Parker,

Have you messed with Rainshadow blanks? They are near IMX in all categories and tend to be a little hardier in the non-explosion dept. They are also steps up from All-star rods and about a $100.00 cheaper than IMX.

I've been a G Loomis guy for about 15 years and agree they are NOT the rods they were 10 years ago for the same reasons you mention above. I still fish them though........for now. I have a couple friends who are lewis river regulars that have switched over to the 1141 rainshadows from IMX and swear they won't go back(to the IMX) because of money saved and little, if any, loss of performance. I've felt the rods they use and have to admit they are pretty sweet.

Just curious if you and your crew have sampled them.