Hulkster

I have ordered a few G. Loomis rods from them shipped up here to Canada over the years and had no issues. They packed them very safely in a secure rod tube with the rod taped inside to prevent movement.

I try to get rods that have at least Fuji Alconite guides on them. They are durable and cast smooth.

I use the rod glove ones. Not really a sock per se, but it protects them pretty well.

That would be a great rod to throw Mepps spinners too. I use the Mepps Black Fury in various sizes all the time as well as the Gold and Orange Aglia. They slay fish. That rod would be great for using the #4 or 5 size on spinning gear

G. Loomis.

hearsay that is documented with video proof all over youtube: this isn't internet BS this is real (reel?) life.

St. Croix has fallen drastically since the pandemic. Quality control in the toilet, expensive rods now with cheap guides (avid walleye and panfish) etc. its a shame.

I've always used shimano 1000 size reels with 4 pound Sufix Siege mono or elite for my UL setups. The problem with the 500 or 750 sizes as noted above is that they usually lack key features of the models that the 1000 size and up has.

Can you put the reel on the rod and show us the full frontal?

Maybe not as 'high end' as some the others but they are high end to me (over $500 up here Canada) lol I have two Imx Pro rods that I absolutely love. The MBR 9903C and SJR 901S both 7'6 rods that are light, sensitive, durable and cast like a dream.

Hi so I actually ended up selling the SJR700 and replacing it with an IMX Pro SJR 901S lol 7'6 light power. its an amazing rod

I know its not 'low stretch' but Sufix Siege is the best mono I have ever used. Its limp enough to cast great on spinning gear yet tough and strong too. Its the only tough line I've ever used that works very well on spinning gear as well as standard baitcasting gear.

wow 2013 was back when St. Croix made good rods that didn't fall apart or break lol

They put a top down spinning reel seat lock nut ugh.

you must have got some B factory blemish rods lol I have two imx pro rods and they are light, perfectly balanced, sensitive and perfectly put together: look for yourself: you will love the Loomis IMX Pro rods. I'm old school too. simple fuji reel seats and good cork handles are fine with me.

Dressed Red and Black Mepps Black Fury #5 is my lucky lure, I caught my first muskie from shore using it 2 years ago after a few years of trying. Cast da Mepps!!

no but I have used a few Imx pro and JWR E6X (second generation) and they were excellent

Loomis over St. Croix any day of the week with what's been happening to St. Croix in the last few years.

you don't like the dark grey and gold? I think its better than the cosmetics of the blue one that it replaces.

Agreed. and there is way way way too many of this popping up all over to simply believe it's user error or a rare occurrence. The guide downgrade on the avid walleye rods is downright appalling.

On The Reel Test: His channel is ok but if you notice he absolutely SUCKS with a baitcaster. He is always backlashing and pulling out loose loops/luffing. His reel are always way overfilled with braid and I commented he would have a lot less issues casting if he didn't overfill them. People agreed and his only comment was: "my reels are filled to the perfect amount" yeah ok buddy lol

oh yes any rod that has blue accents or a blue blank is perfect for that reel!

I'm glad they updated the cosmetics on the new Ultegra, the blue color of the previous model looked good on its own but not that great paired with most rods (sorry I need my rods and reels to look decent together lol) the new one appears to be grey and gold and looks sharp

my nasci, stradic FK, Tranx 400A and Curado I are all made in Malaysia and they are great. so I'm not sure why it would make a difference if a reel is made in Japan. The Shimano factory there puts out great stuff.