I bought a Shimano Convergance 8 1/2 ft med. a couple of years ago. I liked it so much I sold my GL3 and bought another and a Curado reel! They are IM6. Alot of Canadians use them up on the Fraser. I had no problems landing a 33lb, 38lb and a 43lb spring with it.

Diawa just came out with an IM7! I saw them at Walmart. Nice rods. $59.00. I'm gonna try one.

The Lamis and Loomis are nice rods, but they are over priced and some of the overseas rods are taking a bite out of their market!