Loomis GLX or IMX for Jigging and Rigging

[Fishboy]

I have never owned a G Loomis Rod, but bye the way folks talk them up I guess I should have one. Which one is best for jigging and rigging? Is the GLX worth the extra money? What is your favorite length and action "power"? I have a couple series one Berkleys that I have enjoyed fishing with over the years and Berkley has always taken care of me when I've accidently broken them.

[mnjimcarp]

i have owned and do own several Loomis Rods. no question, they are nice rods. "over rated", nice rods. the GLX rods are much nicer than the IMX for any application. The IMX should be considered only when you have money burning a hole through your pocket. or, when you want to add another Loomis to your already well rounded collection of rods. the GLX is an excellent rod. for the anglers who are building a good inventory of rods, it is my suggestion to avoid the Loomis rods and purchase Fig Rigs, St. Croix or Bass Pro Shops rods.
keep in mind that rods are rated for specific pound test and bait size. be sure to purchase the correct rods for the type of fishing you will be doing. if you are not sure, ask specific questions depending on the waters which you will be fishing.
my two cents... spend it how you want!

[Capt. Doug Schreiber]

Fishboy,
Funny thing is that I used to use Series one before I switched to G. Loomis. Series ones are nice rods, my two favorites were the 7 foot split shot rod and the model 28 bass rod, caught a lot of fish on them. For rigging my favorite is the HSR 9000 and for lighter jigging the SJR 781. Now is the GLX that much better than the IMX? I don't own a GLX myself, but I have plenty of IMXs. I didn't think its was worth buying the GLX over the IMX untill one of my clients bought a GLX HSR 9000 and it was quite a bit more sensitive and lighter. My advise is to start slow with one or two IMX rods, they will not disappoint you. Doug

[Jeremy(WI)]

I have an IMX SJR 721 for jigging, just love it. When I broke the first one(my fault), I bought a custom made rod with a St Criox SC V blank(Legend Elite). I liked fishing it until I got my new IMX from Loomis, which cost me $48 on GLExpress plan, and if I would have known earlier that its the same price no matter what grade rod(GL2, GL3, IMX, GLX) I might have paid the $100 more for the GLX

[steve(IL)]

I have a Loomis GL3, Fenwick Techna AV, and many other rods from Bass Pro, St. Croix, Pinnacle, Shimano, South Bend and others.

I don't know your particular situation and don't mean to be presumptuous, but here are some things to consider before going ahead. 1)Rods and reels are really tools. Each rod designation has different properties/flex patterns and will excel at some things and be o.k. or bad at others. 2) For most people, time on the water is precious(like fading daylight after work or on a hot bite). If you have to re-rig your super duper rod every time you want to change techniques - you will be less likely to do so. Doing so wastes precious time too. You(like me) might be better served by buying 2-3 good quality combo's for what one super rod might cost. You can rig these combo's up with different techniques that will let you switch quickly. 3)Even with good guarantees, nobody likes to break a good rod. I get so anal when my good rods are in the boat that it cuts into my enjoyment. I get concerned every time I set it down or lean it against something. It's hard to relax around a $200 - $300 rod. 4)IMHO - my firsthand experience says that Loomis rods are only marginally more sensitive or lighter than the better middle of the road rods. They are not a magic pill that will double your catch. The right rod with the right flex and sensitivity will do more for you - regardless of price.

Here's an in-store comparison you can do to help decide.
1) gather 2-3 rods with similar designations that you would consider. 2) Preferably on a soft surface, flip them guide side up and press the tip against the floor compare/see the flex pattern. How much flex in the first, second and third portion of the rod. 3)Find a rippled surface like wood grain, soft side tackle boxes, etc. Hold the rod grip and place your index finger lightly on the blank. Barely brush the tip of the rod across the surface and feel the vibrations. Compare the super rods to some of the better middle of the road rods and you might be surprised/disappointed. I've seen some low end rods that fare pretty well in these comparisons.

Unless I find 'em deeply discounted, I doubt I'll buy any more Loomis rods. Learning how to compare rods and understanding what flex best serves an application will catch you way more fish.
IMHO - meant to be helpful :-).

