Another G Loomis post...

[Tokyo Tony]

This has probably been covered somewhat in several posts, but a couple questions:

I'm looking to get two new setups this winter, and was wondering what the best rod choice would be for my situation.

1.  G Loomis rod, probably gonna put a Revo on it, but reel suggestions would also be appreciated.  I want a rod for $200-$250, and it will be used mostly for smallish crankbaits and jerkbaits.

2. G Loomis rod, probably gonna put a Pfleuger Supreme or Shimano Stradic on it, mostly for soft plastics, but also for jerkbaits.  For this, I'm thinking the Bronzeback rod.  

Any suggestions or feedback on the Bronzeback vs. GL3 rod are greatly appreciated  8-).  I don't think I'm gonna want to dish out the $450 for a GLX, but I'm looking for a 7 foot casting rod and a 6' 6'' spinning rod.  I'm looking for advice on exactly which model, power, and action.  I have the length down.  I'll be using 10-12 lb test flouro on the casting, and 6 lb test flouro on the spinning.

Thanks!

[Lucky Craft Man]

I love G Loomis posts.

I had a similar situation that you had for situation 1. I wanted a G Loomis rod just for jerkbaits and I had a Revo SC waiting for a mate. I looked at all the crankbait line-up and I found either the rod was too soft or stiff for my needs (especially when I would throw a Lucky Craft SP-128). I then looked at the mag bass rods and all of them had too fast of an action for me. Then I found the perfect rod I was looking for. It is the Bronzeback SMR814C-CB. This rod is perfect for jerkbaits and crankbaits. It has somewhat of a moderate action, but is still enough to effectively cast a little larger lure. It is also the perfect length (6'9" long), which enables you to achieve a little longer cast, but also it's also short enough to allow for control over your jerks and pauses.

As for your second situationI have two G Loomis spinning rods. The Bronzeback SMR882S-SP and the Drop Shot Rod DSR822S. The SMR882S-SP is a great rod (which I just received) and I plan on mainly using it for shaky heads and other light soft plastic techniques. It seems like it would be great for this application, but I am not sure how it would handle all soft plastics. The only downside to the SMR882S-SP is that it seems slightly tip heavy. Since the rod is so light to begin with, it doesn't seem to be much of an issue (I hope).

I don't know if you find this info useful, but this has been my experience in what seems like a similar search.

[roadwarrior]

Spinning: IMX SJR783S

Baitcasting: IMX PR844C

[Tokyo Tony]

Thanks guys, I appreciate the responses.  It seems the IMX is a little better than the Bronzeback (i.e. more expensive), but I wonder what the difference is, and if it's noticeable.  Lighter, more sensitive?  Or just a different feel?

[roadwarrior]

My fishing partner has two Bronzebacks (SMR811S-SP) that I have fished. My general impression is that the tips are too soft and the blanks are not as sensitive or responsive as IMX blanks. The components are top-notch, but the rods seem wimpy to me.

[ABC123]

I have the SJR783 and really like it. It's my general purpose rod. There are a lot of different things I can use it for if I need to. I use 8 and 10 pound test line on it. If you plan on using 6lb test, you may want to look at the 2 power rods. The 3 power might be a little much for the 6 lb test.

I only have a 1 power casting rod for panfish/crappies and a 5 power for large setups, so I don't have much to say for the casting rod. My CR, in the 1 power, I think would make a good all around rod if it was a higher power. I have really taken a shining to my MBR rod too. If it was a lighter power, it would probably make a good general purpose rod too.

[flechero]

Not to rock the boat (and I'm a Loomis fan) but I wouldn't buy Loomis for rod 1, the crankbait rod.  JMO.

Now that may leave you some options... if you buy a good cranking rod, it can be had for (a lot) less and then the choice becomes, IMX or GLX with the savings on rod 1.

Deciding between IMX & GLX is a good problem to have.  

[ThomasL]

I recently went through a similiar decision,i was looking at a falcon expert kistler magnesium and a loomis imx in a 6'6" med-hvy action,i went with the imx even over the glx because it will be used for small plastic worms,jigs and for hopkins spoons in the event i run over some stripers and need to knock them over the head.I had read where the model of kistler were having breakage problems and the falcon i was not familiar with.I did know and have two glx's and felt the imx was a little tougher for hard hooksets using worms.

[Lucky Craft Man]

The IMX are more sensitive then the Bronzeback rods, but for jerkbaits and crankbaits, you don't need sensitivity as much as you do action of rod.  That is why I like the bronzeback SMR814C-CB so much.  I think its action is perfect for jerkbaits and its length is also a plus.  As far as spinning rods, I have the two like I said, but they are very technique specific and wouldn't apply for what you want to use it for.

[roadwarrior]

I did know and have two glx's and felt the imx was a little tougher for hard hooksets using worms.

The IMX are not stronger, the graphite is thicker so they are "tougher" in terms of abusive handling and care.

[Tin]

My fishing partner has two Bronzebacks (SMR811S-SP) that I have fished. My general impression is that the tips are too soft and the blanks are not as sensitive or responsive as IMX blanks. The components are top-notch, but the rods seem wimpy to me.

That was my question to the Loomis guy at an FLW expo. The explanation he gave me was so that you could work typical smallie baits (that are usually LIGHT 1/8 or lighter) like a grub, tube, and shakey heads, without compremising feel and sensitivity. I would really recommend them if you are going to fish plastics like the 3 stated above, thats what I have used them for and was impressed.  

[Tokyo Tony]

Thanks a lot for all your replies guys, I really appreciate it and those posts definitely help A LOT.  I'll post an update and pics as soon as I get each one, but it probably won't be for a couple months.  I wouldn't be using them til spring anyway.  Went "fishing" Saturday, but it was more like masochism than fishing.  Cold, windy, and ice kept building up on the guides.  Not even G Loomis himself could have helped my situation    I did, however, get some fresh (and frosty) air that woke me right up