Good Afternoon guys,

My dad would like a 9’0”, 4-wt fly rod and I was hoping to get some advice into which direction would be best as I don’t have much experience building fly rods. He is looking for an overall general use rod for smaller to mid sized streams, and primarily tossing size 12-16 dry flies and nymphs.

He is interested in either the NFC LMX FAF904, or the F904 Classic because he’s looking to only spend about $130 for the blank. From my research, it appears that the consensus is the LMX is a bit faster that what the ratings show, but can be compared to an NRX in terms of quality. The classic is more of a true - weight rated rod and comparable to the old IMX Pros.

I’m hoping to get some advice on deciding between the LMX and the Classic from those more experienced than I.

Thank you everyone for your wealth of knowledge and willingness to put up with a rookie builder

Have the classic and Gama Alpha. Alpha is more on the moderate side and very light. Classic a touch faster, heavier and more powerful. They are both very nice casters. Can’t help with the FAF 904.

I just made an LMX 9' 5wt. It is a very fast rod and prefers a line that is 1/2 overweight. I would not recommend LMX to someone who does not want or like a fast rod. I have not cast them, but from what I have heard, I would say go with a Classic or spend a bit more and get the Gamma Alpha.

The F904 is my recommendation. I have built a number of them for customers and fish one myself.

I agree with Phil, the blanks however remind me much more of the original more modern GLX patterns which I like vs the early IMX rods which were not one of my favorites. There was a night and day difference between the two.

Thank you, gentlemen. I passed the info along and he decided to go with a St Croix C4F904-4 since he wanted a colored blank.

But based on the input, I ended up getting a F904 for myself. It’ll be a good addition to my RevF662wt and an Orvis Clearwater 8’6” 5wt.

That St. Croix is a good blank. I had a late friend grab one of mine when he wrecked the leader on his Sage at the top of a really nice run. He assumed it was my Thomas and Thomas and remarked how nice that brand fishes. I saw no need to disturb his cosmos with a clarification. I selected it for the build because it had a similar action to the rod he thought he was holding.

Spencer, I never was able to learn to enjoy my IMX and swapped out of it to buy a Horizon II.

By St. Croix you mean a blank from Rod Geeks?

I was looking at the Rod Geeks site and most of their fly rod offerings seem sold out. I wonder what is going on?

david taylor Wrote:
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> By St. Croix you mean a blank from Rod Geeks?
>
> I was looking at the Rod Geeks site and most of
> their fly rod offerings seem sold out. I wonder
> what is going on?

Yes, RodGeeks blank. I saw that a lot of their fly rods were out of stock too. Hopefully it’s just due to builders trying to squeeze something in before the spring arrives.. I sent an email to RodGeeks asking for an update or if the line is being discontinued because their site won’t accept an email to be notified when they’re in stock. I will provide an update if I hear back from them.

If you call St. Croix they will likely transfer you to Deb S. who handles Rod Geeks questions with outstanding service.