Going To Buy Either A St. Croix Avid Or G. Loomis Imx 2024
The Pond King reply :
Hi Everyone,
I'm new to forum here. It's a pleasure to be a member here now.
I have been bass fishing since I was 12 years old and now I'm 26, so I have about 13 years of experience. I'm just recreational fisherman and not a pro or anything like that, but I'm a passionate about fishing and know what I'm doing.
I live in San Franscisco Bay Area, so we have a plethora if species to fish for here in the ponds, creeks, lakes, delta, rivers, bay and ocean. I fish for a lot of different species depending on the time of year and my mood. Some of the species I fish for are trout, bass, catfish, lingcod, rockcod, halibut, stripers, salmon, and sturgeon. Of course there's many more species around here you could fish for, and I do fish for other species other than those that I mentioned, but the species I mentioned are the ones I have most interest in fishing for.
Lately, I've been working a lot, and it has been hard to find the time to fish, so I've been keeping it local and catching some bass in the ponds next to where I live.
I am writing to you here today because I am ready to upgrade my jig and worm bass rod. I am going to buy either a G. Loomis IMX 6'8" Med Hvy 803C JWR Extra Fast, 12-16lb, 3/16-5/8oz - Jig and Worm series OR I am going to buy a St. Croix Avid Casting Rod 7' Medium Heavy Fast, 12-20lb, 3/8-1oz.
I've already done my research. I've looked up all of the threads I could find on this forum and others, but I wanted more information before making this purchase since it will be the most bass expensive rod I will own. I already own a Shimano Crucial and Okuma Helios rod which are about $200 each that I use for flipping, pitching, and punching. However, thoses rods are technique specific, and I want to upgrade my main jig and worm bass rod that I will be using the most. Currently, I'm using a Berkeley Lightning Rod, so either an Avid or IMX would be a big upgrade.
From what I found, I think that the Avid AVC70MHXF is the most versatile and is the best bang for your buck, but I don't like that it weighs 4.7 ounces. That's pretty heavy if you ask me for a 7' MH rod because my Okuma 7' 6" Heavy rod weighs only 4.3 ounces. I hear that it's tough and sensitive though, and in a pinch, this is a rod I could also use for halibut, stripers, lingcod, and rockcod throwing swimbaits from the shore.
The reason why I want the IMX 803C JWR is because G Loomis is considered the best of the best. The original IMX Rods were the Series that put G. Loomis on the map as the leader in graphite technology. G Loomis has a mystical feel to it; the brand has a certain allure that I cannot explain. Although I don't think 803 JWR will be as versatile, I know that the quality would probably be better. The rod would probably be lighter and more sensitive.
Both rods have lifetime warranties. The main difference is in the quality and price. Is the G Loomis IMX worth the extra $100 to upgrade from a St. Croix Avid? I'd love to hear your opinions especially if you own or have fished with both.
Thanks,
The Pond King
ABW reply :
What weights do you plan on throwing? I have a model of the 803C JWR in the NRX line, and the only jigs I would throw on that would be 1/4 oz. It doesn't handle bigger weights too well.
livetofish28 reply :
Why not get Legend tournament instead? its 60 dollars more than the Avid but cheaper then the Loomis. I have personally never fished a Loomis but love every one of my St Croix's. My jig rod is an LTB and it is a beast. The Avids a very powerful sensitive stick as well.
Tight lines
Andrew
The Pond King reply :
On 7/22/2015 at 4:43 AM, ABW said:What weights do you plan on throwing? I have a model of the 803C JWR in the NRX line, and the only jigs I would throw on that would be 1/4 oz. It doesn't handle bigger weights too well.
Thanks for bringing that up ABW! Really glad you mentioned that because I think it might be too light for my applications.
I was plan on throwing weightless plastics like senkos, fat ikas, and kreatures. I also plan on throwing 3/8 ounce jigs but still have the power to handle 1/2-1oz jigs. I want to be able to flip and pitch in moderate heavy cover.
