I've fished alot of Loomises and a few Lamis and by far the greatest steelhead rod ever built was the 1025 IMX. Some may prefer the lighter tip of the 1084 for casting lighter leads in the summer but the 1025 handles more lead and bigger fish better and if Loomis ever decides to stop producing the 1025 IMX, I can guarentee you I'll buy 4 or 5.

I've fished the 1025 GL3 and it is an excellent rod as well. I believe it is a better all around rod if you are planning on fishing kings and chums or using it off a downrigger as it is more durable but not as sensitive.

There is nothing as sensitive as an IMX on the market. And no one can argue with that!!

Now if only Loomis would make a 1143 as an IMX and I would be all set!!

On a side not, I fish a 1141C (not S, I hate spinning reels) that I absolutely love!! Its the GL3 and for summer use and small stream winter steelheading such as streams with lots of slackish holding water where just a hangnails worth of lead is needed, it is awesome. I've been surprised at how quickly I can land a fish with it but I also love how it can toss the smallest, tiniest amount of lead a mile with a levelwind and how well it defines the bottom when using such small amounts of lead.

And a note on the Sage's, I've never fished 'em but I have done the ceiling test with the Graphite III's that are custom built and they are as sensitive as a GL3.

My convaluted two cents!!

[ 12-25-2001: Message edited by: RPetzold ]