Has anyone built an SJ9000-2-MHX 7'6" blank, and how would you compare it to an 4S76MLF for action and power?

According to Mud Hole, the SJ9000 was designed to mimic the G Loomis IMX HS-9000. That being the case, it isn't ANYTHING like the St Croix blank you mentioned ... the former is a hotshot taper and the latter a spin/jig. For what it is worth, nothing is quite like the HS9000 - it has a very light tip and incredibly strong butt section.

We don't "hotshot" around here Jim. Not too many salmon in the Mississippi!

So it sounds like the butt on the MHX blank is probably MUCH stiffer than the butt section on the St. Croix?

The rod I have in mind will be for dragging light jigs and for Carolina rigging live bait.

Thanks.

Dan

Dan -- The SJ 9000 MHX will be a great blank for what you are wanting to do with it. Due to the blank being called a "Hot Shot" model and folks not knowing what a Hot Shot blank actually was, is the main reason we changed the designation to SJ. For what it's worth, the SJ 9000 MHX is as close to being identical to the HS 9000 as you will ever try to find. The SJ 9000 MHX is a very versatile blank that can be used for multiple fishing applications.

Bob McKamey
bobm@mudhole.com

Thanks Bob!

When you have a minute could you pull both SJ9000-2 and the 4S76MLF and compare the action and power for me? This is more of a St Croix part of the country and I'm not that familier with GLoomis' actions.

Thanks.

Dan

Dan,
are you looking for a 1 pc. or 2 pc. model here?

Todd

Regards,
Todd Vivian
Mud Hole Custom Tackle

todd@mudhole.com

I've built a several hot shots, and I found hot shot rods to be nothing more than a longer, fast action bass blank, they have more "give" due to the lengths, but are very comparable to many bass blanks. They do VERY well as blanks for guys that like longer smallmouth bass rods that tend to throw lighter lures. Just something in my head......

DR

Dan - Did not have the 2 pc. 9000 to compare, only the 1 pc. version. Tips are very similar. The mid-section to the butt of the 9000 is just a little more powerful than the St. Croix.

Bob McKamey
bobm@mudhole.com

Thanks Bob! I appreciate you taking the time to compare the blanks for me during this busy time of the year, and I'll be ordering the 9000.

DR - I forgot to say that I plan to use this rod for walleyes (therefore the mention of live bait) but the smallies will no doubt make some guest appearances, and now that you mention it I will try targeting SM with this rod. Should be fun!

Dan