I might get the G. Loomis IMX Casting Rod 7'1" Extra Hvy 855C JWR instead which has the same specs as the Avid 7' MH.
Still I am wondering, is the G Loomis IMX worth the extra $100 to upgrade from a St. Croix Avid?
I will be calling all the local tackle shops right now as well to see they carry these rods see them in person before purchasing, but would appreciate any information you guys might have.
The Pond King reply :
On 7/22/2015 at 4:57 AM, livetofish28 said:Why not get Legend tournament instead? its 60 dollars more than the Avid but cheaper then the Loomis. I have personally never fished a Loomis but love every one of my St Croix's. My jig rod is an LTB and it is a beast. The Avids a very powerful sensitive stick as well.
Tight lines
Andrew
Thanks for your insight, Andrew! I figure I could just a get a Legend Tournament for $60 more, but for an additional $30 more than the LTB, I could get an IMX. I also don't like the fact that the LTB has a blue colored blank because it wouldn't match with my Curado 200e7.
Angry John reply :
I don't see why you compare those two lines. The Loomis would better run against a legend elite. I have the elite 7mhf for jigs and love it.
BassinLou reply :
To the OP, I have the exact Avid rod you are researching. I have never handled a G.loomis rod so I am out of that discussion. The Avid is a flat out workhorse of a rod. I have had it for several years and it has caught me many nice bass. Just look to your left at my Avatar. I use this rod for the majority of my bank fishing. As far as weight it has never played a factor for me. I have a Lews TT pro mounted on this rod and it pairs nicely with the Avid. If I could change one thing on this rod is its the handle. I would prefer the handle to be a little bit longer. Other than that its great. With a Lifetime Warranty, this rod is a clear choice for me.
BassinLou reply :
If the LTB is option, than I would choose that rod over an Avid. The LTB is a bit more refined and although many have mentioned that the rod is of equal weight to that of the Avid, the LTB feels lighter to me. 
The Pond King reply :
On 7/22/2015 at 5:14 AM, BassinLou said:To the OP, I have the exact Avid rod you are researching. I have never handled a G.loomis rod so I am out of that discussion. The Avid is a flat out workhorse of a rod. I have had it for several years and it has caught me many nice bass. Just look to your left at my Avatar. I use this rod for the majority of my bank fishing. As far as weight it has never played a factor for me. I have a Lews TT pro mounted on this rod and it pairs nicely with the Avid. If I could change one thing on this rod is its the handle. I would prefer the handle to be a little bit longer. Other than that its great. With a Lifetime Warranty, this rod is a clear choice for me.
Thanks for your insight, BassinLou! That bass in your avatar is a beast!
On 7/22/2015 at 5:33 AM, BassinLou said:If the LTB is option, than I would choose that rod over an Avid. The LTB is a bit more refined and although many have mentioned that the rod is of equal weight to that of the Avid, the LTB feels lighter to me.
Just checked online, the LTB is slightly lighter than the Avid in the same class. A 7' 1" MH LTB is 4.4oz while the 7' MH Avid is 4.7.
tomustang reply :
You could buy the $200 avid or the $300 avid (imx) hah.
James Pondscum reply :
I have never fished an Avid. I do own a few ltb,s and and some glx,s and gl3;s. The ltb mh feels closer to a 4 series loomis slightly less power but close.. The 5 series you mentioned would be way more power. Check out the gl3;s I believe best bang for buck in loomis line.
deep reply :
On 7/22/2015 at 4:58 AM, The Pond King said:Thanks for bringing that up ABW! Really glad you mentioned that because I think it might be too light for my applications.
I was plan on throwing weightless plastics like senkos, fat ikas, and kreatures. I also plan on throwing 3/8 ounce jigs but still have the power to handle 1/2-1oz jigs. I want to be able to flip and pitch in moderate heavy cover.
I might get the G. Loomis IMX Casting Rod 7'1" Extra Hvy 855C JWR instead which has the same specs as the Avid 7' MH.
