St. Croix Avid vs. G. Loomis IMX-Pro
- Contenders
- 2
- Spec
- 7'0" MH Fast Casting
- Price band
- $265–$390
Park Falls, Wisconsin against Woodland, Washington: the two American rod-building traditions, compared on the most universal bass spec there is. The Avid is St. Croix's SCIII+ workhorse below its Legend tiers; the IMX-PRO 843C MBR is Loomis' application-specific Mag Bass taper. Both are 7' MH fast casting rods; the Avid rates 3/8–1 oz on 12–20 lb, the MBR 1/4–3/4 oz on 10–17.
Open in the compare tool →Each spoke: percentile rank among all casting rods(n=7,828). Dashed ring = cohort median.
| Spec | St. Croix ASFC70MHF | G. Loomis IMX-PRO 843C MBR |
|---|---|---|
| Series● | Avid Series | IMX Pro Bass Mbr |
| Length | 7' | 7' |
| Power | MH | MH |
| Action | F | F |
| Lure● | 3/8–1oz | 1/4–3/4oz |
| Line● | 12–20lb | 10–17lb |
| Pieces | 1 | 1 |
| MSRP● | $265 | $390 |
| Buy | Buy from St. Croix | Buy on Amazon |
● = specs differ. We may earn a commission from purchases made through affiliate links.
The verdicts
The Avid is the working angler's American rod
At $265 the Avid brings US-made construction, a heavier 3/8–1 oz window that carries spinnerbaits and swim jigs honestly, and St. Croix's famously generous warranty culture. It is the do-more rod of the pair: one 7' MH Avid covers blades, jigs, and Texas rigs without complaint. If you want American craftsmanship as an everyday tool rather than an event, this is the pick.
Full specs: St. Croix ASFC70MHF →The IMX-Pro is the specialist's taper
The MBR taper is Loomis doctrine: a fast action that loads progressively through the mid, built specifically for bottom-contact and single-hook moving baits. It is lighter and appreciably more sensitive than the Avid, with the tighter 1/4–3/4 oz window of a rod that knows its job. The $125 premium buys feel and pedigree; spend it if jigs and plastics dominate your deck.
Full specs: G. Loomis IMX-PRO 843C MBR →Frequently asked questions
Both are US-made, so what's actually different? ▾
Blank philosophy. St. Croix builds the Avid as a versatile all-rounder on SCIII+ graphite; Loomis builds the MBR as a technique taper with a narrower, more refined job. The Avid flexes to your fishing; the IMX-Pro asks your fishing to meet it.
What are the upgrade paths from each? ▾
From the Avid: St. Croix's Legend Tournament and Legend Elite. From the IMX-Pro: the GLX and NRX+ versions of the same tapers, compared on our Loomis ladder page.