G Loomis GLX MBR843C vs MBR844C for Senko rod

[Micropterus salmoides]

I'm considering the MBR843C or MBR844C in GLX as my Senko rod. I throw mostly 5" and occasionally 6" using 15-17lb line. What are the pros/cons of each? Appreciate some feedback. Thanks.  

[roadwarrior]

Well, I have the GLX MBR844C, but I don't use it for soft plastics. We'll see what others have to say, but if I were buying a DEDICATED soft plastic rod, I might go with the 843. However, I DO consider the 844 the #1 "all-around" baitcasting rod. If I only had one, this would be it!

One more series you need to look at is the BCR854. The Loomis guys, including those that have my MBR, prefer this rod. I don't have one, but I HIGHLY recommend that you look at it, I would if I were buying another new rod.

[FishTank]

If those are the only two you are looking at then I would go with the 843 but for fishing Senkos I like the BCR803 or the BCR864.  I have the BCR803 and it is the best rod for soft plastics I have ever fished.  It is just a touch more sensitve than my MBR 783 GLX.  

I just purchased the MBR844 IMX and one thing I noticed when I looked at the GLX version was that the IMX, for some reason, just balanced better with my reel.  So for about $100 less, why not.  I will be using it for frogs and heavier jerkbaits.  

[roadwarrior]

Man, I hope this thread grows some legs. I just love Loomis guys getting into the nitty-gritty of what they REALLY like about specific rods. I fished an IMX MBR844C for almost six years and liked it...a lot! The cork on the handle came loose and G.Loomis advised me to replace it, not get it fixed. Anyhow, I got a replacement through the Xpeditor program, swapped it out with BPS and paid the difference for the GLX. This was my striper rod, but now I have decided to get another IMX and keep the GLX MBR844C for jigs almost exclusively. As much as I liked the IMX, the GLX kicks it up a notch.

[flechero]

I would base this decision on where you live and fish.  I've had an 843 and both model 844's (mod-fast and fast) all will easily handle what you are throwing. (the old model 844 mod-fast was my all time, life time favorite fluke and senko rod, which I fully realized after selling it)  If it were me, I'd go 844 for the simple reason that I fish heavy cover most of the time and also fish a lot of private water with an abundance of good fish.  If I fished further north or in waters with smaller average fish or less cover I might use the 843.  

The BCR's have been incredibly well recieved, I haven't used one so I can't compare it the the MBR's other than the BCR taper should bend a little more evenly under full load and not lock up as tight as an MBR does.

[SCarter]

Well I can't speak for the GLX, but the MBR 844 in an IMX was just a little stiff for me with soft plastics so I had to have a MBR 783. I use the 844 for pitching jigs. Maybe I can put the bait monkey in his cage because I like the IMX just fine and at $100 cheaper.

[The_Natural]

I would get the 844 hands down.  I feel the 843 is a little soft for worms or jigs, unless I was strictly fishing light weights in open water.   I use my 843's for spinnerbaits and fat shallow cranks like the Bagley B2.   The 844 can effectively cast 1/4oz, or even 3/16oz if you desire, but gives you the backbone you need to effectively cross eyes.  An 844 IMX was my first Loomis, and the best way I could describe it to my fishin' buddies was to tell them it had the weight and agility of a traditional MH rod, with the backbone and hooksetting ability of a heavy action.  Go 844 and don't look back!

[The_Natural]

I would base this decision on where you live and fish.  I've had an 843 and both model 844's (mod-fast and fast) all will easily handle what you are throwing. (the old model 844 mod-fast was my all time, life time favorite fluke and senko rod, which I fully realized after selling it)  If it were me, I'd go 844 for the simple reason that I fish heavy cover most of the time and also fish a lot of private water with an abundance of good fish.  If I fished further north or in waters with smaller average fish or less cover I might use the 843.  

The BCR's have been incredibly well recieved, I haven't used one so I can't compare it the the MBR's other than the BCR taper should bend a little more evenly under full load and not lock up as tight as an MBR does.

The BCR's are a LOT faster than the MBR's...probably the fastest rods I have ever fished with.  They are designed for a purpose, and are very technique specific.  Fishing a crankbait on a BCR is illegal in 19 states  ;D.  If you are buying a rod solely for Senkos, I wouldn't hesitate to pull the trigger on a BCR893.  The 893 may be my favorite Loomis...just purchasing that rod significantly stepped up my pitching game.  I can skip-pitch with this rod better than I can my spinning rod...no joke.  The 853 or 893 would both make great Senko rods, but the 893 just gives you that edge when pitching, and the extra length benefits you really any time you set the hook.  Any of the afforementioned rods should work great for you, but if you want a little more technique specific; go with the 893.  If you you want a little more versatility...go with the 844.

[Micropterus salmoides]

Thanks for the feedback everyone.   I too hope this thread delves into more technique specific G Loomis rods. I primarily fish a reservoir that has rock cover and sparse wood when the water temperature is below 60 degrees. I also fish barren shallow spawning flats when the water climbs into the low to mid 50s during those first warmer days of the season. If the water level is high there will be isolated spots that have thick reed clumps, even if the water is 50 degrees, as they are a hardy plant. Once the water climbs over 60 the vegetation begins to proliferate and by the time the spawn is full swing the vegetation is quite dense.  Throughout the summer months dense weed mats form all over the lake. Three to six pounders are plentiful and theres a good chance of catching fish in the eight to ten pound plus range.

I've been hesitant to purchase some of the newer GLX technique specific BCR rods due to the recoil guides and the extra fast taper. I thinks it's mostly because I don't like the way the recoils look but I also wonder about their longevity. I don't use braid for senkos but if I wanted to I would be hesitant with the recoils. The two rods that I have considered in the BCR series are the BCR864 Senko rod and BCR854 Jig & Worm rod, both in GLX. I prefer the fast taper of these rods. I wonder how those two compare to each other and how both compare to the MBR844C. I wish I could get out on a lake with all the rods I have considered and find the winner but that just isn't practical. Going into a tackle shop and checking out various rods gives me some idea but is a poor substitute for on the water experimentation. That's why I come here to get feedback from those who have used various G Loomis rods. Thanks again.

[flechero]

The BCR's are a LOT faster than the MBR's...probably the fastest rods I have ever fished with.

Natural,

I don't doubt that they are extra fast.... but don't mistake what I wrote, lock up characteristics are not the same as tip speed. That hard lock up point is why MBR's got named MagBR's.

Fishing a crankbait on a BCR is illegal in 19 states ;D.

that's funny!

[Siebert Outdoors]

Your senko technique is completely different then mine.  99% of my senko'ing is done with a BSR852 which is a medium action and 8lb line.

From this:

If the water level is high there will be isolated spots that have thick reed clumps, even if the water is 50 degrees, as they are a hardy plant. Once the water climbs over 60 the vegetation begins to proliferate and by the time the spawn is full swing the vegetation is quite dense.  Throughout the summer months dense weed mats form all over the lake. Three to six pounders are plentiful and theres a good chance of catching fish in the eight to ten pound plus range.  

 And the lb line you use  

My response would be 844.  IMO its heavier then I would like for the open water but I do not like the 843 in heavy weeds.  It doesnt have the backbone I like.  

When I do throw a senko into weeds/ but not thick I do it on my BCR853,  In heavy stuff I go 854.

Since you want to stay with the MBR series I'm saying go 844 especially with that line weight and thick weeds.