Old high end rods versus newer

[mheichelbech]

Curious as to how much better, if any, new higher end rods (over $200-$250) are than older models.  I use a G Loomis IMX that is about 20 years old to pitch jigs with; wondering if the newer versions are any more sensitive mainly but also other factors such guides. 

Would it be worth to spend the $$$ for new IMX or similar or is my old one going to cast just as well and be just as sensitive?

[Jig Man]

Been thinking about that same thing for a while.  I would rather have more like what I have than try the new ones.

[FishTank]

My two cents....  the new IMX is slightly more sensitive than the old but the new GLX is not the same rod it use to be.   I can't explain it.   Still a great rod though. 

[mheichelbech]

17 minutes ago, FishTank said:

My two sense....  the new IMX is slightly more sensitive than the old but the new GLX is not the same rod it use to be.   I can't explain it.   Still a great rod though. 

I had also considered upgrading by buying a used NRX or GLX or similar other brand but I’m pretty happy with what I have.  I’m not certain I would catch more fish by changing.

[FishTank]

18 minutes ago, mheichelbech said:

I had also considered upgrading by buying a used NRX or GLX or similar other brand but I’m pretty happy with what I have.  I’m not certain I would catch more fish by changing.

I have some of all three.  I have the 844C IMX, 844C GLX, 803C GLX, 783C GLX, 903C IMX CBR, 803S NRX and the 853C NRX.  The NRX is the most sensitive by far but my favorite is the 783 GLX.   The 843C Conquest is next on my list.  Maybe next year. 

 

Will you catch more fish with a GLX or an NRX.... Maybe, it just depends how fish and what you fish but there's something to be said for > "If it ain't broke, don't fix it".  

[Tywithay]

The biggest technological advancement in rod building is probably the quality of the resin. It allows manufacturers to utilize much higher modulus graphite, while maintaining strength. The weight savings alone can add to the perception of more sensitivity. Does it help catch fish? Who knows? I think the most important aspect of any rod is confidence. If you're comfortable using it, you're more inclined to get the most out of it. 

[DitchPanda]

Well first let me state I don't own high end...my most expensive rod is $160. But I'm gonna go out on a limb and say they have improved...I'm basing this off how much better the affordable stuff has gotten...even the bargain stuff $50 bucks or less is good now. The Daiwa Aird and Berkley lightning rod are perfect examples. These rods are as good as or better than $100 dollar rods from 15 years ago. Honestly maybe even 5 years ago in a lot of cases.

[mrpao]

To me the biggest factor is rod weights. The newer rods are so much light than rods from years ago. Many of today's rods are going for the minimalist design.

Better guides, smaller handles and thinner blanks. 

I feel like today's lower end rods are better than most of yesterday's higher end ones. Pretty much true for reels too. 

[jimmyjoe]

   I think the new rods are better in two characteristics: low weight and stiffness (or sensitivity). But for me at least, they're worse in the sense of flex. I don't like all my rods to have a stiff tip, or a fast rebound (speed). I like some to be softer, slower and more progressive.    jj  

[waymont]

11 hours ago, mheichelbech said:

Curious as to how much better, if any, new higher end rods (over $200-$250) are than older models.  I use a G Loomis IMX that is about 20 years old to pitch jigs with; wondering if the newer versions are any more sensitive mainly but also other factors such guides. 

Would it be worth to spend the $$$ for new IMX or similar or is my old one going to cast just as well and be just as sensitive?

I can speak directly to your question. I have 4 older IMX  MBR casting rods that are between 5 and 10 years old that I bought new, and have been using them since I bought them. I am very familiar with the feel and taper of them, they have always been my favorite rods. Last year I bought two IMX-Pro rods JWR 863, and the JWR 852 and have 1 season on them and have become familiar with them. It didn't take any time to get used to the the faster JWR taper, it's fantastic feeling.

For me the two rods compliment each other more than the IMX-Pro rods replacing the IMX.

I will say I love my older IMX MBR rods, and I would love to some day try an IMX-Pro MBR to feel them next to each other.

In comparison:

casting distance and accuracy:

same

 

sensitivity:

IMX-Pro is a more sensitive

 

balance:

same

 

guides and handle:

both are very comfortable to me, fit like a glove.

guides and grip are both a little smaller on the IMX-Pro and work great.

[roadwarrior]

Very nice!

 

[mheichelbech]

On 7/29/2020 at 9:06 AM, waymont said:

I can speak directly to your question. I have 4 older IMX  MBR casting rods that are between 5 and 10 years old that I bought new, and have been using them since I bought them. I am very familiar with the feel and taper of them, they have always been my favorite rods. Last year I bought two IMX-Pro rods JWR 863, and the JWR 852 and have 1 season on them and have become familiar with them. It didn't take any time to get used to the the faster JWR taper, it's fantastic feeling.

For me the two rods compliment each other more than the IMX-Pro rods replacing the IMX.

I will say I love my older IMX MBR rods, and I would love to some day try an IMX-Pro MBR to feel them next to each other.

In comparison:

casting distance and accuracy:

same

 

sensitivity:

IMX-Pro is a more sensitive

 

balance:

same

 

guides and handle:

both are very comfortable to me, fit like a glove.

guides and grip are both a little smaller on the IMX-Pro and work great.

I guess I should also have asked is the increased sensitivity enough to warrant an upgrade?