Still I am wondering, is the G Loomis IMX worth the extra $100 to upgrade from a St. Croix Avid?
I will be calling all the local tackle shops right now as well to see they carry these rods see them in person before purchasing, but would appreciate any information you guys might have.
I fish 3/8 oz jigs on a 3 power Loomis 893 JWR.
1/2 oz jigs in *light* cover is probably doable.
You would want a different rod for heavier jigs/ heavier cover.
zachb34 reply :
I haven't fished an Avid but I do currently own an IMX and have had 2 LTB rods. I preferred the IMX over the LTB. The LTB was nice, but I just don't like the feel of the St.croix rods. My IMX is the previous model and feels like a magic wand it's the 843. My LTB rods where both 7'1" MH rods. I think my main issue with the LTB is the balance. It just didn't feel right when I held the rod with the tip up. I also know I'm in the minority of not liking them though, so take it with a grain of salt. As far as the IMX is concerned I like it more than my old GLX. I have heard the new ones just don't perform as great as the older model since Shimano bought them out. I have no experience with the new models besides I like the grips. The IMX rods look sweet with the curado gold accents and the rods have a green tint in the sun.
Kidflex reply :
With the number of different applications you are wanting to do with a rod, you'd be better off getting an imx mbr 843 vs the jwr. The fast taper is more versatile for t-rigs, pitching light jigs, senkos and such. Jmo though. I have numerous gloomis rods and the mbr series are hard to beat. Also look around, you can readily get the imx rods for $200-220 new. Used older models can be had for $150ish.
k3bass reply :
I've owned both and still own the avid. Is the Imx worth 100 more than the avid? Definitely not in my opinion. The older model Imx rods were much more balanced and sensitive. I was very disappointed in my new imx and sold it right away.
Also the avid is definitely not "heavy".
fishindad reply :
What's up Pond King? I lived and fished in the SF Bay area for many years and miss it dearly. You've gotten great advice so far but what I would recommend to you is to go directly to Hi's Tackle Box (it used to be on Geary St.) in SF. Those guys know their stuff! Tell them exactly what you can afford and what you want to use the rod for, which I assume is bass only. And don't exclude other rods if what you want is best bang for your buck, etc. And buy the rod that feels best in your hands! GL
buzzed bait reply :
never used the loomis, but recently bought that very model of the avid. VERRRRRRRY happy with that rod. For what you're describing, i'd think it would handle very well. I most often thrown 3/8oz jigs and it handles them perfectly.
DaveT63 reply :
Somebody wrote that the IMX is more comparable to the St Croix Legend Elite line. I disagree. I have an IMX, a GLX, an LTB, and an Elite. I would rate the LTB and IMX close. But the Elite and the St Croix Xtremes are much more comparable to the GLX than the IMX. But to the op's question, I don't consider the IMX to be $100 better than the Acid.
clh121787 reply :
x2. I have the new version of the imx 843mbr and it's good for many techniques but really shines for bottom contact baits with in the range of the rod.On 7/22/2015 at 12:42 PM, Kidflex said:With the number of different applications you are wanting to do with a rod, you'd be better off getting an imx mbr 843 vs the jwr.
Angry John reply :
I was referring to price. I would get the Croix for the price that compares.On 7/22/2015 at 10:28 PM, DaveT63 said:Somebody wrote that the IMX is more comparable to the St Croix Legend Elite line. I disagree. I have an IMX, a GLX, an LTB, and an Elite. I would rate the LTB and IMX close. But the Elite and the St Croix Xtremes are much more comparable to the GLX than the IMX. But to the op's question, I don't consider the IMX to be $100 better than the Acid.
The Pond King reply :
Hi guys,
Thanks so much for replying back. I am astounded by how many people have responded and how willingly helpful you guys are. I really appreciate all of your insights. I've definitely learned a thing or two that I didn't know about rod selection. I had no idea G. Loomis had power ratings like 3, 4, 5, unlike other rods.
