For a freshwater bass setup, the St. Croix Black Bass RIC70MHMF is a useful starting comparison if you want a 7-foot, medium-heavy, moderate-fast casting rod rated for 3/8–3/4-ounce lures. Choose the G. Loomis IMX-PRO 812C SBR for the shorter, narrower-range specialist, the 873C SBR for a longer specialist, or Black Bass RIC71MHF2 when a two-piece rod is a practical requirement.
These are specification-based picks for conventional skirted, wire-arm spinnerbaits in freshwater bass fishing. We have not measured casting distance, bite detection, catch rates or breaking strength. Small in-line trout spinners, large musky baits and saltwater tackle need their own rod selection.
The four rods at a glance
Read the whole model code before ordering. Each choice below is one casting rod, with no reel or lure included in the comparison. The two-piece St. Croix is one rod made from two sections, not a two-rod pack.
| Exact rod | Length; power; action | Line rating | Lure rating | Pieces; best-fit comparison |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| St. Croix Black Bass RIC70MHMF | 7 ft; medium heavy; moderate fast | 12–20 lb | 3/8–3/4 oz | 1; starting comparison for a moderate-fast preference |
| G. Loomis IMX-PRO 812C SBR, SKU 13231-01 | 6 ft 9 in; medium; extra fast | 10–17 lb | 3/8–1/2 oz | 1; shorter specialist with a narrow lure range |
| G. Loomis IMX-PRO 873C SBR, SKU 13232-01 | 7 ft 3 in; medium heavy; extra fast | 12–20 lb | 1/2–3/4 oz | 1; longer spinnerbait specialist |
| St. Croix Black Bass RIC71MHF2 | 7 ft 1 in; medium heavy; fast | 12–20 lb | 3/8–3/4 oz | 2; transport-focused alternative |
The listed lure range is a selection limit, not a promise that every spinnerbait with that number on the packet will feel identical. Account for the complete rig you will cast, including a soft-plastic trailer. Choose around the lure weights and line sizes you use most often rather than the word “spinnerbait” alone.
1. St. Croix Black Bass RIC70MHMF: moderate-fast starting point
The Black Bass RIC70MHMF pairs a 7-foot length with medium-heavy power, moderate-fast action, 12–20-pound line and a 3/8–3/4-ounce lure range. It is a one-piece casting model with a split-grip handle. Those specifications make it our first comparison for anglers who want this action and range in a straightforward freshwater bass rod.
Its distinguishing feature here is the moderate-fast action, rather than a higher lure ceiling: the two-piece Black Bass alternative has the same published 3/8–3/4-ounce range. If you already prefer a fast action, compare that alternative or another exact fast model instead of assuming moderate fast is universally better.
The one-piece length is the practical drawback. Check that a 7-foot rod can be stored and transported without bending it into a small space. Also verify that the selected item is RIC70MHMF; the Black Bass family contains many casting and spinning models with substantially different ratings.
2. G. Loomis IMX-PRO 812C SBR: shorter specialist
The current IMX-PRO 812C SBR, SKU 13231-01 is a 6-foot-9-inch, medium-power, extra-fast, one-piece casting rod rated for 10–17-pound line and 3/8–1/2-ounce lures. G. Loomis positions this shorter spinnerbait model for tight, precise casts around cover; that is the maker’s intended use, not a measured accuracy result from us.
The maker lists a graphite blank, AA cork grip material and Fuji Alconite guides in its variant details, plus a carbon-infused CI4+ reel seat in the product features. These give you concrete construction points to compare, but they do not establish how the rod will balance with your particular reel.
The narrow 3/8–1/2-ounce range is the key reason to skip it if your usual rig is heavier. A model intended for spinnerbaits is still not permission to exceed its rating. Confirm SKU 13231-01 on the current listing; an older IMX-PRO listing or a similarly named jerkbait rod must not inherit these specifications.
3. G. Loomis IMX-PRO 873C SBR: longer specialist
The IMX-PRO 873C SBR, SKU 13232-01 is a 7-foot-3-inch, medium-heavy, extra-fast casting rod. Its one-piece construction, 12–20-pound line rating and 1/2–3/4-ounce lure rating distinguish it from the shorter 812C SBR.
