I'm researching rods and blanks, to either have a rod built or buy off the shelf (in the 7' range).

Question # 1.

GLX vs. IMX...about $100 price difference in rod price.  Worth the extra $100?  I'm sure whatever the consensus is on the rod would apply to the blanks also.

Question # 2.

What is the difference between the MBR and BCR series of rods aside from the obvious 7' vs. 7'1"?

Both are priced close to the same..the BCR offers a wider range of rods than the MBR series.  I can read that the line and lure weights are slightly different but have a hard time believing these slight differences are in anyway meaningful when compared to each other (MBR843 1/4-3/4...BCR853 3/16-5/8 or BCR854 5/16-3/4).

I know from looking at various websites that the MBR blanks are available while the BCR blanks are not (at least I couldn't find any).  So that limits purchasing a BCR blank for a custom build...but for a straight purchase of either rod...what's the reason to choose one over the other except for the length?

Don't want to beat this topic to death, but I really want to make the right choice for the right reasons whether I buy a rod or have one built.

I'm researching rods and blanks, to either have a rod built or buy off the shelf (in the 7' range).

Question # 1.

GLX vs. IMX...about $100 price difference in rod price. Worth the extra $100? I'm sure whatever the consensus is on the rod would apply to the blanks also.

Question # 2.

What is the difference between the MBR and BCR series of rods aside from the obvious 7' vs. 7'1"?

Both are priced close to the same..the BCR offers a wider range of rods than the MBR series. I can read that the line and lure weights are slightly different but have a hard time believing these slight differences are in anyway meaningful when compared to each other (MBR843 1/4-3/4...BCR853 3/16-5/8 or BCR854 5/16-3/4).

I know from looking at various websites that the MBR blanks are available while the BCR blanks are not (at least I couldn't find any). So that limits purchasing a BCR blank for a custom build...but for a straight purchase of either rod...what's the reason to choose one over the other except for the length?

Don't want to beat this topic to death, but I really want to make the right choice for the right reasons whether I buy a rod or have one built.

GLX is lighter and more sensative.  price is relative in terms of whats "worth it" to you.  Personally I think the IMX is an outstanding rod.  I have the MBR 783 IMX and it is probably one of the best general purpose bass rods I have ever owned.  I own GLX's too.  No doubt they are lighter and more sensative.  I find this only matters when using a 4 or 5 power rod.  These are wonderfully light and sensative in GLX configuration considering the "backbone"

The BCR differs from the MBR mainly in the guides.  The BCR and BSR use titanium "recoil" guides.  Many people have mixed feelngs about these guides.  They are very light and very strong but they do not have the classic insert so are a little noisier esepecially on braided line.  However, they will never break on you.  The "give".  by that I mean, you can bend it down to the rod shaft and it will not break.

I use alot of braided line and have broken a number of guides over the years when the braid loops around it when I get a strike or do something just plain dumb (my #1 reason for buying loomis and St. Croix exclusively)

The BCR is a little stiffer in the rating than the MBR and it's action is a little faster.  

don't ask me which I like better because I change from day to day on my preference.

PS>  Don't ever "rule out" the St .  Croix  tournament bass or Legend elite rods.  These are excellent rods and they also have a customer service history that basically idiot proofs your purchase.

For example I broke a reel seat on TBC68MXF by using pliers to overtighten the nut.

I returned the rod to ST. Croix with a note and the $20.00 bench fee.  They could have repaired the rod and charged me for it because it was definitly NOT a manufactureres defect.  Instead they sent me a brand new rod.

Pretty cool huh?

I love those split grip Kistlers, destroyers, and Steeze rods, but I have yet to hear of someone closing their truck door on a LTA, or megabass and getting a new rod for the $50 or $20 that is common practice with Loomis and St. Croix.

Getting back to your post. I guess if I were to make a recommendation It would be for the 3 power or lighter an IMX is fine for 4 power or any rod longer than 7 feet a GLX would be the way to go.

I say this but you should know that I have two GLX baitcasters that are 6' and very light (721, 722)

it's like fishing with a feather.  Not your best choice t-rigged plastics, but wonderful for anything with a treble hook,  or if you feel like being challenged that day.

good luck and have fun

avid.

To answer your questions I'll start by saying I have a BCR 803GLX, a MBR 783GLX and an MBR 844C IMX (just purchased in January).

Is the GLX worth the $100 extra?> Maybe. As Avid said the GLX is more sensitive and lighter.  Is really up to you.  Personally, I will say yes it's worth it but depends again on your style and personal taste.

As far as the BCR GLX series, it is a soft plastic fisherman's dream.  IMHO, they are not ment for braid because of the recoil guides.  Once you get past that, they are the most sensitive rods out there (again, a personal opinion).  My BCR 803 is just a little more sensitve than the MBR 783.  The tip seems alot faster and it loads differently when casting.  Once you figure out how to load the rod correctly, it will out cast almost anything but this does take some getting used to.  It is truely the best rod I have ever fished.  

Oh!  Just in case I, when I was speaking of the tip being faster as it pertains to the way the rod loads, I was taking into account that both GLX rods I own have a 3 power (medium heavy).  The loading will change with the length and power of the rod used.  The BCR does has a distinct differencs and advantage in power and casting when it comes to soft plastic, especially senkos.