Since you guys provided me with so much value, I wanted to share with you guys what I've learned by calling a tackle shop yesterday while trying to see which local tackle shops had the rods I was looking for.
Interestingly enough, I was speaking with Gill from Mel Cotton's Sporting Goods Store, and he told me that he has been in the pro circuit and did guiding for over 30 years! Unfortunately, their store doesn't carry the IMX or the model of Avid I was looking for, so the advice he gave me was sincere. He wasn't trying to sell me anything. He said he was sponsored by G. Loomis and owns a lot of the top of line rods from G. Loomis because he was able to get them either at a big discount or for free. I asked him what he thinks about getting an Avid vs. an IMX. He said it wasn't worth getting either of them, even the IMX. He said it's better to save my money and get the GLX or NRX. He said it's a world of difference. He asked what I was looking to fish with and I told him mostly jigs, t-rigs, weighless soft plastics, etc. He confirmed that it's totally worth it for bottom contact lures. He currently owns a G. Loomis NRX 7'1" Heavy 854C JWR and recommended it for the type of fishing I was looking to do.
I've also learned something interesting. He said that after a while the graphite breaks down after it gets used. As the rod gets stressed over time by fishing with it, it gets less sensitive. For example, say you had a GLX and kept swinging fish to the boat with your rod, it'll become an IMX in terms of sensitivity over time. So he said if you buy a used rod, you have to keep this in mind.
Considering the quality and price, I've also come to the conclusion that the St. Croix Avid is the best value. The Avid MH also has the specs that I am looking for. It's sounds like it's a workhorse from all the research that I've done. I needed workhorse rod thats powerful, sensitive, and light and the Avid has all of those traits. The G. Loomis, is sensitive and light, but I don't think it's that strong. I've heard of cases where the rod just exploded when flipping or pitching or trying to pull the bass out of cover. However, I do plan on upgrading to a NRX sometime in the future.
Cheers,
The Pond King
On 7/22/2015 at 7:58 AM, tomustang said:You could buy the $200 avid or the $300 avid (imx) hah.
LOL!
On 7/22/2015 at 8:51 AM, nickles said:I have never fished an Avid. I do own a few ltb,s and and some glx,s and gl3;s. The ltb mh feels closer to a 4 series loomis slightly less power but close.. The 5 series you mentioned would be way more power. Check out the gl3;s I believe best bang for buck in loomis line.
Cool. Thanks for the insight!
On 7/22/2015 at 9:07 AM, deep said:I fish 3/8 oz jigs on a 3 power Loomis 893 JWR.
1/2 oz jigs in *light* cover is probably doable.
You would want a different rod for heavier jigs/ heavier cover.
I see your point. I think I'll go with at least a 4 power for the type of fishing I'm trying to do.
On 7/22/2015 at 9:26 AM, zachb34 said:I haven't fished an Avid but I do currently own an IMX and have had 2 LTB rods. I preferred the IMX over the LTB. The LTB was nice, but I just don't like the feel of the St.croix rods. My IMX is the previous model and feels like a magic wand it's the 843. My LTB rods where both 7'1" MH rods. I think my main issue with the LTB is the balance. It just didn't feel right when I held the rod with the tip up. I also know I'm in the minority of not liking them though, so take it with a grain of salt. As far as the IMX is concerned I like it more than my old GLX. I have heard the new ones just don't perform as great as the older model since Shimano bought them out. I have no experience with the new models besides I like the grips. The IMX rods look sweet with the curado gold accents and the rods have a green tint in the sun.
Cool man. Thanks for your insight! Sounds like the LTB is a bit tip heavy compared to Loomis'.
On 7/22/2015 at 12:42 PM, Kidflex said:With the number of different applications you are wanting to do with a rod, you'd be better off getting an imx mbr 843 vs the jwr. The fast taper is more versatile for t-rigs, pitching light jigs, senkos and such. Jmo though. I have numerous gloomis rods and the mbr series are hard to beat. Also look around, you can readily get the imx rods for $200-220 new. Used older models can be had for $150ish.
