Here is my take on it...and take it seriously as I've played around with alot of Rainshadows and fished with alot of Loomises.

Rainshadows ARE NOT a Loomis.

Respsonsiveness, sensitivity, weight are all in favor of GL3's and IMX's. Does that mean Rainshadow is a bad rod??...no, they are a great rod, for the MONEY.

Will you get a better built rod with a custom rod? Yes.

If you can not afford or do not want to spend the money for a GL3 or IMX, buy a Rainshadow. If you don't mind spending the money (like myself and many others), buy a Loomis.