I received a TH Rainshadow XST1025F in the mail today. Nice grey slate looking blank wrapped in a dark purple wrap with gold inlay (Husky Rod!!!). TH put on an exposed reel seat and put on the gold SciTic guides.

Sweet rod.

More to the point, I'm pretty good at comparing rods side by side. Side by side comparison between the Rainshadow and the Loomis were strikingly similar.

At least by initial feel, wobble, wiggle, weight, etc, the XST1025 is DAMN NEAR IDENTICAL to the Loomis IMX 1025. The IMX might have a bit more wobble to it, but if it does, it's so minute that I could just be imaging it.

Hopefully, I'll get to put the two to the real "on the river" test by mid Feb. I'm almost positive I'll like the XST just as much as the IMX.

If that's the case, I'll give the XST a BIG THUMBS UP on the Parker Scale.

PS. There is no comparison of the craftsmanship between the two rods. On a scale of 1-10. The IMX is a good solid 6.4. The TH rod is at a 9.9, if not a 10. (Can't really be perfect).

I'd love to see how the XST 1141s, 1084, and a 1082s compare to the equivalent IMX's. I'm guessing they results will be the same.

If you call can't buy Loomis rods at cost, I'd SERIOUSLY and HIGHLY recommend a TH rod. You'll pay less and get WAY MORE in a rod.

JMO, as it really means nothing.