On Wed, 15 Aug 2007 02:03:45 -0000, mdk77
wrote:

Another newbie question. Did the graphite rods progress from IM6 to
IM7 to the super-high modulus rods that are high-end models today? In
other words, was there a time when IM6 was the best graphite
available?

Just curious.

Quit worrying about what the sales department writes on or about rods.

Depending on your usage, "IMfiberglass" or "IMbamboo" are sometimes the
best things a rod can say, and IAC, "IMwhatevernumber" is not an
infallible measure of rods. If you really wish the whole story, Google
up either or both of "Hercules graphite" and/or "Hexcel graphite" with
the term "fishing rod" and bore yourself to tears. Basically,
"IM(number)" started as a name, admittedly related to a physical
property, for a specific manufacturer's product line/series (Hercules)
of raw material, which IIRC _they_ no longer even make.

Buying a rod based solely on "IMwhatever" is much like buying a car
based solely on which of many alloy/classification/property descriptor
numbers the fenders are made. The main difference being is that rod
"makers" have managed to turn it into a reason to cause people to
upgrade to the "NEW AND IMPROVED!!" model whereas carmakers haven't
(yet), although some have tried a similar scheme overall - Lincoln
Mark-whatever, Datsun/Nissan 240, 260, 280, 300, whateverZ, etc.

TC,
R