[Fishboy]

Thanks for the info guys, by the way I usually jig with 1/16-1/4 oz jigs. And I have about 6 good rod reel set ups. I spend about twice as much on my rods as I do on my reels, although I did buy me a stradic last year and did like it alot. What lenghth do you all recomend in a loomis jigging rod or St Croix for that matter.
I am leaning to that 6' 2" length rod.
I have a friend that builds custom rods and he said he can get me into the best rod Loomis or Croix makes for around $150-180, it's amazing how they mark those things up isn't it!

[Pardner]

Here's something worth while . . .

Go to: angelfire.com/oh4/jrrods/index.html

This guy will make you the best rods you will ever own.
100% lifetime guarentee for any reason whatsoever . . . except some cases of stupidity.

Take care Pardner

[TIM]

It is amazing that most of the respondents failed to answer the questions, but rather give opinions on Loomis themselves. For jigging I use a 721 IMX and love it (which is 6 ft.). The GLX are certainly worth the money opinion, but since they are more sensitive they also "scar" and break easier. For those of you who bash Loomis, it is too bad you can't afford them. It is too bad that this type of activity is now commonplace on this website. It is not surprising that many of the top pros quit responding to posts.

[mnjimcarp]

fishboy,
glad we could help. hey Tim, try some deep breaths to relax.
it works. take care.

[Goldpig]

This is a little bit off the original question, but I wanted to point a few things out. Steve, if the only Loomis you own is a GL3 I would agree with you. It is only marginally more sensitive than other rods. This is specifically why I only buy IMX or better Loomis rods. After comparing them to other rods, there is no comparison. But, that being said, I would and can only afford to buy them when sensitivity is of the upmost importance (i.e. jigging, rigging, ect.) For situations like pulling cranks, bottom bouncing you will certainly get by with a less expensive rod.

[steve(IL)]

Hmmmmm...... This all comes down to opinions. I will not fall for your 'argument of intimidation' because I only own a GL3 Loomis.
I have compared GL3, IMX and GLX and trust what my own senses tell me. I have non-Loomis rods for well less than half what a IMX/GLX goes for where I can feel my fathead wiggling at the end of 30' of superline. How much more sensitivity could the Loomis possibly provide? How much more could I need? Please don't take it personally when I suggest that you can get near-Loomis sensitivity w/o Loomis prices. The other thing I think you missed is that I said having the right properties in a rod for a particular application (light, medium, heavy jigging or rigging,etc.) will catch you more fish than how much you spent on the rod. I was trying to be helpful and attacked nobody.

That said, you are certainly entitled to your opinion that Loomis rods could not possibly be equalled by something that costs less.

Which position makes more sense?

[Ron]

What non-Loomis rods do you own that you think are equal for substantially less? Just curious.

[steve(IL)]

Hey Tim,

:-) Easy buddy. The first statement of the post was something like "I've never owned Loomis, but the way every one talks them up - maybe I should". Hearing differing opinions can only help to make a better, more informed decision - no? I don't recall reading any bashing in any of the posts......

"Keep it cool on a hot day"

[Jesse-WI]

My buddies and I tried the tip on the item thing two years ago. With that test I could indeed not tell any difference. We ended up buying a 6' GLX, 6'6" GLX, and 6'6" St Croix all med jig rods with very fast action. Each person bought what they wanted that they could afford. Since then we have all tried each others rods on various fishing trips. You can fill the minnow movement on all three. Since that first day, we have only fished in one specific spot where the GLX rods out produced the St Croix on a regular basis and this was due to snagging the jig alot.

So I suppose for the most part, the St Croix was a better buy. During the week we were fishing that one spot, the GLX rods were the best tool for the job.

[Winnie T]

I own both the GLX and the IMX and they are both great rods. Is the GLX that much better, in my opinion no. I use them both interchangably, and most of the time if you asked me which one I was using, I'd have to look down at the rod to tell.

Do I think Loomis's are worth the extra money over other brands, in my opinion its a personal choice, and some people like one thing, others like another, thats why there's more than one brand.

T NPAA #105

[steve(IL)]

There are many good rods out there - some of my favorites include certain Pinnacle Tri-wings, Shimano Crucials, certain Bass Pro Signature Series, Bionic Blades & Pro qualifier , Quantum IM7 Energy's to name a few. I also got to fish with an ex-tourney fisherman who jigged the pants off everyone around us with matched Cabela's Tourney Trail IM7's. He swears by them. I don't own any myself.

