how they can justify charging $150 more for an IMX PRO when it’s not noticeably better than an E6X, a $200 rod. 
 

The GLX, is worth the extra cost for me personally though - albeit $250 more than the E6X - because I’ve noticed significant improvement in the sensitivity, balance, and weight. 
 

In conclusion, we got really lucky with the old school CR722 IMX. For $178, we truly got it for a steal, and it’s gonna be a rod no other anglers will be able to have anymore because they are discontinued. I’m so glad I got lucky today with the old school CR722 IMX! You should too! We scored big time. 

 

Hope this helps! Fish on!

[waymont]

3 hours ago, The Pond King said:

CR722 IMX

The E6X 802 JWR is also a fantastic rod in a similar vein. It has a nice soft tip with a slightly faster taper than the CR, which are like the MBR rods. It balances great, is a very accurate caster, and light. I agree that the E6X is a much nicer rod that the St Croix Avid series. All you have to do is hold them side by side and it's apparent. My old Loomis CR723 is one of my favorites too.

The CR723 is a great all around rod for close casting situations. The 722 is lighter and will be a great all around rod for lighter lures, in more open water situations.

[fishballer06]

The old black/red IMX rods were discontinued around 2015/16 if my memory serves me correct. Because you're looking at one of the "classic" style IMX's, it could have been discontinued even longer ago. If you've looked around at all lately, you'll notice that 6' casting rods are basically a thing of the past for the past 8+ years. 

 

If a 6' rod in only a 2 power is something that you can truly utilize in your fishing style, then I would snag it up before you can no longer get it. Me personally, the only rods I use under 7' these days are my jerkbait rods, and even then those are 6'6" and 6'10". 

[fishwizzard]

I have a pair of old CR723c rods (an IMX and GLX) and a CR721c IMX.  I really like super short rods for kayak fishing and some of the wading that I do.  I have the slightly longer CR782c GLX that I use for Senkos/Fat Impacts and other semi-finesse presentations.  

 

They are all great rods and while I have a pile of longer rods, I still love my shorties.  

[waymont]

13 hours ago, humbleangler said:

E6X

Have you checked the updated E6x rods. They are excellent. The ones I’ve fished and can highly recommend are the 802 jwr, 783c and 843c mbr rods. Very well balanced and they all fish well.