The query surrounding whether an IM8 rod is "Bobby approved" stems from two entirely separate, well-known concepts in different industries. Understanding each independently is crucial to clarifying the situation.
What is IM8 in Fishing Rods?
IM8 refers to a specific rating for the modulus of graphite used in the construction of fishing rod blanks. Modulus is a measure of a material's stiffness relative to its weight.
- Higher Modulus = Stiffer and Lighter: Rod manufacturers use less material to achieve the same stiffness with higher modulus graphite (e.g., IM8 vs. IM6), resulting in a lighter rod.
- Sensitivity: This lightweight stiffness translates into superior sensitivity, allowing anglers to detect even the most subtle bites or changes in bottom structure.
- Performance vs. Durability Trade-off: While IM8 rods offer high performance, the trade-off is often a slightly increased risk of breakage if mishandled, compared to more flexible but heavier fiberglass rods.
Many reputable brands use IM8 graphite in their high-performance rod lines, such as the Lew's KVD IM8 spinning rod or various fly fishing rods. However, it's worth noting that "IM" ratings can sometimes be used as a marketing term rather than an official, universal industry standard. The actual quality and performance depend heavily on the manufacturer's specific engineering and blending processes.
Characteristics of IM8 Graphite Rods
IM8 rods are popular for techniques requiring high sensitivity, such as jigging or using soft plastics. They offer a fantastic balance of strength, power, and a fast action that helps with quick hook sets.
What Does 'Bobby Approved' Mean?
The phrase "Bobby Approved" is a trademarked term associated with Bobby Parrish of the popular food and wellness brand FlavCity. It refers to a strict set of criteria for food products and ingredients sold in grocery stores.
Products can be scanned using the "Bobby Approved" app to determine if they meet his 10 "commandments" of clean eating. These commandments are focused purely on nutritional quality and the absence of harmful additives, not on fishing equipment standards.
The 10 Commandments of Bobby Approved Ingredients
- Free of seed oils
- Free of refined or artificial sugars
- Free of harmful preservatives
- Free of GMO's
- Free of artificial or "natural" flavors
- Free of harmful pesticide and chemicals
- Free of artificial food colorings
- Free of ultra processed ingredients
- Free of harmful toxins
- Free of harmful fragrances
These criteria are applied to items like multivitamins, granola bars, and other consumables, ensuring consumers can make healthier choices at a glance.
IM8 vs. Bobby Approved: A Comparison
Comparing the two concepts highlights why the initial question is flawed. They exist in entirely different domains with no shared metrics.
| Feature | IM8 Fishing Rods | "Bobby Approved" Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Industry | Fishing/Outdoor Gear | Food & Wellness |
| Purpose | High-performance rod material | Clean ingredient verification |
| Metric | Modulus (stiffness/weight ratio) | Absence of harmful additives/processing |
| Governing Body | Manufacturers' internal standards | FlavCity (Bobby Parrish) criteria |
| Evaluation Method | Physical performance testing (casting, strength) | Ingredient label scanning and analysis |
| Official Approval? | Yes, by specific rod manufacturers | Yes, via the official app/website |
Conclusion
An IM8 fishing rod blank is a high-quality, lightweight, and sensitive piece of fishing equipment. The "Bobby Approved" standard is a helpful guide for making healthy food choices at the grocery store. There is no intersection between these two concepts. An IM8 fishing rod is not something that would ever be submitted for a "Bobby Approved" rating, as the criteria are irrelevant to the product. Anglers can rest assured that a quality IM8 rod will perform well on the water, while a separate app is needed for their grocery run.
