I'm looking to build a 9' 5 wt 3 piece rod and am looking at the Loomis IMX and the Dan Craft Signature V. I was going to build the Dan Craft but he is out of them and will not have them for a while. What opinions does everyone have in comparing these two or what other sources of Dan Craft are there than directly from Dan Craft?

Thank you.

Ed,

The old IMX blanks are for the most part gone and a comparison may be difficult but from what I recall, The Signature V blanks were a little more like the old GLX blanks and the Signature IV blanks were very close to the old IMX series. Weights were similar too if I remember correctly.

Dan Craft
Dan Craft Enterprises

Ed,
Dan's correct I have one of the early GLX rods and it is very similar to the Sig V in performance/weight.

When the latest version of the IMX, (Slate, 3pc.) came out there was a lot of complaint about the blanks. Many were crooked and not up to previous IMX standards. This may have been corrected since that time but I found other blanks including Dan's that clearly are better to build quality rods on.

Stan Grace
Helena, MT
"Our best is none too good"

I have built and fished both. I now fish with the Sig V and the IMX is for backup only. The IMX is a newer (Slate) and the though it's still a nice rod, I would wait for Dan to restock. If I remember correctly Rocky Mountain Rodbuilding had some in stock last time I looked. They use to be a sponsor, but they are no longer listed.

Good luck

I would be careful dealing with Rocky Mountain Rodbuilding. They currently owe me about $60 in backordered merchandise and won't answer emails or the phone.

Ed, I would definately wait for Dan to get some more in stock. I know that you will be happier with the quality control on his products than you will with GLoomis. It sounds like the blanks are pretty close from the replies you received and if the remaining factors are quality and customer service, I don't think there is any contest.

Jeff Hunter

Thanks for the input. I really wanted to try the Signature V for my 5 wt. but I'm not sure I can wait until he has stock in. I was trying to get it built before the browns move up on the shoals in late October, early November in Arkansas. I too have had trouble getting Rocky Mountain to call me. Anyone know of another source for the Signature V that still might be in stock?

My first two rods were a 7'6" 5 wt and 7'6" 3wt H&H IM6. The first two tries have a few cosmetic issues that bug me but both perform well and feel great. In fact, I liked the H&H 7'6" 3wt so much I've ordered a 9' 3 wt. For my 5 wt I wanted to try a more expensive rod as now I can't stand my White River 8'6" 5 wt from Bass Pro. It feels like a heavy stick in my hand and I now realize how little I could feel the rod load until I used the H&H.

Thank you.