Loomis IMX Pro swimbait rods - 965 vs 966

[jimanchower]

Looking for some input on what the sweet spot is for these in terms of lures. Is the 966 able to cast 2.5oz jig hook soft baits well? Is the 965 too soft for 4oz hard baits? Thanks for any input.

[jimanchower]

Anybody? I'm leaning towards the 965 because I don't need it to throw anything more than 4oz or so (soft baits or glides). I'm using a 7'7" Expride H/MF (1/2 - 2oz) for smaller stuff, so if the 966 is the deal for those 2-4oz baits maybe that's my best bet. Thanks.

[Hulkster]

I've never fished with an imx sw rod, but the folks over at Tactical Bassin love the 966 and I've seen other glowing reviews on it on other youtube videos. They say if you can get one grab it because they fly out the doors apparently. not easy to get. 

[Dye99]

I have not fished those models but my main SWB is a IMX pro 862c and I love it. Really glad I went with it over the other ones I was trying out. Gets alot of use chasing smallmouth. Paired it with a Shimano Alderbaron for medium to small soft swimbaits.

[Cabo31]

I just bought the 965 for the same reasons as you. Have not fished it yet. I have been  playing with it and I think it might be perfect for  2 to 4 ounce baits. The reason I bought it is because I also have the 904swbr and 2 1/2 oz baits seem to be to much for the 904.  

[jimanchower]

Thanks for the feedback, @Cabo31. I'd be interested to hear what you think on the water. Also curious what reel you're going to pair.

[Cabo31]

I’m going to start with a daiwa coastal tw 200 only because I already own this reel.  I been thinking about a Shimano conquest 200.  Which reel are you going to try?

[NorcalBassin]

The 965 will do very well with those ranges. I use mine to fish a burrito (2.8 oz jig hook) and Deps 175's (3oz) and I've been really happy with it. The 966 would be as close as it gets for a "do everything" rod for heavier baits like 8" Hudds and Deps 250's, but IMO the 966 would be more rod than what you need for the range you'll be using. 

[WRB]

Just using the standard nominal lure rating by adding min/max weights and dividing by 2 the 965 wheel house is 4 oz, the 966 is 5 1/2 oz. It comes down to what lures you use.

Treble hard baits error on the lighter side, soft heavy jig hook on the heavier side. Casting the lure the hook doesn’t matter, Hook setting it does.

8” ROF 12 Hudds weigh about 4 1/4 oz within the 965 lure range for casting a little marginal hook setting...toss up imo.

I always went up in swimbait rod power and 300 reel size, just me.

Nice rod, @$400 it should be.

Tom

 

[jimanchower]

  On 9/5/2023 at 1:04 AM, Cabo31 said:

I’m going to start with a daiwa coastal tw 200 only because I already own this reel.  I been thinking about a Shimano conquest 200.  Which reel are you going to try?

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I'll probably start with a reel that I currently own, which will either be a '22 Bantam or a '22 Zillion TW HD. I'm going to run braid to a leader, and I'm not convinced that I need a bigger reel, but I'm sure I'll see. Maybe a Tatula 200 or 300 if I go that route.

 

@Dye99 did I read that correctly that you're using an Aldebaran for smaller swimbaits?! I have a couple and really like them but that seems like quite a testament to what they can hold up to.

[Mike215]

Just wondering what reels are you guys using on the 965 ? Thank you 

[jimanchower]

  On 3/4/2024 at 9:48 PM, Mike215 said:

Just wondering what reels are you guys using on the 965 ? Thank you 

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Zillion TW HD for me (the older USDM one). 

[Mike215]

  On 3/5/2024 at 2:11 AM, jimanchower said:

 

Zillion TW HD for me (the older USDM one). 

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Appreciate the reply. Was wondering if a 300 Calcutta conquest MD would be overkill for this rod ?