Hey Guys,

I found a barely used IMX 853S PRO for $200 (retail is $325). The only thing that concerns me is the lure rating. For a MH XF rods the max lure rating is 7/16? Anyone have one of these models. Even if you don't have this rod curious what you think of the lure rating. Will be using the rod for light jigs and weightless senkos/fluke.

 

1/8 - 7/16

Med-Heavy

Ex-Fast

In general I find Loomis rods to be lighter in power than other manufacturers.  This is a spinning rod so it would be even softer.  If this was my rod I would use it for weightless plastics and small jigs.  I wouldn't do 1/4 oz or above, 3/16 maybe would be the highest I'd go jig weight wise because with trailer it might get a little too heavy.  Senkos would be fine and flukes weightless.

Spinning rods are different from casting rods, different blanks. We repeat the following statement no standards exists for rating rods. The lure weights are recommendations from the rod maker in an effort to sell the product.  $200 rod should have a guaranteed return and warranty, lots of excellent rods available at that price point.

Try to find the same rod on the shelf, touch and feel it, put a reel on it to determine if it's right for you before buying it.

Tom

I would stay under a 1/2oz in total weight. My experience is that rod ratings are all over the place.

Is it the fraction that catches your eye? ? It's just 1/16 oz shy of 1/2 oz. 

 

Last I recall, a 5" senko weighs about 3/8 oz which is equivalent to 6/16 oz.

 

Therefore, one of the main baits you were planning to use falls within the rods lure weight range, albeit 1/16 oz shy of the max less the hook

 

Not always, but when I use a lure heavier than a rods weight rating, the rod can still cast it and work it, but it feels like the rod is "overworking" figuratively speaking by bending/flexing more than you feel it should. This is felt in both the cast and working the lure. 

 

The reverse, going light, the rod seems "underworked" ie, the rod barely bends on the cast so a efficiently made cast is harder to achieve. The rod also feels "stiff" during the retrieve, not flexing to little bend.  

 

The reason I say not always is because some rods can handle lure weights outside what is listed on the rod.