TigerBassAU

I have seen the same Loomis rods vary in weight as much as 5% in the same series. A good starting point would be that the GCX will weight 15-25% more than the same rod in an NRX. 15-20% for rods shorter than 7 foot and 20-25% for rods 7' and longer. I have/had some old E6x rods that the GCX replaced and found this to be true. You can find a lot of NRX weights by model # online to get a reference weight to start at. Tackle Tour has 19 pages of rod weights in their rod forum with NRX/Conquest weights. For example, my Gen 1 894 E6X weights 5.19 oz. Most NRX 894 are listed as 4.3 - 4.4oz.

853 matches your request but another more diverse option is the 843 mbr.

The 844 has a softer tip and deeper flex making it suitable for anything in its weight range. Some like it better for 1/2 oz football jigs due to it's loading ability vs JWR. I would say power wise the 844 and 854 are very similar. Spec wise the 844 weights more but balances better due to the full cork grip which is also slightly longer than split grip length of JWR. The 873 NRX is another popular option if you like something a little longer and more powerful than the 854 but not 894 power.

854 is a 3/8-1/2 jig rod. Great for skipping, big worms in cover, etc. 894 is a more powerful 1/2-3/4 jig rod. Great for pitching heavy cover, 5-6 inch plastic swimbaits, and even light A rigs. Very different rods although lure ratings are the same. If I wanted something a little more powerful than 853 with 3/8 jigs I would go 854. Most like 894 better with 853 as the 2 rods covers most jigs within 1/4-3/4 oz range.

I have both the Orochi Braillist and the E6X 894. The 894 is lighter weight and more powerful. Both would work but Braillist is better in open water/light cover up to 1/2 oz jig. 894 for 1/2 - 3/4 jigs and/or around cover. Of the 2, I would choose the Braillist based on your OP.

Standard Elite Mod Fast rod. Mileage will vary as to what people like for a chatterbait rod but the MH is plenty for me in most conditions. I will use braid when I feel I need more power, faster hook sets, or better lure control.

Hammer rods 7'3" MH. Amazing moving bait rod. Fishes more like a medium+. Very light weight (less than 4 oz), and USA made. Comes in either the elite or Jak series (same blank). Bonus: it will also sling a 6xd in a pinch.

Guide: Lonnie Cochran is great. Hotels: Scottsboro: Comfort Inn or Guntersville: Hampton Inn are boat friendly with parking/charging. Cabins: Jackson County Park or Waterfront Bay. A lot of fishing cabins are now available on Vrbo or airbnb. I would recommend staying around scottsboro or goosepond area just to be more centered around the lakes most popular fishing areas.

At the console, SI without a doubt but it would be a sad day if I did not have both!

Pro: It is the jack of all trades rod for lures in its weight range. Con: it is not the best rod for every technique it can do. IMO it is a great single hook moving bait rod but also a good treble or bottom contact rod. It can do it all unlike most rods made just for bottom contact or moving treble baits.

894 is a great 1/2 - 3/4 jig rid for dragging, pitching, and heavy cover but you said you already had a rod for that and it is not what I would want for skipping. If you want the loomis 1/2 jig skipping rod get the 854. If you want a multipurpose rod get the 844. If you can handle longer rods for skipping try the NRX 873 as a compromise between the 854 and 894. I find the stiffer tipped jwr are much more accurate than the mbr when casting with the correct weight for the rod. Casting accuracy is key for me when skipping a jig!

If you are linking 2 units and i-pilot link you will need the an ethernet switch when adding a third ethernet item (i-pilot link) to the network. Each item will also need its own ethernet cord to the switch. Once the i-pilot link is networked, you can choose the ultrex gps for the the helix units or use their built in gps. I would use the ultrex gps for the bow unit since it has a directional compass and is at the bow transducer for best accuracy. Your console unit would be more accurate if you had a separate gps puck near the transom transducer. If no transom gps, I would use the console's internal gps before using the ultrex gps for better accuracy. Your previous waypoints will be based on the unit you created it with. If you were using the console unit, any waypoint created with sonar data will be off by the distance from the transducer and gps device.

854jwr. It is also a fast action but tip is not as soft as 844mbr. IMO makes a better skipping rod but either would work. 844 is the better all purpose rod. 854 for 3/8 - 1/2 jig and big worm rod for me.

I think the key current change is you having to register the rod within 30 days of purchase. As it currently reads your "registered" product has warranty and qualifies for the Xpeditor service. Now I have heard only one rod replacement is coming. If you are grandfathered in, your new rod will be registered and not qualify for replacement. Again, this what I have heard and can not say it is fact. I have not registered a rod since the change so I am unaware if your name will be linked with the process. If so I would think the Xpeditor may one day be tied with the original owner too? But in their defense, with the covid supply issues, I am sure the replacements are killing what inventory they have and bottom line something has to change. They have been increasing prices for years on both cost and replacement fees so I would assume to stay "as is" would require a hefty price increase. Option 2 would be to reduce costs by changing replacement/warranty policies. In the end it may a be a combo of both. Since they now put serial numbers on the rods, it is in my opinion option 2 is only starting and more like stated above will be coming later. It would be in their best interest to slowly make the changes to prevent sudden backlash! I know a lot of folks are already mad due to the current replacement waits. Some have been waiting for more than 1/2 a year.

Yes it can be updated to use it, but you must have Lakemaster HD lakes to follow contours, etc. Also will need 5 port ethernet switch if your 1198 unit will be linked with another unit and a total of 3 ethernet cords to connect both units and i-pilot link to 5 port switch! Depending in the second unit, may need a dongle for the ethernet cable also. Humminbird list.