Maybe somebody can help me out here.
I am currently using a 1025C and 1025S GL3.
I am planning to purchase a longer rod (not too long)and have narrowed it down to 2. The two rods are the IMX STR1084c or the GL3 STR 1143c. Like the length of the 1143 (9'6") better but I like the IMX graphite of the 1084.
I am mostly drifting and started jigs.
Any input will be helpful and thank you.

I fish an IMX 1084c in the winter and float fish about 50% of the time. Its a great rod and drift fishes great. As far as float fishing goes its OK. Somtimes I wish I had somthing a little longer but it does the job. The biggest problem ive had with it is the reaction time to the take down when using floats. It shines when float fishing in small rivers but when you get on big water and have allot of line out thats when you run into ploblems.

I fyour going to use it for both than its a good choice. I dont have an 1143 but have heard lots of good things.

Check out the "GL3 1263C; Any Reviews" thread below.

Aerofly,

If you are going to do any float fishing at all I would probably suggest that you go w/ the 1143.... the extra six inches really helps you control your line....

TH
www.thcustomrods.com

Aerofly;
I use a Lamiglas X 10 MTC-T, and I'm really happy with it. Casts very well, good distance & accuracy. It has plenty of spine to work a fish, and the tip is extra sensitive for telegraphing the bottom, plug action, strikes... and line control when playing a fish. I recommend you check it out before committing.

1143$ is an awesome rod for floats or drift fishing,if someone wanted to fish 1 rod for different situations I would suggest this rod,length and action are superb it will handle everything you throw at it,just my.02.......Os

------------------
Row Quietly and fish a Cataraft
Release all Wild Fish----<'))>>{

1143 without a doubt!!!I fished my 1143 last year for eveything and it is sensitive yet has the back bone for big fish.For an overall versitile rod the 1143 can't be beat. TM

TH- I heard they were going to take the 1143 off the market! have you heard anything about this?

[This message has been edited by Timber man (edited 01-10-2001).]

I recently purchased a 1143 thanx to the expert advice of Reiter Rat and I am kicking myself for not buying one sooner. Brian from this board got one at the same time I did and he loves his too. Parker felt left out and had to get one as well. After fishing with the 1143 which is 9 1/2 ft., I made a few casts with the 1024, 8 1/2 ft., and it felt like a little bass rod. The extra length really makes a difference for line control. I can see that it would also make an excellent multi-purpose rod for floats and spoons too!

Justin
CEO, Sauk River Steelhead Ranch

TM... I have not heard that? I have quite a few on order right now.. I would feel bead if they are the last I can get. I can't imagine why they would do that. The 1143 is probably our top selling rod this year.

I'll dig around and see what I can find.

TH
www.thcustomrods.com

When I fish, I carry the GL3 ll43c and the IMX 1082s. I end up using the 1143 about 80% of the time. It is a super all around rod. The 1143 is rated for slightly higher lb. test line than the 1082, although they do overlap a good bit. I don't know the rating for the 1084, although it sounds as if it's probably fairly equivalent to the 1143. That might affect your choice, if you haven't considered it. As voiced above, the 1143's a great drift rod and its extra 6 inches makes quite a bit of difference for float fishing. It is a good float rod for short to medium distance. If you plan to get heavily into float fishing, you'll probably end up wanting something longer. This is what has prompted my interest (now bordering on lust), for the GL3 STR 1263c. And the 1143 is not overly long for some of the tighter situations you might encounter along the banks of most rivers.

I use the 1082 for situations calling for lighter presentations. I agree with the above that it's not long enough for long (or even medium) distance float presentations. It is fine for close-in float fishing. There is nothing like catching a good fish on that rod.

If I had to choose one rod, I think it would be the 1143. I certainly hope Loomis is not considering taking it out of production. As far as I can tell, it's one of the most popular steelheading rods out there.

By the way, props to Auburn Sports and Marine. I broke my 1143 on the Kalama last Friday. I took the rod to AS&M on Saturday and the good people there simply took a new one down off the rack and handed it to me. No fuss, no bother, no paperwork, no hassles. That's why I bought my rods there and that's why I'll buy the 1263 from them.

[This message has been edited by T Dodge (edited 01-12-2001).]

[This message has been edited by T Dodge (edited 01-12-2001).]

Travis
If you find out they are discontinuing it let me know as I want more before there gone.

Bob D.

When I heard the rumor that G.Loomis was going to discontinue the 1143, about six months ago, I e-mailed them about this. They answered back that they had not heard this rumor and had no intention of discontinuing the 1143.

I had a chance to try a buddy's 1143 while on vacation on the 'lip ... VERY NICE, I'll give it a thumbs up. And, as nice as IMX (or GLX) rods fish ... they aren't very durable, so keep that in mind

Thanks Keta I don't know if I could live without my 1143

Thank you guys for all the input.
I can see already what everyone prefers,
and will take that advice . thank you.

I have the 1143,1084, and 1025. One thing that I will say is the 1084 is by far my favorite. The reason I say this is the 1143 tends to lose a little feel just above the handle because it is 9.5 feet long. You must remember that is a long ways to transfer feel through graphite. While the 1084 is a rod you use in the same conditions yet it feels more precise. It has more of a sudden response, everything feels sharp and precise. I probably use my 1084 80% of the time. If I fish heavier water I go to my 1025.
keith

------------------By the way has anyone tried the new titanium rod from lamiglas???


[This message has been edited by stlhdr1 (edited 01-11-2001).]