More Versatile - G. Loomis 842c MBR or St. Croix Legend X 7' M/F?

[ABrugs]

I think I'm getting closer and closer to making a decision on what rod I'll be going w/ for next year. The Loomis 842 MBR is what I've been leaning towards, but I'm also curious to hear about how this rod compares to the St. Croix Legend line in the 7' M/F model? Both rods are the same length, power, and are rated at 1/4 - 5/8. If I go w/ the Loomis, I'm still unsure about what line/model, but would probably be an IMX-PRO, GLX, or NRX+. If I go w/ the Croix, it would be the Legend X. I won't list out all the techniques I'd be using this for, but most of them would fall into the 3/8 range. I'd be looking at a smaller Shimano MGL reel, like the Aldebaran MGL 50 or Curado MGL 70 K, and using 12# Tatsu w/ it. Ultimately, I'm looking to build a high-end versatile casting setup and I believe I've narrowed it down to these 2 options.

 

I'd love to hear any opinions/thoughts. Thanks!

[NorcalBassin]

I have the 842 GLX and 7' M/F Legend Extreme (prior gen), and for the 3/8 oz range I'd recommend the St Croix due to its heavier action in comparison. My 842/Alde combo pretty much always has a 1/4 oz head with a 2.8/3.3 Keitech tied on, but it's a very versatile rod that can do a lot of 1/4-3/8 oz things well. You could get away with using it for the 3/8 range, but if that's your usual weight and you want a Loomis I'd recommend checking out the 843 (IMO it feels more similar to the Legend M/F). All 3 of those rods are excellent and you'll likely love whichever one you go with.

[Deephaven]

When I built my rods for those weights I also picked the SC.  The 7 MF is a killer rod.  

[MickD]

I am not familiar with the Loomis, although I've built a couple on different blanks, and they are nice rods.  I have built 4 SCV70MF's, and they are one of my favorite rods, same for my son and daughter in law for whom 3 of them were made.  I use them for about everything, but especially for tubes (1/8 to 1/4 oz) and Strike King/Keitech swim baits on 3/16 and 1/4 oz jigs in St Clair and Saginaw Bay.  They are light for their power and very sensitive.  They will work for almost everything, but being a builder I have a lot of rods, other fine rods set up for other techniques.  I always have my SCV on board with either the tubes or swim baits.

[thunderblack]

 I would go after a 842 or 843 in the GLX or nrx line up. SC makes a nice rod too. Not a fan of SC's handle designs on legend x or elite. 

[MickD]

Just now, thunderblack said:

Not a fan of SC's handle designs on legend x or elite. 

Good point.  I make my own to my own design, which I've never seen before in a commercial rod.  I'm not familiar with either of the options regarding grip design.

[ABrugs]

Thanks for all the responses!

 

@NorcalBassin - I should've clarified the weight range. 3/8 total weight is what I'd mostly be throwing. I almost exclusively fish shallow water right now and most of my heads will be 1/8 w/ an occasional 1/4 mixed in, but that will be the exception. An example would be a 3.3" Keitech SIF on a 1/8 head for a total weight of under 3/8. Other examples would be a 3/8 Dark Sleeper, Megabass Vision 110 Jr./110+1 Jr., 1/4 spinnerbaits, 4"/5" Senkos, etc. The only lures that would get close to the top of the range would be those spinnerbaits and 1/4 swim jigs w/ small trailers.

 

^ With this clarification, what are your thoughts on the 842 vs 843?

 

@thunderblack - Thanks! I know I didn't include it in my original post, but do you have any feedback or thoughts on just going straight to the top w/ the Conquest 842 MBR? I'm a little hesitant w/ the GLX because I've read a lot about the reel seat being uncomfortable.

 

I wish I had a store near me that had some of these in stock as it's tough to pull the trigger on such an expensive rod w/o holding any of them. There's a fishing show in Michigan coming up at the beginning of January and I might wait until then to see if any vendors bring some of these models.

[thunderblack]

I have read this too and think certain reels work better. I would go right to the nrx + 842C or one of the new Steez AGS compile rods and call it a day. 

[NorcalBassin]

12 hours ago, ABrugs said:

Thanks for all the responses!

 

@NorcalBassin - I should've clarified the weight range. 3/8 total weight is what I'd mostly be throwing. I almost exclusively fish shallow water right now and most of my heads will be 1/8 w/ an occasional 1/4 mixed in, but that will be the exception. An example would be a 3.3" Keitech SIF on a 1/8 head for a total weight of under 3/8. Other examples would be a 3/8 Dark Sleeper, Megabass Vision 110 Jr./110+1 Jr., 1/4 spinnerbaits, 4"/5" Senkos, etc. The only lures that would get close to the top of the range would be those spinnerbaits and 1/4 swim jigs w/ small trailers.

 

^ With this clarification, what are your thoughts on the 842 vs 843?

That does change it up a bit and I'd lean towards the 842 for those baits. The SC M/F and 843 would also work well if you're around a lot of grass or wood, but if it's relatively open water the 842 should be great. I went a bit off the deep end with high end Loomis rods and have the 842, 843, 852, 893, 894, and 903 models and that 842 is one of my favorites.

[ABrugs]

Thanks for the insight! I've been leaning 842 the entire time and think that's the direction I'll end up going. Almost all of the fishing I do would qualify as 'open water' so that's re-assuring. My next step is making a decision on which Loomis line to go w/ and I hope that there are some available to see at the upcoming Michigan Fishing Show.