Dan

I bought a new Avid with the IPC technology last year. Although you asked about a 9' 4wt, the one I bought was a 9' 6wt 4 pc. I really like this rod! I use it as my go to smallie rod. I took it with me last year on a trip to CO in the event the wind came up. Which it never did.

I am sure you are aware that St Croix no longer makes the Imperial. It was replaced by the Reign series. I have not fished with the Imperial, but a friend of mine has a 7 1/2' wt and loves it. He fishes it primarily in our northern spring creeks for trout. The Imperial is more of a moderate action rod, where the Avid is moderate - fast.

Hope this helps.