I am wanting to build a 6 weigh, 9' Loomus fly rod, either a GL3 or IMX. I have not seen either blank, however, from what I have read, the IMX has better performance, a dull finish, and is some what fragile. On the other hand, the GL3 has somewhat less performance, modulas, a coated finish and is not so fragile. In the past I have been using a Sage or Orvis rod, both about 10 years old, in Idaho. Are any of you familiar with either of these rod blanks and would be willing to offer an opinion? I want this rod to be the best!

As you move up the scale you generally get a blank that is a bit more efficient, thus more "performance," but it can come at a slight cost in durability.

The IMX blanks are not at all fragile, but you can't expect to toss them in the car trunk with your golf clubs. That would break any IMX, or GL3, for that matter.

The difference between the two is slight, although definite, on both counts.

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I have several IMX's,but mine are the discontinued 2pc models not the newer 3pc "Slate".

I can't comment on the newer IMX blanks,but many of the older ones were EXCEPTIONAL.They are very light weight,smooth,and crisp with an action on the fast side of medium fast I would say(haven't measured any with the CCS though).They are among my very favorite rods.

I've heard that the IMX's were considered more fragile as well,but mine certainly haven't been.I've banged them around in the boat,dropped them on rocks,hit them with bead heads,and all sorts over the past few years and they keep on ticking.

In fact,when I first built on one of my 6wts I actually messed up the finish on a guide and decided to cut it off and re do it.Unfortunately the razor blade slipped and it took a significant chunk(not just a cut,but litterally a chunk out of it that was well below the outer shell) out of the blank where the stripper guide foot was.I thought for sure the blank was a right off,in fact,I would have bet serious money on it,but,since the rod was finished anyways,I decided to wrap the stripper guide back on and hope for the best.That was several years ago and that same rod has seen some serious use,including casting a Teeny T-200 and landing hundreds of rainbows,pink salmon,and coho pushing 12lbs or more.

The IMX may be more fragile than some blanks,but they have been more than durable enough for me,and performance wise,they are definitely a step up from the GL3.They are lighter and crisper for sure.