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I was looking through bps spring fishing classic catalog and noticed the alot of their rods said for example: hm6 or im6 im8 hm9 or 50 million modulus. my question is what does it all mean? im geussing sensitivity of the blank?? and im guessing the higher number the better?
thanks
I don't know all of this, but the im# (I believe) refers to the thinness of the graphite layer. A rod is most sensitive if the graphite is really thin but still strong. I think most high-end rods like G Loomis are IM10. That said, Just because a rod is IM10, it might be poorly made causing less sensitivity or brittleness (breakable). My recommendation is to go to the store, and ask the guys there whether the rods are returned often. Ask about the rods' warranties, especially if you are prone to breaking rods. Then, hold rods by their handles and drag their tips across cracks in the floor at the shop. You should be able to feel differences in the sensitivity. A rod being well made means more than what ever that call their materials.
Loomis does not publish IM ratings on rods. I think the IM rating is a relative term but far from a scientific measure of sensitivity.
Also, for all the talk about sensitivity no one can come up with a mathmatical way to measure it.
As said by the last post, it tells you nothing of warrenty. It also tells you nothing of action of the rod, quality of components or weight.
I have not purchased a BPS rod in +5 years but have a bunch prior to that year.
My recommendation would be to get a mid-range branded rod such as a Shimano Crucial, Powel Max, Dobyn's Savvy series or even the Falcon bucco. You will be happier in the long run. If you want to splurge, get a Gloomis BCR803 GLX; used about $225. An incredible 6inch worm or 3/8oz jig rod but the action if for bottom bouncing lures only.
Or you could just buy a kistler helium (and i know the price is a little steep) and be done with it. I have used several diffrent rods and the best i have ever used are Loomis and Kistler. Just buy one and take really good care of it. however, kistler has an amazing warrenty on their rods.
Over the past 5 years, there's been a massive improvement in some of the less expensive rods, which previously were like fishing with a brick or a noodle. Don't rule out some of the cheaper rods, if warranty isn't important to you and the cost factor is. The BPS Carbonlites and the Abu Garcia Veritas rods are a few priced under $100 that have great sensitivity. As the previous posts said, these won't match the sensitivity of a Loomis GLX or IMX, but they are close.