Never fished the Homewater series but LOVE every Loomis from the new Steelhead series I have fished/held. Which model are you looking at? I actually sold an IMX to get a comparable model from the new Steelhead series and have absolutely no regrets.

your typical titanium framed guides have much thicker frames than the alconites. i don't believe anyone makes a titanium frame with anything as light as a steel "concept" frame.

Go custom.... Xmg50 all the way, alps guides, shaefer handle kit
I have 3 customs in the line up 2 more on the way...
Also 2 factory xmg50's

PS those homewater blanks feel just like a chopped version of the xmg50

Bantam

I fished the a Homewater 9'6" side drifting rod a few weeks ago. I like the look. It lacked feel, tip, response, and overall balance. It cast like a GL2 or G1000. The reel seat looks cool but I found the locking nut to be uncomfortable and rough on my hands without nitrex gloves. Comparing them to a STR1162 is unfair it's not in the same class for feel, taper, and power/weight ratio. That being said I like it better than the vaunted XMG which I consider over guided, parabolic only in action, and fragile.

I'd go with the Fetha Loomis homewater steelhead series XMGAY.

Definite possible maybe.





I'm sure of that, I think.

If you look at the arc in the rods under load you will notice a couple flat spots in the Fethastyx vrs. loomis ,just saying!!! PEACE

I dont have any experience with fetha styx but they seem to be sort of a fad right now. Ive always been happy with my Lami's and Loomis'. My favorite rod is the IMX1143 hands down. Super light, but with enough back bone to handle a few decent sized kings caught at the mouth of the river in Jgrizzles avatar pic.

That IMX is a serious performer, can't believe those dumb asses would drop that rod from the lineup.

Some of those blanks are manufactured in the USA...some in China...if that's important to you, as it is to me, then make that part of your consideration...

Fish on...

Todd

I would say avoid all Loomis composite rods (steelhead series, float series, etc). Stick with the classics. If you're considering Fetha Styx I would say avoid them all together and go with X-Rodz. Just my .02 based off experience. But if I HAD to choose between the two I would go with Loomis.

Swinger,
There's always going to be a superior rod to the next one out there, its all about personal preference... Every rod company is going to have characteristics that may or may not suit your style/technique. If you like a faster taper/light tip rod go with the feathastyx(NF Composites) or The Lamiglas XMG50.... OR if you prefer the moderate action ghetto GLoomis(Shimano) "cheap components" or Rainshadow, which the distributor is local and has a wide selection of blanks to choose from. Also if you have a rod built by an experienced builder, he can slightly change the characteristics of the rod by the number of guides and placement...

IMO if you want a factory rod with great components and that is mass produced, go with St. Croix... or the Homewater which is local, and to top it! St. charged me $10 to replace my upper section of a 9'6" Avid!

OR........you can go custom! with a rod/blank of choice!
this is my newest rod to add to the arsenal!

XMG50 10' 8-15 CUSTOM

Quality reel seat (Super Sticker)

ALPS guides

What is the rod going to be used for and what model(s) specifically?