Sensitivity: One area I was pleased to discover things haven't changed is sensitivity. The 892C JWR's tip transmits bite pickups with the lightest baits extremely well. We were on one bite during a trip where the fish were in stealth mode picking up baits so softly, in pressure bite after pressure bite. I decided to change tactics a little and drag my ned rig instead of hopping it along the bottom. That move proved deadly for the fish because that light, responsive tip of the 892C JWR jumped at every inhale immediately increasing my catch rate.

Fig 1 : The chart above illustrates the deflection characteristics of our G.Loomis IMX-Pro 892C JWR against the historical averages of similarly powered rods we've tested over the past twenty years

Power: Fish battles with the IMX-Pro 892C JWR are exhilarating as are most light line battles. Thanks to its softer than expected blank, I really came to enjoy fishing this stick with finesse tactics. Its extra length (compared to most of my finesse rods) really helped put extra pressure on feisty fish which led to better control.

This rod's extra-fast taper helps with sensitivity and hooksets, but its softer overall power still allows for secure battles with a six pound leader. The more I fished this stick, the more I was impressed with how suitable it was in this application.

Checking out that tip

Design & Ergonomics: With its conservative build featuring a full rear grip and decorative foregrip, the IMX-Pro 892C JWR comes in with a slightly heavier than average build weight of four point six ounces (4.6oz). Following suit with its longer length, balance and tip-heavy metrics are also above average. So on our spreadsheet, ergonomics aren't great, but out on the water none of these metrics really had me feeling the rod was uncomfortable to fish. Quite the contrary, the IMX-Pro 892C JWR feels light, sufficiently crisp, and very responsive in hand.

The foregrip pays homage to the original styling of IMX while introducing its new rebellious side

As I mentioned earlier in terms of graphics, this is not the same IMX as previous generations. I'm not sure if the change to white graphics with green wraps was made when G.Loomis transitioned to IMX-Pro or if that was done prior to this refresh, but it's all simply a matter of taste and personal preference. The updated look likely appeals more to today's up and coming angler where the older motif is more classic and very much nostalgia.

Guides are Fuji SS/Alconites

Price & Applications: G. Loomis IMX-Pro sticks range in price from about $365 - $400 depending on the model. The 892C JWR retails for $365. Considering this is a stick with Fuji SS/Alconite guides, that seems on the high side, but taking into account these sticks are all still assembled at the G.Loomis factory in Washington State on blanks rolled in that same facility, it's just kind of the price of doing business Stateside.

If you're looking for a solid, no nonsense performer that might just surprise you with versatility, this IMX-Pro 892C JWR is worth checking out

Conclusion: This IMX-Pro 892C JWR might not conjure the same nostalgia the classic black and gold IMX of yesteryear does for me, but it fishes very familiar to that old school series. For me, with IMX, it's always been about that crisp, responsive tip - even more so than GLX. Don't get me wrong, GLX remains a favorite and a top performer, but the blanks tend to be a little softer than their IMX counterparts. Those familiar with G.Loomis rods know of what I speak. IMX has always been more stout but with a crisp, responsive tip. This new 892C JWR has that familiar tip. The backbone isn't quite the same, but it was certainly sufficient in my applications. If you're looking for a solid, no nonsense performer that might just surprise you with versatility, this IMX-Pro 892C JWR is worth checking out.

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