G.Loomis IMX-Pro V2 490-4

Reviews

1. Rated 4 out of 5

   The IMX Pro V2 490/4 is surprisingly light for a rod under $600.00. It is not as powerful as other 4wt rods from G Loomis but is a great caster. The rod forms a nice loop in close and is fairly predictable. Though I wouldn’t choose this rod over an Asquith 490/4 or NRX+ 490/4 for longer shots, it performs well up to about 60 feet. Being a shade softer it will mend and roll cast great and is a rod that a wide range of anglers will fish well. If you’re looking for a stiff, ultra-tight loop 4wt this is not the rod for you. It is more of an open loop caster that will stand out against other 4wt rods in terms of feel. I first cast this rod with the SA Amplitude Smooth Infinity but would recommend something just a shade lighter like a Rio Elite Gold. If you plan on using it as a dry fly specific rod, consider fishing the Rio Elite Technical Trout.

   Parker Thompson (Telluride Angler)

2. Rated 5 out of 5

   This light and crisp 4-weight will impress the most discerning angler. Loomis just makes great 9’ 4-weights. I threw it with an SA Infinity taper and would recommend this combination to almost anyone, although a Rio Technical Trout would swing even lighter for throwing dry flies. It forms a natural tight loop in short and handles a lengthening fly line progressively and intuitively. I would call this rod “fast,” but not “extra-fast,” an action that lends itself to dry flies and light dry-dropper rigs. On longer casts, the butt section tightens up nicely with a gentle double haul, enough to provide an extra kick for turning over dry flies with long leaders, in the wind or at distance.

   John Duncan (Telluride Angler)