IM6 VRS IM7

[Phil]

WHAT REALLY IS THE BASIC FEEL DIFFERENCE IN ALL THIS IM6 IM7 STUFF........AND NOW IM8 I HEAR ?? I TALK TO SO MANY AND I CAN'T SEE WHAT MAKES ONE BETTER THAN THE OTHER ?

[Ken C.]

Well Mr. Jigs, the way I understand it (and I have felt the difference in comparing different rods) is the "IM" numbers are a rating of the MODULUS of the graphite used to make the blank. A higher Modulus will give you more stiffness and I feel a bit more sensitivity over a lower modulus. Such as an IM6 would probably make a good crankbait or blade rod where an IM8 would be better for wormin' or jiggin'. Along with stiffness come brittleness, so an IM8 or IM10 rod will snap alot easier than an IM6 when stressed quickly or "shocked", but because of that property you will probably mave more feedback from your bait with the higher modulus rod!

Here is a link to a nice, short description and explanation of some graphite and rod characteristics (go to page 3 to read about graphite):
All-Star Rod University.

Hope that helps!

[Phil]

WELL KEN, WHAT I WAS TRYING TO HONESTLY ASK I THINK IS THIS;

WHY YOU FISHERMEN USE THE DIFFERENT RODS, I ALREADY UNDERSTAND AND KNOW THE PRINCIPALS OF IT ALL. I KINDA WANT A LOOK AT IT FROM YOUR GUYS PROSPECTIVE OF IT, WHY THIS, WHY THAT. I KNOW WHY I USE CERTIAN RODS , BUT THATS JUST ME !

[Ken C.]

I think you'll get as many different answers to that question as you do responses ! I think the very traights of the different graphite compounds are why folks buy all the different rods! Of course I am far from knowledgeable on this subject, but my considerations when buying a rod are what am I going to use it for, how does it feel, and how much does it cost. Personally I have mostly IM8 rods (in med and med/hvy) which I feel are stiff enough for the delta but still somewhat sensitive (I say "somewhat" because none of my rods are the high-priced models!) I do have a couple of softer rods which I use for cranking, but they doesn't see a whole lotta fishing time! Hopefully you'll get mote input.

[rob allen]

Well I work for a fishing rod manufacturer and i am thinking about creating a side business of my own doing bass rods. Here is what i can tell you about graphite materials..

IM stands for intermediate modulous these will range from about 30- about 45 millionths mod. maybe slightly higer can't remember off the top of my head..

high modulous gets a lot of attention because it is something that can be marketed. There is no difference in the quality of the materials. Now what you never hear is that there is a lot more to this game than the materials you use.. there is the resin system, the scrim, and the fibercount all of which affect the rods strength and stiffness. You could have to im6 materials build the same rod out of each and have them feel completely different because of any of the three..
likewise i could take an IM6, change the design and have it feel exactly like an IM8 rod or for that matter a rod made out of a HM graphite..
there are so many variables in rod design that it cannot be simplified to the material alone.

[Phil]

THERE YA GO

THANK YOU ROB !!