G Loomis for light crank/blades

[Jocks]

Hey guys, first of all I'm form Sweden and unfortunately we don't have G loomis rods here (yet) so I need to order without actually trying them out.

To my question. I need a rod for light cranks, jerks and blades. Cranks and jerks are about 15 grams and blades around 25 grams. We only fish open water for redfin perch (we dont have bass in Sweden) and we usually focus on casting distance more than anything. Long cast and easy handlng of the bait (cranking, lifting blades e.t.c). I'm choosing between these rods and want your opinion which of them will suit my needs.

Loomis IMX Pro Crank Rod 7' Med Lt 841 CBR
Loomis IMX Pro Crank Rod 7'6" Medium 903 CBR

The 7'6" I think will suit my needs better in regards to casting distance, but I wonder if the blank is too stiff for cranks and jerks at 10-15 grams.

[loomisguy]

Honestly you really need 2 ,maybe 3 rods to cover those techniques. The 841 is so soft it would make a terrible spinnerbait or jerkbait rod and the 903 would be too cumbersome for my taste and it's no where near a jerkbait rod.
I would say try to find a 843 in the MBR  series. You may have to step up to the GLX to get it but it's money well spent.
Check with the guys at American legacy fishing, they ship anywhere and may have a used one in the shop.
Another one to consider would be the 2019 Megabass levante Diablo spec R. Great spinnerbait and moving bait rod in general. It might be a touch tight for a jerkbait but it would work.
It's more sensitive than the IMX and cheaper. American Legacy has them as well.

[Jocks]

Thanks! I'm switching all my illex rods (you dont have them in the US, but it's the top rods in europe), to only G loomis. I don't like to have rods from different brands, and I feel that G loomis would probably be the best choice for me.

I'm already buying three other loomis rods and can't afford two or three more, so it has to be one. I have used an illex 6'10" with casting range of 7-32 grams before. It's difficult to compare with US rating, but I think it's a medium heavy rod. It's great to jerk with, but it's so damn stiff that it's difficult to throw light lures and frankly not fun to fish with. I also think it's a bit short.

I have no problem with buying a GLX. The other three rods I'm buying are NRX. The only reason I was thinking about buying an IMX is because NRX don't have a crankbait rod and tackle warehouse, from where I'm ordering, don't have GLX crankbait rods.

But you think this rod would be a better choice? It's not too stiff?.. Remember that we cast lures for redfin perch that you would call ultra light for bass

G. Loomis GLX Casting Rod 7' Med Hvy 843C MBR

[Jocks]

Btw, MBR stands for Mag Bass Range which are a taper thats more like a moderate or moderate fast? If I remember correctly...

[loomisguy]

Yes, The MBR is a more all purpose taper the the JWR.  It wouldn't be my first choice for a diving bait rod but it works good on squarebills and its a great spinnerbait rod and for walking baits and jigs.
If a crankbait rod is your priority then I would go with one of the CBR's.. I have no idea about grams compared to ounces but the 843 cbr is good for 3/8 up to 1/2 oz baits

[Jocks]

Thanks again. What would you use the Loomis IMX Pro Crank Rod 7' Med Lt 841 CBR for if it's not for light cranks?

[loomisguy]

To be honest I have never seen a 841. But a 1 power crankbait rod would be about as light as they come. I would have no use for a rod that light but if it's in the weight range of what you throw I'm sure it's a great rod.
The CBR'S are pretty much strictly a crankbait rod