Haven't even considered the 843 MBR. I'm glad you brought this up. With what I'm looking for, the 843 MBR fits the bill if I were to get a Loomis. Thanks!
On 7/22/2015 at 10:08 PM, k3bass said:I've owned both and still own the avid. Is the Imx worth 100 more than the avid? Definitely not in my opinion. The older model Imx rods were much more balanced and sensitive. I was very disappointed in my new imx and sold it right away.
Also the avid is definitely not "heavy".
Perfect! This is just the kind of advice I was looking for. Thanks.
On 7/22/2015 at 10:17 PM, fishindad said:What's up Pond King? I lived and fished in the SF Bay area for many years and miss it dearly. You've gotten great advice so far but what I would recommend to you is to go directly to Hi's Tackle Box (it used to be on Geary St.) in SF. Those guys know their stuff! Tell them exactly what you can afford and what you want to use the rod for, which I assume is bass only. And don't exclude other rods if what you want is best bang for your buck, etc. And buy the rod that feels best in your hands! GL
Wassup FishingDad! Yeah sometimes I take it for granted how good the fishing is over here. We got it good. Have heard a lot of good things about Hi's Tackle Box, but never been to their tackle shop. I'll definitely give them a ring. Thanks for the advice!
On 7/22/2015 at 10:19 PM, buzzed bait said:never used the loomis, but recently bought that very model of the avid. VERRRRRRRY happy with that rod. For what you're describing, i'd think it would handle very well. I most often thrown 3/8oz jigs and it handles them perfectly.
Great! Thanks for the feedback. Sounds like the Avid is a solid choice.
On 7/22/2015 at 10:28 PM, DaveT63 said:Somebody wrote that the IMX is more comparable to the St Croix Legend Elite line. I disagree. I have an IMX, a GLX, an LTB, and an Elite. I would rate the LTB and IMX close. But the Elite and the St Croix Xtremes are much more comparable to the GLX than the IMX. But to the op's question, I don't consider the IMX to be $100 better than the Acid.
This is good to know. Thanks DaveT63!
Canyon explorer reply :
On 7/22/2015 at 4:31 AM, The Pond King said:Hi Everyone,
I'm new to forum here. It's a pleasure to be a member here now.
I have been bass fishing since I was 12 years old and now I'm 26, so I have about 13 years of experience. I'm just recreational fisherman and not a pro or anything like that, but I'm a passionate about fishing and know what I'm doing.
I live in San Franscisco Bay Area, so we have a plethora if species to fish for here in the ponds, creeks, lakes, delta, rivers, bay and ocean. I fish for a lot of different species depending on the time of year and my mood. Some of the species I fish for are trout, bass, catfish, lingcod, rockcod, halibut, stripers, salmon, and sturgeon. Of course there's many more species around here you could fish for, and I do fish for other species other than those that I mentioned, but the species I mentioned are the ones I have most interest in fishing for.
Lately, I've been working a lot, and it has been hard to find the time to fish, so I've been keeping it local and catching some bass in the ponds next to where I live.
I am writing to you here today because I am ready to upgrade my jig and worm bass rod. I am going to buy either a G. Loomis IMX 6'8" Med Hvy 803C JWR Extra Fast, 12-16lb, 3/16-5/8oz - Jig and Worm series OR I am going to buy a St. Croix Avid Casting Rod 7' Medium Heavy Fast, 12-20lb, 3/8-1oz.
I've already done my research. I've looked up all of the threads I could find on this forum and others, but I wanted more information before making this purchase since it will be the most bass expensive rod I will own. I already own a Shimano Crucial and Okuma Helios rod which are about $200 each that I use for flipping, pitching, and punching. However, thoses rods are technique specific, and I want to upgrade my main jig and worm bass rod that I will be using the most. Currently, I'm using a Berkeley Lightning Rod, so either an Avid or IMX would be a big upgrade.
