BPS Pro Qualifier/Johnny Morris vs Gloomis/StCroix 2025
nyumetsu reply :
Obviously there's an enormous price difference, but I've seen a lot of reviewers saying they like the top end BPS stuff even more than their Gloomis's or even some customs. However, I've never seen somebody give an actual comparison between them aside from "WOW" or "Clever phrase stating one is better than the other!"
Has anybody here had experience with both those super top end rods and BPS's allegedly comparable top end rods?
flechero reply :
QuoteI've never seen somebody give an actual comparison between them aside from "WOW" or "Clever phrase stating one is better than the other!"Has anybody here had experience with both those super top end rods and BPS's allegedly comparable top end rods?
There is good reason... usually it's because the person comparing doesn't actually have experience with the high end rod and as such, lacks the ability to make honest comparisons. You'll also find those comparisons from people who can't or won't spend that much on rods... as if to justify their own purchase by degrading a better product.
I have lots of experience with Loomis and a fair amount with St. Croix but only have owned 1 BPS rod in the past 10-15 years.
In over 15 years of being a Loomis user, I have never once met anyone who regretted the purchase of IMX or GLX rod. I have however, met many people who have sold cheaper rods shortly after the purchase in order to finance something better.
Don't get me wrong, I think that many of the BPS and other less expensive rods have good value, some even great value... but there is a difference. You have to decide if there is enough value for you in the high end rods to justify the cash outlay...
Cephkiller reply :
I have used BPS Extreme rods for a couple years and I have been using two high end rods for a couple months (Loomis GLX and Lamiglas XMG 50). IMO, there is a HUGE difference between a garden variety $20-40 Wally World rod and the Extremes. The difference between the Extremes and the high end stuff is about the same level of improvement. So you spend $30-40 more for the first jump and $160-280 more for the same level of the next jump. This is pretty typical with a lot of products. Is it worth it? I think so. Many people may not.
HomersTomaco reply :
all you have to do to make a rod 3 times as sensitive is write loomis on it and pay twice as much
nyumetsu reply :
Quoteall you have to do to make a rod 3 times as sensitive is write loomis on it and pay twice as much
pretty difficult to engineer an ultra sensitive blank that doesn't snap whenever you lay a finger on it.
In response to what the other guys said: I currently own a BPS extreme rod and it definitely does the job.
However, I'm asking specifically about their more expensive lines: the Pro Qualifier and the Johnny Morris, seeing how owners have come to a definite consensus that the sensitivity in these rods is quite noticeably increased from the Extreme line of rods.
nyumetsu reply :
QuoteIn over 15 years of being a Loomis user, I have never once met anyone who regretted the purchase of IMX or GLX rod. I have however, met many people who have sold cheaper rods shortly after the purchase in order to finance something better.
I've been lookin hard at the IMXs after reading about their unbelievable sensitivity and versatility. The price is high, though. I've more closely been eyeing the less commonly used yamamoto rods, which apparently use IMX blanks and appear to be more of a custom rod than anything else. I've not heard much about them, but it seems promising; I don't expect anything less than quality coming from yamamoto.
But that also brings up another point. What do you think are the best features of the IMX that would be exclusive to the entire rod? That is-- aside from the signature Loomis blank, is there anything that this rod excels in in its inherent design as the full Gloomis IMX package?
I guess it's pretty hard to express exactly what I want to hear. I guess I'm mainly wondering if a custom rod built on an IMX blank would most likely be of the same quality.
flechero reply :
QuoteI guess it's pretty hard to express exactly what I want to hear. I guess I'm mainly wondering if a custom rod built on an IMX blank would most likely be of the same quality.
