Here's the deal... I'm selling my Loomis str 1143c GL3. I orginially had a 1082c GL3, sold it, and bought the 1143. Well, I've decided after purchasing another model that handles what I orginially bought the 1143 for better, I no longer need it. Now I've decided I want the 1082c again, this time in IMX. I currently have the 1082 IMX spinning (used mainly for free drifting during higher flows; 1141s during lower flows), and felt I would rather have the IMX this time around in the casting model instead of the GL3. But....

Last fall a friend of mine built me a Rainshadow 1141 (43 million modulus). While I personally think IMX is still slightly better, the Rainshadow's are excellent blanks (better than GL3, IMO), especially for the price and customer service. So, instead of getting the Loomis 1082c IMX, I'd have another Rainshadow built.

Well, turns out Rainshadow doesn't build a 1082. 1024, 1084, but no 1082. Really bizzare if you ask me, considering it's popularity as a great summer-run rod. My buddy who built me the 1141, said when he worked at Loomis (long time ago) the 1082 was nothing but a 9 foot, 9 wt. fly rod wrapped into either a casting/spinning rod. So...

He gave me the idea to build the 9 wt fly blank, into a casting rod. But instead of the 43 million modulus, the new 51 mill. modulus which rainshadow only offers in fly rods, and bass rods (no steel/salmon blanks yet).

Those of you currently building Rainshadow customs (TH???), what's your take on this scenario? I always thought the tips on fly blanks are heavier than blanks that are truly designed for steelhead rods??? I've been told that Loomis long ago used to take the 10 wt fly blanks, split em up and make fly rods with one half, and 1141's with the other. Then they eventually designed a true 1141 mandrel that produced a slightly better rod when compared to using the 10 wt.

If it'll fly, I'd like to really try one of these new high modulus Rainshadow's wrapped into a true steelhead rod. But, if it's going to be quite a difference, I'd rather stick to the IMX. Before I sell my 1143, any help would be greatly appreciated!!!

Thanks,

James