I've been lookin hard for a lighter weight jerkbait rod and Lew's KVD seems to be it. I've read that while IM8 blanks are lighter, they're more prone to breaking. I'll be going for the MH 6'8". I do have a tendency to beat the hell out of my rods though, ripping out snags and constantly smacking it into stuff since I'm a bank fisherman. Will also be spooling it with 30lb braid which is a little stronger than what line the rod is rated for. I'm I gunna break this thing within days? I also catch a good amount of pike and they'll occasionally get pretty violent out of the water and mess up a rod before I can get em unhooked.

Well, the blank is only a fraction of the equation.  The epoxy makes a huge difference as well.  I don't know anything about the new Lew's KVD rods.

 

Typically, lighter and more sensitive rods are more prone to breakage.  However, most anglers don't experience a broken rod through normal use.  Usually, if a rod breaks, it's because you did something to it.  And if it breaks during normal use, it's usually because of prior damage.  The only time I've had a rod break was due to a manufacturers defect.  It snapped in half on a cast on the second time out.  I got an identical replacement, and that one has lasted me, going on three years now.  

 

So, if you're worried about breaking your rod, it might be a good idea to change up how you treat it.  Just don't try to rip out snags using the rod alone.  If it won't come loose and you're gonna try to bend the hooks to free it, point the rod with the line and pull straight back.  Don't step on it.  Don't throw it around.  Don't high stick fish with it.  You can still rip through the weeds with it and fight a giant catfish or whatever.  They're pretty durable and can take quite a bit of abuse, but do treat it with a bit more respect, and I'm sure it'll last decades.  

22 minutes ago, Skeeloco said:

I've been lookin hard for a lighter weight jerkbait rod and Lew's KVD seems to be it. I've read that while IM8 blanks are lighter, they're more prone to breaking. I'll be going for the MH 6'8". I do have a tendency to beat the hell out of my rods though, ripping out snags and constantly smacking it into stuff since I'm a bank fisherman. Will also be spooling it with 30lb braid which is a little stronger than what line the rod is rated for. I'm I gunna break this thing within days? I also catch a good amount of pike and they'll occasionally get pretty violent out of the water and mess up a rod before I can get em unhooked.

All rods are different, my im7 lews rod is crisper and lighter and more sensitive than my im8 quantum rod, it also is not as fast as my im7, so really im7 vs im8 is kind of a marketing thing. I'd go to a store and hold one in your hand and see what it's like

13 minutes ago, Bankc said:

Typically, lighter and more sensitive rods are more prone to breakage.  However, most anglers don't experience a broken rod through normal use.  Usually, if a rod breaks, it's because you did something to it.  And if it breaks during normal use, it's usually because of prior damage.  The only time I've had a rod break was due to a manufacturers defect.  It snapped in half on a cast on the second time out.  I got an identical replacement, and that one has lasted me, going on three years now.  

This ^^^^^ most rods will show defect in first 1-2 trips unless it's a non blank related issue like poorly installed line guides from my bps rod, it showed up around two months after use. Also ultralight rods are always prone to breaking no matter how well you treat them because they are so thin.

If you are hard on your rods, I suggest a store brand rod that offers over-the-counter no questions asked replacement such as BPS or Academy h20 rods.  I have an Academy Ethos that sports a 30 ton blank+ fuji Alconites, and its a nice rod....especially for the $59 I paid.  They have a new Ethos with a monoque handle that looks very nice for 100 bones.

IM has no industry standard. The destination is useless except for comparing rods from the same maker. As for high modulus rods in general, they not prone breakage, merely less tolerant of abuse and poor technique. Treat it with a reasonable amount of care and avoid high sticking(bending tip beyond 90*) and you’ll find them incredibly durable and powerful. 

I don't get fancy and understand all the different graphites.  But what I can tell you is I have 2 Lews TP1's the IM8 ones in Medium Heavy casting.  They are very sensitive and they have taken a beating and held up great for me over 2 years.  I just bought a KVD Medium spinning which is IM8 as well.  It feels similar to the TP1's and I am pretty confident that will take the beating as well.

 

Just my .02

20 hours ago, KP Duty said:

If you are hard on your rods, I suggest a store brand rod that offers over-the-counter no questions asked replacement such as BPS or Academy h20 rods.  I have an Academy Ethos that sports a 30 ton blank+ fuji Alconites, and its a nice rod....especially for the $59 I paid.  They have a new Ethos with a monoque handle that looks very nice for 100 bones.

 

I fell out of love with my Ethos HD MH. It looks great on paper and felt great in store but the more I fish it, the less I like it. It's not a balance issue either, I just dont feel it gives me the feedback I want.