From what I found, I think that the Avid AVC70MHXF is the most versatile and is the best bang for your buck, but I don't like that it weighs 4.7 ounces. That's pretty heavy if you ask me for a 7' MH rod because my Okuma 7' 6" Heavy rod weighs only 4.3 ounces. I hear that it's tough and sensitive though, and in a pinch, this is a rod I could also use for halibut, stripers, lingcod, and rockcod throwing swimbaits from the shore.
The reason why I want the IMX 803C JWR is because G Loomis is considered the best of the best. The original IMX Rods were the Series that put G. Loomis on the map as the leader in graphite technology. G Loomis has a mystical feel to it; the brand has a certain allure that I cannot explain. Although I don't think 803 JWR will be as versatile, I know that the quality would probably be better. The rod would probably be lighter and more sensitive.
Both rods have lifetime warranties. The main difference is in the quality and price. Is the G Loomis IMX worth the extra $100 to upgrade from a St. Croix Avid? I'd love to hear your opinions especially if you own or have fished with both.
Thanks,
The Pond King
IMO YES I have all IMX except for one 6'6"GLX Med. and one 8' Falcon HVY
BassinLou reply :
Pond King, you made a good choice imo. Best of luck on your purchase.
bigfruits reply :
id get the 803 GLX for $307.50 shipped from Monster Tackle
http://www.*.com/G-Loomis-GLX-Jig-Worm-Rod-803S-p/gloomis-glx-803sjwr.htm
(click "email me best price")
WIGuide reply :
I think you're making a good choice with the Avid. I've had nothing but positive experiences with all of my St. Croix purchases and I think you'll feel the same when you get your Avid.
Silas reply :
What if the Avid (which I have and love!) and IMX (also which I have and love a bit more) were just about the same price?
I've got a Loomis IMX 893 coming in from Monster tackle that Is $10 more than the Avid.
What would you pick NOW, prices about EQUAL?
I ordered the IMX.
I've had the St Croix LTB and although it was nice, I wasn't completely happy with the split grip. Just like I wasn't happy with how the split grip fit my hand on the very nice *** I had. If they made a full grip perhaps I would try them again.
WPCfishing reply :
I know what you've been going thru pond king. I recently went thru a similar debate with myself. I ended up buying a G Loomis IMX Classic which arrived a couple days ago. I haven't fished with it yet. But, I am also waiting on an Avid to arrive mid week. The G Loomis is a Heavy Fast action. The Avid is a Medium Heavy fast action. Both rods are the same length. From what I hear the Avid is one power heavier than the Loomis. Both rods are for worms, jigs, spinner baits. These two will be my go to rods. I bought them to replace a couple of rods I wasn't thrilled with. One being a Premier, the other a Berkley.
$260 and $160... We shall see how they stack up against each other.
Pond King, I hope you like the rod you decided on.. I don't think you would have been unhappy either way.
kschultz76 reply :
On 7/26/2015 at 6:45 AM, WPCfishing said:I know what you've been going thru pond king. I recently went thru a similar debate with myself. I ended up buying a G Loomis IMX Classic which arrived a couple days ago. I haven't fished with it yet. But, I am also waiting on an Avid to arrive mid week. The G Loomis is a Heavy Fast action. The Avid is a Medium Heavy fast action. Both rods are the same length. From what I hear the Avid is one power heavier than the Loomis. Both rods are for worms, jigs, spinner baits. These two will be my go to rods. I bought them to replace a couple of rods I wasn't thrilled with. One being a Premier, the other a Berkley.
$260 and $160... We shall see how they stack up against each other.
Pond King, I hope you like the rod you decided on.. I don't think you would have been unhappy either way.
Let us know your unbiased opinion once you have time on the the water to review and compare them.
WPCfishing reply :
On 7/26/2015 at 11:18 AM, kschultz76 said:Let us know your unbiased opinion once you have time on the the water to review and compare them.
Will do
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