Did I hear correctly that the IM7 Buzz R. rods will/are no more and that now it is an IM8 rod? If so, has anyone handled the new IM8 version and does it handle or feel any different than the IM7 version? Mainly interested in the A92-8-6M model. Thanks for any help..RJ in Montana

i played with a couple at sportco a while back...didn't feel or look any different than the IM7 rods, really.

Looked them over not real impressed especially for the price.

What kind of price difference will there be between the different year models? I looked at a A92-8-6M at sportsman warehouse last night for $74.99. I believe it was stamped IM-7 so must be a left over. Is the IM-8 version priced the same or are did they bump them up?
Is this normal pricing for the IM-7 version($74.99)? Haven't looked around too much so am not sure if this is normal $$. Thanks for all the help..

RJ in Montana

the IM7s were typically around 70-80 bucks(i think more like 90 for the 10'6 noodle rod). right now, they're on closeout most places so they can be found as low as 40.

the IM8 are in the $100 range...my suggestion, if you want to pay that much for a rod with those cheap steel guides, buy a fenwick.

i've seen them on sale at joes for under $40 and for that price, i've put plenty of them in my garage...although not one of my go-to rods, they have accounted for hundreds of salmon and steelhead and have yet to be let down..i did have one break on me when i lifted to get my lead bouncing again- it must have gotten damaged prior to that because a nice bluegill would have been enough to finish it off..as for the guides, those one pieces have been great for me- don't have to worry about the inside popping out... they're great rods for the price and i don't have to be anally paranoid about lending one to visiting friends and family who don't have or forgot to bring a rod

Most guys here (myself included) will tell you that he IM7's are great rods for the money. In terms of the price, they are on closeout many places now, so $79 seems steep for an IM7. See if they will price match.

If any of you guys know of some on closeout at retailers that ship or do internet sales, I would appreciate a heads up. I would like to pick up a pair of A92-8-6M rods ASAP. Any and all help is appreciated. I did a google search looking for ad's but didn't turn up any screamin' deals. Most ran from $70-$80. Thanks for all the help..

RJ in Montana

RDJ,

In addition to being on closeout pricing most places, Berkeley is offering a $20 rebate (limit two per person) on each IM 7 rod. I bought two a week ago Saturday at a local sport shop at $39.95, but the selection was down to the last few rods. They don't do mail order as far as I know. I don't salmon fish that much, but couldn't pass up on such a good deal. Hope you can locate the one you're after.

Sg

thanks for the heads up on the rebate salmo g .. i bought one in october and didnt here anything about it.. so i emaild berkley and they sent me a rebate form.. guess it was only a certin area of the west coast they said..

the guides are the big draw back to those rods. and they need to lighten up on the front cork way to big imo.

laking a rod in im8 graphite over im7 is not that much of an improvement when you leave the rest of the rod the same...that 90% of people hated in the first place. then make them $20 more. nice work berkley.