G. Loomis presents the longer model as the distance-oriented alternative to the short model’s close-quarters role. Consider it when you want that longer layout and routinely fish within its heavier lure window. We cannot promise a particular distance gain: reel setup, lure shape, wind and casting technique still belong in your comparison.
It is not the most versatile choice for a box dominated by lighter spinnerbaits: its lower listed limit is 1/2 ounce, compared with 3/8 ounce for the other three picks. Its full 7-foot-3-inch length also requires more transport space than the two-piece St. Croix.
4. St. Croix Black Bass RIC71MHF2: two-piece choice
Choose Black Bass RIC71MHF2 when a two-piece casting rod is an important part of the purchase. It is 7 feet 1 inch assembled, medium heavy and fast, with 12–20-pound line and 3/8–3/4-ounce lure ratings. The final “2” matters: RIC71MHF is the one-piece version in the same maker table.
Its fit in this shortlist comes from the published power, action and lure range, with separable sections for transport. It is a general bass-rod alternative rather than a manufacturer-labeled spinnerbait specialist. We have not tested its joint, measured packed length or established equal sensitivity to a one-piece rod.
Do not confuse it with RIC70MHMF: the two-piece model is an inch longer and fast rather than moderate fast. Check the fully written code, section count and casting configuration in the seller’s selection before paying.
Choose power and action separately
G. Loomis describes action as how and where the blank bends, while referring to power as firmness. Its conventional-rod guide contrasts fast action’s light tip with moderate-fast action’s deeper flex. A “medium-heavy” label therefore does not tell you whether the action is moderate fast, fast or extra fast.
There is no single action in this comparison that is best for every angler. The two technique-specific G. Loomis models are extra fast; the St. Croix alternatives show how moderate-fast and fast options can occupy similar line and lure ranges. Use your preferred feel, actual tackle and fishing space to narrow the choice, then handle the rod with your intended reel if possible.
A useful buying checklist
- Match the complete lure: use the weight of the ready-to-cast spinnerbait and trailer. If you cannot establish how the lure maker’s nominal weight relates to the full rig, ask the rod or lure maker before buying a rod near its upper limit.
- Stay within the intended setup: compare the listed line and lure ranges together. A stronger line label does not turn a lighter rod into a heavy-cover lifting tool.
- Buy the right configuration: these four picks are casting rods. Check reel-seat fit with your intended baitcasting reel; do not substitute a similarly named spinning rod or assume a reel comes in the box.
- Allow for transport: three picks are one piece and the RIC71MHF2 is two piece. Measure your available storage and confirm the seller’s packed dimensions where transport space is tight.
- Check delivery and return terms: inspect the tip, guide inserts, blank and any joint promptly after delivery. Keep the exact model and seller paperwork; do not rely on an old blanket warranty statement.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best starting rod for spinnerbaits?
The Black Bass RIC70MHMF is our starting comparison for a 7-foot medium-heavy rod with moderate-fast action and a 3/8–3/4-ounce range. Choose another model when your preferred action, lure weight or transport needs differ.
Can I use the same rod for very light in-line spinners?
Do not assume so. The lowest published lure rating among these picks is 3/8 ounce. If your ready-to-cast lure is lighter, look for an appropriately rated setup rather than buying from this shortlist by the word “spinner” alone.
Should I choose fast or moderate-fast action?
First match lure and line ratings, then compare action and your preferred feel. Action describes the part of the blank that bends; it is separate from power. This shortlist includes moderate-fast, fast and extra-fast rods without claiming one is universally superior.
Is the two-piece model a pair of rods?
No. Black Bass RIC71MHF2 is one assembled 7-foot-1-inch rod made from two sections. Its published power is medium heavy and action is fast.
Do these choices include a reel?
This comparison selects individual casting-rod models. Budget separately for a compatible reel and tackle, and verify exactly what the seller includes rather than mistaking a family listing or photograph for a combo offer.
