Shimano and G.Loomis Launch Limited Edition Bantam MGL & IMX-PRO Combos 

Introduction: For the first time in the two decades that the G.Loomis brand has been part of Shimano the company will soon offer anglers a limited edition combo which includes a limited IMX-PRO rod matched up with the proven performing Bantam MGL baitcasters. This combination is not only designed to be an exclusive offering from select tackle shops but also an incredible value for anglers looking for a premium power fishing combination.

For the first time in 20 years since purchasing the G.Loomis brand the company is offering an exclusive G.Loomis rod and Shimano reel bundle

A Limited Edition: Officially launching mid-November this exclusive Shimano reel and G.Loomis rod combination consists of any of the Bantam MGL reels combined with a special limited edition G. Loomis IMX-PRO 863C JWR rod. Designed within the new IMX-PRO line-up, this limited edition is a 7-foot-2-inch medium-heavy power JWR rod that is ideal for a wide range of bass fishing applications.

Like other G.Loomis IMX-PRO rods this limited edition JWR rod makes use of tangle free Fuji K-Frame guides

Like other IMX-PRO rods this limited edition rod relies on G. Loomis’ proprietary Multi-Taper Design blank construction, tangle-free Fuji K-Frame guides to help with slackline techniques, and a tapered full cork rear grip that provides somewhat of a split grip feel but with the comfort and ease of a complete handle.

The full cork grip is ergonomically tapered and finished with composite cork

Not only is the G.Loomis IMX-PRO 863 JWR a limited edition model, but combined with a Bantam MGL would normally retail for $675.99, but will be offered to anglers for a special price of $499.99, an absolutely incredible deal.

The G.Loomis IMX-PRO Limited Edition rod is offered with the Shimano Bantam MGL, available in three different gear ratio models in either right or left hand retrieve

“This is a great opportunity for those anglers who want to experience bass fishing at a higher level, with what many consider one of the best reels and best rods available,” said Trey Epich with Shimano’s product development staff. “We take great pride in the Bantam MGL as one of our legacy reels, and the IMX-PRO rod showcases the advancements in G. Loomis’ rod manufacturing that have happened since Shimano’s ownership role starting in 1997.”

The IMX-PRO 863C JWR is a unique rod for this bundle and marked "LTD" so there is no mistaking the exclusivity

The G.Loomis IMX-PRO 863 JWR rod is clearly marked “LTD” to set itself apart from the rest of the IMX-PRO line and we confirmed with the company that the only way Shimano/G.Loomis is selling these rods to tackle shops is with this limited edition, specially-priced baitcasting combo.

The team felt that the Bantam MGL paired perfectly with this versatile rod

We asked Dave Brinkerhoff of the G.Loomis product design team how was this particular rod IMX-PRO was created and chosen for this bundle. “If you have to pick one rod to go bass fishing with and be able to use up to your expectations for the most popular bass fishing techniques, the 863C JWR definitely fits the need,” said Dave. “This rod brings key design features found throughout our extensive line-up of technique-specific and 'Classic' action IMX-PRO bass rod to make it extremely versatile, and unlike any other rod length produced by G. Loomis, the  unique 7-foot-2-inch length found on the 863C JWR can effectively handle an assortment of lures and soft plastics.”

We were also able to confirm with G.Loomis that only 1200 of these limited-edition rods have been produced, and that they will only be available until they are sold out.

It is fitting that Shimano chose to bundle the Bantam MGL in this combo as it is probably the company's most unique baitcaster, and also the series that started it all
 

There are a good number of dealers all across the nation that are already in the process of bringing the rods in for the combo and the company expects all of them to be sold during the upcoming holiday season. The anticipated demand is so high that a number of dealers have already stated that they are going to hold some of the combos back so that they can be showcased at early 2020 consumer fishing shows.

It makes sense for Shimano to bundle the Bantam MGL with this particular IMX-PRO power fishing rod, as the baitcaster has rapidly become a favorite among performance-oriented anglers looking for a rigid, solid, sensitive, and ergonomic reel. For many anglers the Bantam MGL is the most unique baitcaster that the company has introduced in years, and it is fitting that the low-profile series that started it all for Shimano would be offered in this limited-edition combo.

Not only is this combo a collectible and versatile power fishing mashup but it is also a great deal at $499, which is $175 dollars less than the value of the reel and rod normally

Offering limited edition exclusivity and great value this bundle caters to existing fans of both Shimano and G.Loomis, and also serves as an excellent introduction to what these premium brands have to offer to all performance-oriented anglers. Anglers lucky enough to find one of these bundles will get the proven performance and refinement that comes with Shimano's Bantam MGL reels with the versatility and exclusivity of a limited edition IMX-Pro rod that the team at G. Loomis took great pride in designing and building specifically for this bundle at their manufacturing facility in Woodland, Washington.

Looking for the Limited Edition Shimano and G.Loomis Combo?

A list of manufacturers that will offer the combo in Mid-November is located here.