Sensitivity: Another role that weight plays, however, is in the sensitivity of the rod. If the weight is too small, I find that I have a difficult time putting tension on the line and feeling what's at the other end. Too big and you overwhelm the rod's tip and ability to transmit those small or "something's different" type of bites. Staying with in the DSR822S IMX-Pro's recommended weight range reveals a stick with good sensitivity.

Thread wraps are green and lime green.

The fish were on a strange bite for the majority of time I was on the water with this stick but the DSR822S IMX-Pro is very good at helping you sense those non-obvious bites. Any stick can help you feel those "tick-tick" type bites, but pull tension on the line with the DSR822S IMX-Pro, and you can sense that kind of mushy feel of a soft pickup pretty easily.

Fig 1 : The chart above illustrates the deflection characteristics of our G.Loomis DSR822S IMX-Pro against our 2011 What the Finesse baseline rods

Power: Existing fans of G.Loomis rods will find that this rod feels immediately familiar when it comes to action and power.

For those who prefer a finesse stick with more backbone in it, I'd say the DSR822S IMX-Pro is likely the stick for you. Once you lift the rod tip to put pressure on the fish, you'll find this rod sets up pretty quickly and has a very nice power curve.

In fact, it's a little too powerful for me believe it or not. I'm much more a one or zero power kind of angler when it comes to G.Loomis finesse sticks. The DSR822S IMX-Pro, however, is a very good choice if you're targeting fish in say fifteen to twenty feet or more of water. Having that extra bit of power in deeper water situations is helpful when trying to coax a good fish to rise from the depths.

Checking out the DSR822S's taper.

Design & Ergonomics: The DSR822S IMX-Pro weighs in at a very respectable three point seven ounces (3.7oz) with balance and balancing torque numbers that rival our two WTF Baseline rods from 2011. It features very conservative styling with the traditional word logo that features a hand written feel and the company's drop shot graphic of a worm floating out on a hook. The rod's highlight thread is a kind of metallic lime green - doesn't sound very attractive in words, but actually looks pretty darn good in person.

The reel seat is name brand, Fuji.

Price & Applications: I don't recall what the technique specific, "drop shot" line retailed for before this consolidation into IMX-Pro, but retail on this particular stick is $324.99. This was once upon a time, about fifteen years ago, creeping into GLX prices, but of course, times change, prices go up, and now GLX is closer to $400 and sometimes over depending on the model you're looking to purchase. Keep in mind G.Loomis still rolls all their own blanks and builds these rods in their factory up in Woodland, Washington - not overseas.

The DSR822S IMX-Pro won't blow you away with styling, but if you value good ergonomics, sensitivity, and power, this is a stick that needs to be on your list for consideration.

Conclusion: G.Loomis IMX has always marked the entry point to me, for someone looking to get serious about their angling experience. You have enough value priced fishing rods and what a good, clean, solid, build with confidence inspiring performance. That's IMX and this is what G.Loomis is bringing to their technique specific IMX-Pro lineup of rods. The DSR822S IMX-Pro won't necessarily blow you away with styling, but if you value good ergonomics, sensitivity, and power, this is a stick that needs to be on your list for consideration.

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