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)

3. Rated 5 out of 5

   Don’t sleep on this fly rod, the G.Loomis IMX Pro V2 is a fly rod that will perform outside of your expectations. Just like the golfer that gets added to your threesome with the old bag and hodge-podge clubs that hits a 3-iron off the tee and takes everyone’s money, this rod has game. The IMX Pro V2 490 lands right where I like an all around 9 foot 4 weight to. Not too fast, not too slow, but very stable and even casting with a little bit extra “get out and go” from the tip. Stay in the middle of the line tapers and weights with this rod. In my hands, a SA Infinity is a little heavy and a SA Trout Expert is a little light. Rio Tech Trout, Gold, Gold XP and the SA Trout GP are where I would start. A very good rod for the money, the IMX Pro V2 490 is ready for a day of dry dropper fishing on your favorite freestone.

   Richard Post (Telluride Angler)

4. Rated 5 out of 5

   The IMX Pro 490 was awesome. A little on the quicker side of medium action, this thing responded well when I applied some power in my casting stroke and was able to slow down just as easily for a delicate presentation. A remarkable rod to be in the “mid-priced” category. This is the rod for a great time at a great price.

   Harry Kearney (Telluride Angler)