As a rod builder, I say you'll get a MUCH better outcome with a custom.... but this assumes that you have someone building it that knows what they are doing. I don't think there is anything custom about the Yamamoto rods... just different parts. I like IMX a lot and I'll be honest with you- I've only owned a couple GLX's because the IMX are so nice. Several of my personal rods are built on IMX blanks. The difference between them is small... GLX is lighter - worth $100-$150 more than IMX??? That's what each person has to figure out. To me IMX is the best value but I would never discourage someone from buying GLX or using the blank... as they are great rods. (I didn't regret GLX one bit, just felt like IMX was right for me and a price I am comfortable with)
Quoteall you have to do to make a rod 3 times as sensitive is write loomis on it and pay twice as much
QuoteYou'll also find those comparisons from people who can't or won't spend that much on rods... as if to justify their own purchase by degrading a better product.
case and point.
dodgeguy reply :
I have fished glx rods and johnny morris signature series.they now make the elite series with recoil guides.besides the price i can tell no difference.the question then becomes is the loomis warranty worth the extra $.from what i have heard if you go to a bass pro and return a broken rod they give you a new one no hassle.you make the choice.
roadwarrior reply :
It's really all about pirce or the "marginal value" versus the extra cost.
Is the G. Loomis IMX or GLX a better rod? I think so.
Is the difference worth the additional cost? Maybe, maybe not.
Choices, preferences and trade-offs make the world go round.
"Value" much like beauty, is in the eye of the beholder.
nyumetsu reply :
QuoteI have fished glx rods and johnny morris signature series.they now make the elite series with recoil guides.besides the price i can tell no difference.
Well that's something new! It's pretty exciting to hear that from somebody who's used both of them-- definitely something to consider now. Those recoil guides also sound pretty tempting, but I have yet to hear from anybody who's used them.
QuoteI don't think there is anything custom about the Yamamoto rods... just different parts.
Hm that's interesting. I haven't been around many people who know anything about those rods. What puzzles me about them is that they apparently use IMX blanks, but are priced even lower than the blanks themselves??
Would you happen to have any experience with these things? Are they anywhere near the performance of an IMX rod?
nyumetsu reply :
Quote"Value" much like beauty, is in the eye of the beholder.
I definitely hear that. Just like to hear all this feedback from real, unbiased customers.
By the way, this is a fantastic forum with some fantastic input. I'll definitely be sticking around.
Raul reply :
Dodgeguy may not feel the difference between a GLX and a Johnny Morris, I do, the Johnny Morris is a nice rod but next to a GLX or an Elite ..... from earth to heaven vato, no point of comparison.
A rod builder will charge you the same for building the rod without taking in consideration if he build it on a Ugly Stick blank or a GLX, our own RM charges a 100 bucks for the CRAFTMANSHIP, the rest of the value in a custom rod is the price of the components ( blank, reel seat, guides, handle, etc ), if I were to spend just 100 bones for the craftsmanship I would definately go for the best components I can purchase based on the own rod builders knowledge of such components and his recommendations, what you want may be more expensive but it doesn 't mean you will have better performance, if the gain margin is insignificant a less expensive component can be a better choice.
I agree with Flechero, from al the GLoomis rods I have the IMX is the best value, it 's just a hair heavier than a GLX a hair less sensitive than the GLX but not as brittle as a GLX.
DRat reply :
I have john morris and extreme from BPS and have used for years. They are good rods. This past year I decided to move up to Loomis IMX rods. I now have four. The short answer is yes, there is a hugh difference. If some is telling you there isn't they don't own both and are probably suffering from rod ***. Yes Loomis is not cheap, but neither is a 747, but it is better than a piper cub too. So, if you want to step up to the next level in rods then do so. You will be happy with your purchase.
flechero reply :
I have no experience with Yamamoto rods. But I had not noticed the 2 models that are priced 99.98.... makes you wonder if they are mismarked, factory 2nds or something else.
I want to mention something else and I mean no disrespect to anyone. You have to have sensitive enough hands to feel the difference in many rods. If you don't then a BPS rod may feel just the same as an IMX or GLX... so I guess the better answer is Yes, there is a difference, but no, not everyone can tell that difference. Like Raul, I feel a night and day difference between most rods. Maybe I just have real sensitive hands. If so, Thanks God!!
lubina reply :
QuoteDodgeguy may not feel the difference between a GLX and a Johnny Morris, I do, the Johnny Morris is a nice rod but next to a GLX or an Elite ..... from earth to heaven vato, no point of comparison..
