G Loomis IMX vs. St Croix Legend Tournament

[WalleyeGuy17]

I just bought a G Loomis IMX SJR721 and a St Croix Legend Tournament 6'3'' medium xfast. Which of the 2 rods do you think is better? I really haven't spent much time with the St Croix yet but I just wanted to know what you guys think of these 2 rods.

Thanks,
Mike

[Mattman]

Only you can say which of the two rods will suit you best. Two very different rods there. Not at all comparable models. 1/16 - 5/16 ounce ratings for a 1-power Loomis and 3/16 - 5/8 ounces for an M St. Croix. Totally different animals.

Personally, I think the Legend Tournament is a better rod. From the quality of the rod blanks I've seen coming out of the Loomis plant the last few years, I can't rate them above any decent US rod manufacturer. And I'd rank them behind most good manufacturers. Loomis is living off the name they created in the 80's these days.

I think the Legend Tournament is one of the top 5 series of graphites available. Right behind the Legend Elite and Shikari's SHX. Add to that the IPC tooling and you've just increased the durability and performance of a very good graphite.

I'd have to give the durability edge here to St. Croix. The sensitivity edge to Loomis. The quality edge to St. Croix.

I think the LT is the better rod. Whether or not its better for you is for you to decide.




Matt Davis

Better to have and not need than to need and not have!

[WalleyeGuy17]

The Legend Tournament is actually rated for 1/8-1/2 because it is a 6'3''mxf. I will be using these rods to pitch 1/8oz. jigs. Which of the 2 do you think is better for pitching these jigs? You guys know which rods will perform better than others for certain things and that's why i'm asking.

Thanks,
Mike

[Schmuel]

I have both the IMX 721 and and older 6'3" MXF and use neither. I use a Rogue SJ663 for pitching a 1/8th oz and a Rogue SP663 for 1/16th oz. Both of the rods you mentioned will work fine. It's just that I have spent quite a few hours with all of them and find the Rogues tell me the most about what's going on at the business end.

[Unlogged T-Mac]

Both are very good rods.
It is a "personal preference" situation, as to which is better.

[REW]

Schmeul,
It is interesting that you mention the Rogue rods.

I have to agree with you.
As a matter of fact; last week I consistently kept all three of the afore mentioned rods in the boat. For doing deeper jigging, I preferred the IMX 721. Also, for pitching some of the heavier jigs, I preferred the St. Croix.

But, when I was pitching light jigs for a super slow tenative bite - I preferred the Rogue rod. With even the slightest bites, it felt like an explosion in my hand, when they nuzzled the jig.

All three are excellent rods, and I use them all for different purposes.

Take care
REW

p.s.
I do agree with Matt, in stating that the new St. Croix Legend is really a very excellent rod. I have built several for customers this spring and have received nothing but excellent reports.

[Mattman]

Interesting comments on the Rogue's.

I have a Shikari SHX with titanium framed SiC guides, 6'6", rated for 1/16 - 5/16 ounces. I also have a Rogue that has the same power rating and is built identically with TiSiC's and split rear grip, no fore grip. The only difference is the length. The Rogue is a 7 footer.

In side by side comparisons, fished with the same bait and the same line, the Rogue is a slug compared to the SHX. Not even in the same ballpark performance wise. Not that it's not a nice rod, just nothing I would take over a Legend Elite or SHX.

I consider Rogues excellent competition for Avids, GL3's, SHIII's and the like. Not IMX, SHX or LE.




Matt Davis

Better to have and not need than to need and not have!