Which rod I'll reach for depends on how I'm fishing. Typically the only time I take to Loomis or the Techna AV in the boat is in the spring when I'm likely the be vertically jigging with light to medium jigs.

[WAeyes]

I dont know what to believe about these rods. I have worn out the G-Loomis page of my new Cabelas tackle shop magazine. My wife told me to close my mouth because I was starting to get drool on the page. I have had several conversations with her while looking at this page and I have no idea what I kept agreeing with her about. Someone please help! I'm a sick, sick man.

[Gord]

In response to your question, I have been custom building rods for the last four years and with out a doubt, I can guarantee you the G-Loomis rods are the best on the market. Wether or not they are worth the extra price is definitely a personal choice, no matter what your taste or preference G-Loomis has a blank to suit you. In the four years that I have been building rods, every one of my customers has with out a doubt said that the Loomis rod is the best and most sensitive rod they own.
Just my two cents, Thanks
Gord

[Gord]

Maybe I should mention I am located in Medicine Hat, Alberta. I have a good selection of rods and blanks that can be viewed at any time. I can be reached at 403-528-9979 or Gord@lakesend.ab.ca.
Thanks

[Steve(IL)]

Know the story of "the Emperor's new clothes"? Everbody says.....

[Goldpig]

I think sometimes in this format we mis-interpret what each other is trying to say. My point was that I do own several Loomis's as well as other rods and, in my opinion, they do not compare when talking Imx or better. However, if I could only use GL3, then I would look to other manufacturers rods first. I think you also contradicted yourself in another post. You mentioned to someone else that the only time you take a Loomis in the boat is in the spring for vertical jigging with light jigs. I would imagine this is because of the increased sensitivity?

But, as you said an expensive rod isn't nearly as important as the right application. And ultimately it comes down to what you are comfortable with and can afford. If I thought that I was a good enough fisherman that I couldn't use any increased sensitivity I would no doubt not pay the money for a Loomis. Fact of the matter is, I am not that good.

[steve(IL)]

"If I thought that I was a good enough fisherman that I couldn't use any increased sensitivity I would no doubt not pay the money for a Loomis. Fact of the matter is, I am not that good."

If you're not that good a fisherman, then I wonder how you know it's the rod that's helping you? That is at the root of the matter I guess. I do not believe that GLX or IMX alone will catch you more fish. Doing the right things with the right equipment will. I fish the heavily pressured waters of NE Illinois and unfortunatly sometimes ending up fishing in close proximity to other boats. Who catches the most fish has everything to do with how & what they're doing - and not whether they are using GL2, GL3, IMX or GLX.

I'm not saying don't buy Loomis - I'm just saying that if you don't have a GLX or IMX, it's not the magic bullet that's keeping you from catching fish.

Also, I don't think I contradicted myself at all regarding when I have the Loomis or Fenwick Techna AV(fine rod) in the boat. If I'm going to be pulling three ways, bouncers, rigging or trolling, then there is no reason to have those jigging rods in the boat.

You also mentioned something about "what someone can afford".
I don't drink(often), smoke(ya' mon) or gamble. Fishing is my number one vice. My wife & I both have great jobs, we pay off credit cards every month and the only debt we have is a small mortgage. I can buy anything my conscience will allow. Affordabilty is the last thing that prevents me from owning more rods by Loomis. Common sense and reason - and catching a boat load of fish without them - does.

[Goldpig]

Once again, I am not personally attacking you. But, do you believe you are such a good fisherman that you can't use a little more advantage. I agree that buying an expensive rod alone will not help you catch more fish. Certainly, the right presentation, speed, color, ect. are more critical. Assuming that all of these are right in a very "light" bite, would you not agree that a more sensitive rod would be more advantageous. Again, it is not a "magic bullet" but another tool. A good analogy would be comparing a Pinpoint 7520 to a Lowrance X85. They are both great tools, but if I had a choice, I would certainly go with the Pinpoint because of the added detail and definition.

I also made no presumption as to whether or not you could afford Loomis, rather it was a generalization that I think everyone agrees on "buy a rod that you are comfortable with and can afford."