Like Raul said....I've fished with both. Now IMX to GLX.....hard to say. It is so nice to have a GLX in your hands with a supertunned reel 8-)
Bud reply :
Quoteall you have to do to make a rod 3 times as sensitive is write loomis on it and pay twice as much
You have got to be kidding
cbfishalot reply :
Quoteall you have to do to make a rod 3 times as sensitive is write loomis on it and pay twice as much
I tried to listen open minded to your point!!! But let me ask you a ? in return. Have you ever used a upper end or top of the line rod? By what you said, I would say NO. I'm a St. Croix guy and not a loomis user so I can't speak directly about there rods. I can talk about rod sensitivity and a top of the line rod makes all the difference. This is extreamly true when the water is cold and you need to down size and use lighter weights. It's usally cold out and you need to work hard to catch the fish but your probley not fishing when the conditions are not perfect. So, I guess you wouldn't need a sensitive rod.
nyumetsu reply :
QuoteLike Raul, I feel a night and day difference between most rods. Maybe I just have real sensitive hands. If so, Thanks God!!
How much for your hands? 
Thanks for all the input, guys. I'm pretty sure if I decide to head up to the top of the line, I'll be reaching for an IMX or maybe a StCroix or perhaps a Powell? (probably second hand). I may also look deeper into those mysterious yamamotos and the realm of infinite bliss known as custom rods.
Raul reply :
Can 't say anything about Powell rods, never had one, but in the 200+ bones range the IMX and the Legend Tournament get a 9 in the grinometer, both are excellent rods worth every penny, if you want to go for the thrill but not having to pay the hefty price the GL2, GL3 & Avid are great choices ( 8.5 in the grinometer ) I only have one beef with the Avid, the blank is great, the handle circumference is not to my liking.
For the Yamamotos .... they are too mysterious and mystery = surprise and I don 't like surprises, most of the times I 'm UNPLEASANTLY surprised, happened not long ago in Dec last year when I purchased a couple of Kistler Mag TS rods >.
nyumetsu reply :
QuoteFor the Yamamotos .... they are too mysterious and mystery = surprise and I don 't like surprises, most of the times I 'm UNPLEASANTLY surprised
Last time I opened up a pack of baseball cards, I got a super limited edition Cal Ripken ;D
Man now that he's in the hall of fame, I gotta find that thing lol
dodgeguy reply :
i fished friday at the nybass get together on lake mahopac with a guy who used rogue rods with the recoil guides.he let me try one.now that's a nice rod.the rod also had a woven carbon fiber grip instead of a cork handle.if i was going to a real upper end rod the rogue would be my choice.
Matt Jungblut reply :
this is a true story
i have gone round and round with a few people on this site over rods and reels
when most ask for hints or tips some will say spend lots
i have used mid level rods and reels my whole life i bought 1 loomis imx
sold all my other rods and reels bought more i have 2 loomis imx's had a avid
g blank and a arruis
cheaper stuff works but i have caught more and bigger fish with my upper end stuff
i say its because of the better equiment that i did better and strongly think more money means better
its like everything else in life
roadwarrior reply :
Better equipment will not make a bad fisherman a great fisherman,
but higher quality equipment with greater precision will make a good fisherman a much better one.
.
Culprit reply :
Why r all other rods always compared to a loomis ?
Bud reply :
QuoteWhy r all other rods always compared to a loomis
Most consider Loomis the standard for other to compare to.
Cephkiller reply :
QuoteQuoteWhy r all other rods always compared to a loomisMost consider Loomis the standard for other to compare to.
I'm pretty sure that was a rhetorical question, hence the
nyumetsu reply :
Quotethis is a true storyi have gone round and round with a few people on this site over rods and reels
when most ask for hints or tips some will say spend lots
i have used mid level rods and reels my whole life i bought 1 loomis imx
sold all my other rods and reels bought more i have 2 loomis imx's had a avid
g blank and a arruis
cheaper stuff works but i have caught more and bigger fish with my upper end stuff
i say its because of the better equiment that i did better and strongly think more money means better
its like everything else in life
Speaking of which, I noticed from a flea market post that you're in possession of said Airrus Ultra XT. How do you think that thing compares to your IMX's? The Airrus rods just seem completely ingenious in design. With the warranty, the quality, and the price these things just sound unbelievable!
What's your take on it (especially that reel seat) ?
related Fishing Rods Reels Line Knots topic
most viewed Fishing Rods Reels Line Knots topic
© 2025 - fishing.qciss.net. All Rights Reserved.