Looked at some rods today, the IMX is a sweet rod, but will the RX-7 rainshadow (custom) be just as good of one @ 1/2 the $$......? I like the forward seating on the reel seat, that back-door seat leaves me cold, what about you?? I'll be using it with my Shimano Stradic 2000 or Okuma Epic 30 on it all the time as a float rod, for pretty much everything...King/Silver/Chum salmon-steelhead. And also as a side drifting set-up out of a sled or DB for big late steel......C/22

i have a few Rainshadows and they are good rods, I'd say between a GL2 and GL3 but not even close to a IMX in the sensitivity range. If you want to feel EVERYTHING get the IMX but be aware of the fragile nature of this quality of graphite. They will not take any abuse.

what W.Coyote said.

IMX

For a float rod I would go with the Rainshadow. You do not need the sensitivity of the IMX and the fragileness of graphite use in the construction of the IMX is very unforgiving. The RX-7 has plenty of feel and is a very high quality blank, I don’t think you would be wrong with either one but for the money and this particular use, I would choose the RX-7.

Well, I've had my share of blown-up Imx's, as I guess I'm not too gentle with my gear. But then I have a 1025c Imx thats been good to me thru thick & thin so I don't know what to think???? That Rainshadow might be the rod for me, I mean how much do you really need out of a float/side drifting rod, the takes are pretty clear to see........

Rainshadow All the way!! There Great rods!!!

I wouldn't buy a loomis if they discounted their entire inventory of rods by 75%. They aren't superior in any way to a lamiglas. Gomers who think they feel so much better and they of are superior graphite construction are the same dip****s that send them in every year for replacement. Don't get me started on rainshadow. I buy rainshadow seconds and get much more per-dollar than any friggin loomis.

Keep this in mind too. We outfitted our kenai guide boat with loomis for one year. Well, you all probably know what happened and now we use exclusively lamiglas and haven't broke a rod in 10 years.

My buddy just showed me his 400$ imx with a fracture 6 inches down the side. He takes "exceptional" care of his rods in transport and in action. That's about 6 loomis rods I've seen my buddies break in the last 2 years.

Stop wasting money on loomis, it's all smoke and mirrors.

I think I'd buy two Rainshadow's!

Well as far as drift fishing goes, go with the IMX. I think they are the lightes most sensitive rods there are. But if you don't need the feel, go with the something else. My dad and I both have G-Loomis's for drift fishing and boondocking, but I wouldn't spend the money on an IMX or GLX if your not drift fishing. The lamiglass's are beautiful rods, but in my opinion for drift fishing they don't have the feel of a high end loomis. My dad has 4 lami's for steelhead and we leave them home when drift fishing. I have never used the Rain Shadow, but my next steelhead rod will be a IMX 1082 or 1084.

For bobber fishing I wouldn't spend the money on a Loomis IMX. I don't think you need the sensitivity., you need length.

For drift fishing I have a 1084 IMX. It sure is sensitive! If you going to drift fish and you have the money, go for it.

I think TH has some good deals on some rods going on right now.

Good luck.

For a Bobber Rod I would go with the Rainshadow. I am very pleased with all of the Rainshadows I have built for myself and have only heard great things from customers I have sold them too.

CP

For bobber fishing I wouldn't spend the money on a Loomis IMX. I don't think you need the sensitivity., you need length.
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I agree! When float fishing with a bobber it is the sensitivity of the bobber that registers the strike. You don't feel the fish until the hook is set. Length is needed in order to keep the line from dragging and pulling bobber causing an un-natural presentation of lure or Jig. I use Jig's 99.99% of the time with a bait caster setup.

I enjoy my 1143c @ 9 1/2' because it's just long enough for the size of the systems I fish. Got plenty of back bone to handle sizable fish once they are hooked. I landed a 14 LB buck steelhead yesterday that was on steroids with no problems what so ever.

The constant casting and retrieving should be considered when choosing a float rod. Extra length, adds extra weight and discomfort. It's noticeable after a while when fishing under tough conditions. If you fish large systems, as the Hoh and some of the others, a longer rod (11-13') is definitly the ticket. Longer rods means longer casts and better line management for float fishing larger streams. The only sacrifice is the weight and comfort. Remember, the guy with the hook in the water catches the fish. Ease of repetition usually catches the most.

my .02

Over the past 35 years I've fished nearly every rod mfg's product. For all round use I've found Lami to have the best combination of feel and durability. I do like my GL-2 1265's but am not impressed at all with the IMX line. After playing the buy it-break it-send it in-get it back ritual several times I've decided that the IMX has the best feel for drift fishing, but willonly ever use them for light line summer run fishing on smaller rivers. I've rolled a few Rainshadows and find them to be very fishable and durable. I like custom rods because they are built the way you want them done.

You might be interested in looking at this article.

I found it interesting.

http://www.flwoutdoors.com/article.cfm?id=141123




Herm

Herm, that was an interesting piece. Thanks C/22