G.Loomis IMX-Pro 892C JWR Product Review #gloomisimxpro #gloomisimxproreview #imxprorod

Rod Review

Checking In With The New IMX, the 892C JWR

Date:	4/13/22
Tackle Type:	Rod
Manufacturer:	G.Loomis
Reviewer:	Cal

Total Score: 7.58 - GOOD

Introduction: With all the fanfare G.Loomis is generating at the high end with NRX+ and Conquest, and "lower end" with their new GCX lineup, I feel as though the stalwarts in the middle of their catalog, the two brands that actually built the G.Loomis name and reputation, may not be getting their fair share of attention. At the same time, while GLX doesn't feel like it's in danger of going anywhere, IMX was been re-branded to IMX-Pro with a focus on more technique specific applications. Indeed, a quick search on TackleWarehouse for "IMX" reveals seven different category results. I decided to get re-acquainted with IMX this season by acquiring a stick with which to pair my new Aldebaran BFS. Here's a closer look at G.Loomis's IMX-Pro 892C JWR.

G.Loomis IMX-Pro 892C JWR Specifications
Material	IMX Graphite
Length	7'-5"
Line Wt.	10-14lb
Lure Wt.	1/8-3/8oz
Pieces	One
Guides	11+Tip (Fuji SS/Alconite)
Rear Handle Length	10"
Power Rating	Medium
Taper	Extra-Fast
Rod Weight	4.6oz
Origin	Made in USA
MSRP	$365

Introducing G.Loomis's IMX-Pro 892C JWR

Impressions: You know how certain songs, when you hear them for the first time in a long while over the radio, inspire feelings of nostalgia? G.Loomis IMX is that way for me. Back in the day when I was in the midst of that transition between affordable and higher end tackle, IMX was one of my stepping stones. The clean builds, crisp blanks, and gold highlight wraps of each new rod was a treat. Today, IMX is a little less rigid and exacting in appearance giving away to a motif that is more relaxed and accessible.

Gone are the black and gold wraps of the past and in is the new look IMX

Gold highlight wraps and graphics have been replaced by green and white respectively, but that classic full rear grip and foregrip of cork remain (at least with the 892C JWR). Where the vintage IMX inspires nostalgia, this new IMX feels more brash and lively like a refreshed series should. The 892C JWR is a seven foot, five inch (7'-5"), medium powered stick with an extra fast taper. It's built with a ten inch handle and is equipped with a full array of Fuji stainless steel guides with Alconite inserts.

Ready for some action paired with Okuma's new Hakai casting reel

Real World Tests: Initial tests with this rod were conducted while paired with Okuma's new Hakai casting reel spooled with 50lb Soft Steel Eminent Braid and a leader of 12lb Soft Steel Instinct FC Leader connected via an Albright knot. That is, until my 2022 Aldebaran BFS landed from Japan at which point it usurped the Hakai and the IMX-Pro 892C JWR became my latest BFS stick. Initial tests with the Aldebaran were conducted with the reel spooled with 20lb Yozuri SuperBraid and a leader of 6lb Seaguar Tatsu connected with a Uni to Uni knot. My connection knot game with light lines still needs work. The Uni to Uni is easy to tie and reliable, but not the slimmest in profile.

I really liked the way this stick handled Z-Man's new Mini-Max Chatterbait

Casting: Not all medium powered rods within G.Loomis are created equal. I still have in mind that a 2-power stick from this manufacturer equates to a lure rating of one quarter to five eighths of an ounce (1/4-5/8oz). This is the rating of the classic MBR842C. However, as you move around in the brands sub-series (MBR, JWR, Flip and Pitch, Crankbait, etc.) ratings by power change. That's how the 892C JWR transitioned from a general purpose medium powered rod paired with the Hakai, to a more finesse focused BFS rod paired with the 2022 Aldebaran BFS.

Haven't seen this seat in a while - Fuji's ECS reel seat

The good news is in whichever capacity you decide to use this IMX-Pro stick, it can handle it and just because it's in the "Jig and Worm" series and built with an extra-fast taper does not mean you can't also fish it with moving baits like small spinnerbaits and chatterbaits.

In fact, while paired with the Hakai, I was fishing it with Z-Man Fishing's new Mini-Max Chatterbait and the rod felt ideal in this application. The tip is surprisingly responsive with roll and sidearm casts firing that Mini-Max Chatterbait on target.

The 892C JWR comes with an open ended hook keeper

Switching things up to finesse presentations like Ned rigs and drop shot, the 892C JWR's length really helps in getting these lighter bait setups out on long casts - especially with a reel like the 2022 Aldebaran BFS. I don't recall my older IMX sticks being this versatile, but then again, it could just be some recency bias. Whatever the case may be, this stick actually surprised me with its versatility casting a variety of baits.

Switching things up to some BFS action with the new 2022 Aldebaran BFS proved to be the right move

Next Section: Sensitivity and Versatility...