But what confuses me is that if you don't own an IMX or GLX Loomis, how can you offer your opinion. I don't offer my opinion on a $40,000 Ranger, because I don't own one. And certainly sitting in one at a store doesn't give me that privelege. Of course, I could reply on this board that no one needs to buy one because the right presentation, color, and speed will catch fish, not a fancy boat.

[waz]

I own 6 glx rods and about that many IMX's. They are both excellent rods. I believe the glx's are a bit more sensitive. They are also very fragile. I have broken sveral in the past couple of years some my fault some not. My rod builder Ron at M and R rods cringes every time I come over. The warranty on these rods is exceptional. approximately $60.00 parts and labor to replace a $300.00 plus custom rod. If I had to replace them totally out of pocket I would probably stick with the IMX's. Now the kicker, when I am out jigging I always reach for my glx first. You know why? I am more CONFIDENT with that rod in my had than any other. That's what is most important for me confidence, in my spot, rod, reel line, and bait. If it feels good use it.

[steve(IL)]

I used a GLX for a few days side by side with my other rods. It did not suddenly catch me more fish over what I was using. Did I like it? You bet. Did I keep it? No.

[Hoss]

Okay guys,

Lets apply this. What G-loomis rod for this application. Spring time walleye run up the Detroit. 25 to 40 ft. of water with current. Mostly 1/2 oz. to 3/4oz. jigs and shiners. Can you give me the model, length, series (IMX,GLX), line type you would go with?

I have had some great luck there - but thinking I could use a new stick and its time to get ramped up.

Hoss

[Goldpig]

But was it more sensitive, yes. Two or three times as sensitive, no. Is it worth it, that's where our opinions differ. If a Loomis catches me one fish or a thousand fish more a season then it is worth it. Who knows, that one fish could be a wall hanger.:) And, to tournament anglers, which I am not, it could mean the difference between proverbial immortality and second place.

[steve(IL)]

:-) I agree :-)

[Gord]

Hoss,
I am not the greatest fisherman that ever lived, but in my humble opinion, I would suggest going with a 6.5 - 7' rod which would be the SJ783 or the SJ843 GLX. Some may diagree on the length, but when fishing that deep with current you are going to have some arc in the line, and a little extra length will give a longer, sweeping hookset. Both these rods will have more than enough power to give you a positive hookset, and a fast enough tip to be able to work your jig the way you want.
Thanks,
Gord

[Hoss]

You know,
I didn't think of that. Your probably right. I usually like a 6 footer. Thinking more sensitve.

Note to self...ponder longer stick. (hehe)

[Goldpig]

If you go with the GLX though I would recommend a 782. The GLX's are stiffer, kind of like a 782.5 IMX.

[RMB]

Finally someone got to the root of the question! Why do certain rods work better in certain situations than others? In general, there definately is a certain "class" or "type" of rod that will serve as a better tool in a given situation. However, the individual handling it and the type and # test line used way in as huge factors in the outcome of satisfaction with it. Jigging seems to be probably the hardest situation for most folks to figure out. For instance, too stiff a rod used with a no stretch super line for jigging in fairly calm conditions does not fish the same as the same rod with a limp line such as Trilene XL in the same situation. Throw in the fact that the person using it might typically have a little slower response time when getting bit than the next guy and suddenly it's the wrong set up for the situation. Take the same rod for vertically jigging in river current where you might have some bow in your line and that set up might be perfect. Problem is, a lot of folks just don't want to change for the situation and end up dissatisfied with the results. I've got a good buddy and fishing partner who although reads walleye insider, infish, and has twice as many top quality rods as I do, still doesn't get it. We can fish side by side with the same rod and different lines when the fish are littorally jumping in the boat although I'm outfishing him 3-1 he refuses to switch tactics saying he is "used" to his current setup and wouldn't do as well if he changed. Thing is, he isn't even willing to try. His loss I guess. My point is this. Adapt to the situation you are facing. Buy line in bulk and it is cheap. Funny how some people can toss away (10) 5-6 dollar Rapalas in a day, but won't change line when needed, or rig there rods for different situations. I'll step down from the podium now after one last comment. Rigged properly, I can catch just about as many fish with my 80-120 dollar rods as I can with my 250-300 rods.......when they're biting. When the bite gets tough, there is no doubt in my mind that the better high end rods are worth their weight in gold. OK, OK, a second mortgage might have to happen soon to support my habit, but that's another story......