Why is graphite used in fishing rods?

Hi, ok many manufacturers use different graphite rating systems to describe their fishing rods. Im sure you have seen for example 70 million modulus(basspro rods), IM-9(Shimano Crucial), and the other is 36-ton Graphite(Abu Garcia Verdict). Each of these rating systems describe a different trade and are not similar in any case. Modulus describes the stiffness or backbone to the graphite used.

IM ratings like on higher end Shimano rods, describe the tonnage of graphite used in making of the rod, which also differentiates the quality of graphite. Higher the IM rating, higher the tonnage in the material. IM is just a rating that one manufacturer chose to use over the tonnage rating typically used, but they are the same thing. Graphite tonnage or IM rating as it escalates in value, mean better sensitivity, since less fibers are used in the structure of the fishing rod.

Finally to add to the modulus rating, I do not recommend buying a fishing rod based on it, as many other factors come into play when buying a truly fine tuned higher end rod.

Hope that helps

Anvar