A gloomis MBR783 IMX is a classic rod and a great place to start. If you don't want to afford an IMX then I would go with a Shimano Crucial or Powell Max bass rod. The Crucial and Powell approach the sensitivity of the Loomis IMX for much less money. Better rods can be had for the money of a GL or anything under the IMX line.

I have a nice set of Gloomis rods; mostly GLX. I'm hooked but the Powell and Crucial are very nice rods which I enjoy fishing as well.

In the Powell line, the 683Cef is a great rod. 6'8 MH, extra fast. Very nice tip on this rod with great power. Lighter then the Loomis rods because this rod does not have a foregrip and has a split grip in the rear.

Many people like the 6'10 MH extra fast Crucial. I think this would be a solid choice as well but a bit heavier then the loomis.

p.s. I buy virtually all my loomis rods on ebay. I normally pay about two thirds of retail and consider them a good value at this price. At full retail, I would think twice.