I almost always choose (HM), having said that the 1002 (HM) compared to the (IM) is a fairly large difference. The 1002 (HM) weighs 1.75 oz and the (IM) version weighs 2.2 oz. I think the longer the rod you are using the more important it is to use (HM) graphite for balancing purposes. I really like my 961 (IM) and think it was very similar to my 962 (HM), both awesome rods. If you can get your hands on a 1002 (HM) don't wait DO IT! It is my favorite steelhead blank.

On breaking rods, we fish pretty much all (HM) rod blanks including Chinook rods and have not had one break. We have also built up tons of (HM) sticks over the last three years and have only had ONE returned from breakage.

Who are Wayne and Dianna you are talking about? Normally when you call NFC you will get Jon or Steve or even Gary Loomis.