I'm looking to upgrade this rod. I would like to stay in the weight range of 1/4 to 3/4. Basically I feel like I could get a better rod for the $$$ from another company. I would like like to stay in the same price range with $250 being my max. I fish from shore so don't want anything longer than 7'3" as that would cause some issues casting. What would you guys recommend?

Which series do you currently have, GL2 or 3, E6, IMX, GLX or NRX?

I know you mentioned you don't want anything longer than 7'3, but I have the E6X MBR 903c and love it for shore casting, as the 7'6 length gives you excellent long distance casting.

 

the Loomis IMX Pro MBR rods have just been released at ICAST and they include a 7 foot MBR and a 7'6 MBR. The IMX pro line is awesome and sensitive. Hard to imagine a better all around do it all rod than an IMX Pro MBR 903c in my opinion. I can't wait to get one. 

3 hours ago, Spy said:

Which series do you currently have, GL2 or 3, E6, IMX, GLX or NRX?

E6x sorry should have mentioned that.

then i would check out the new IMX Pro MBR series. it will be the same in taper to your E6X but should be much crisper and more sensitive. exactly what you are looking for. 

I feel you on the shore casting length, ponds with open banks are one thing but a little cover or even brush growing at the waterline really limits casting angles. On the up side a kayak is a natural progression from the bank and the same length works perfectly from them so I would consider this as a sound long term investment.

 

That being said it comes down to getting the most bang for your buck with the action as both shore and yak effectively limit the amount of gear you can have at your disposal. Technic specific rods are great but sometimes limit versatility. If I could only pick one action it would be an MBR action simply because it works for everything, every time and everywhere. Plastics and jigs, cranks, spinners, topwater, all without feeling any real compromise in terms of effectiveness.

 

Granted, there's a jump between different models in terms sensitivity but that's true across all manufacturers lineups but that action remains consistent and for me that's everything. If it were me I'd hold out for a sale or wait for Black Friday and jump up to and IMX Pro, a rod considered to be as sensitive as the previous generation of GLX and nobody can argue the touch on those. At 25% off on sale it's in your range and then you have two rods that offer the same feel which really is a comfort and lends a lot of confidence in presentations, an intangible that keeps lines tighter than any new lure can do.

 

I would say the 7' MH St. Croix Avid would be a nice rod.  I fish this for just about any technique.   One of guys I fish with has been using the E6X rod for years and loves them but I really don't care for them myself and I really like Loomis rods.  The Avid is sort of a lateral move when it comes to sensitivity but in hand it just feels like a better quality rod.  

 

If you want to stay with Loomis I would go for the IMX but it would be a few bucks over your budget.   Great rod though. 

Looks like I will just save extra money and pick up the IMX.