G. Loomis IMX-PRO

Let’s start by saying that this rod took the ‘Best Fly Rod’ award at the 2017 IFTD. Although we loved the top-of-the-line Asquith introduced at IFTD 2016, the sticker shock left us gasping for air. The IMX-PRO series of rods are each specifically designed for a particular purpose, but there are some common threads. By replacing graphite with a proprietary material, Conduit Core Technology is G. Loomis’ way of maintaining strength in the bottom section of rod without increasing the weight. The result is a better-balanced, lighter weight rod that reduces your fatigue for improved time on the water. Fuji chrome stripping guides, single-foot snake guides, ported custom reel seats, with micro full-wells grips and hook keepers in the 4–6 weight rods, and standard full-wells grips and fighting butts (7–8 weights), plus an included Cordura rod tube round out the other features of the line.the line-up looks like this: Two fast action, 8’10”, one-piece streamer rods in 7 & 8 rod weights. Eight fast action, four piece rods, from 8’6” – 10’0” in length, in rod weights of 4 – 8. Five medium-fast, 11’11”, four piece shortspey in rod weights of 3 -7. MSRP: $500-$575 USD Gloomis.com