Need help with G. Loomis NRX selection

[Cullin' 5lbers]

Just purchased a NRX 893 for finesse jigs, soft plastics, Senkos, soft jerk baits while employing weights from  3/16 to 3/8oz. I'm in the process of buying the NRX 854 or the 853 on Monday but not sure which one. Most of my fishing is used with 3/16 up to 5/16oz and sometimes a 3/8oz. I already have 2 rods that handle the weights described not including the 893. I really like the 854 and the 20lb test it suggests for 1/2oz jigs but would like to use it with 1/4oz weights as well. I could really use a fast action the 854 offers but I want it to be versatile too. The 853 maybe to fast for the 1/2 heavy cover jigs. Can anyone offer suggestion?

[WRB]

Go with the 854C JWR green on sale. Use your 893 for 1/4 oz jigs.

Tom

[Cullin' 5lbers]

Thanks WRB. The 854 is recommended for heavy cover, and most of the lakes I fish in Oklahoma have some but mostly rocks. Can the 854 be cast efficently with its heavy action? The 853 is extra fast and has the lighter tip for sure. I saw that greens were on sale and being discontinued. 

[WRB]

I use both 5 and 6 power jig rods to cast 1/2 oz jigs in deep rocky structure lakes, the 4 power is in between most MH and H rated rods. Thec4 power will be able to set heavier wire jig hooks better than a 3 power, the 3 power will cast a little better.

Tom

[Cullin' 5lbers]

Thanks Tom. I think Im going with the 854. Im getting the same feedback on other social sites. Thanks.

[kickerfish1]

Perhaps the 873 could be in the mix. It would be a step up from the 893. Prior to Loomis adding the 894/895 it was a poular pick for 3/8 to 1/2 oz jigs plus trailers. I couldn't tell you how it compares to the 853 or 854 as I don't own either not have a fished either. Plus the added length of the 873 allows for better hook sets when fishing deep and longer casts. Don't let 3 power rating fool you as it fishes closer to a 4 or 4.5 powered rod. I use my 873 for jigs between 3/8 and 1/2 oz as well as Texas rigged plastics from 1/4 is to 5/16 oz bullet weights. IMO the general progression for NRX in terms of power among the longer models would be 893, 873, 894 and 895 is just a rod that is tough to find a use for due to its extreme power and some what tip heaviness.

If I was to pick from the 853 and 854 only the 854 would better fill what you need as a rod with a bit more power to handle slightly heavier baits.

[Cullin' 5lbers]

Thanks, Kickerfish. Informative stuff. I have the 873, but its exclusivley crig. I dont rig anything else on it. A buddy of mine has the 895, but feels like a broom stick handle to me, a light broomstick tho! I like the 7'1" 854 or 853 for closer proximty to targets/cover for pitching or flipping. Just not sure if the 853 has the "ump" to move. fish from heavy, heavy cover fast. I never considered using the 873 for anything else other than ccrig. I will keep it in mind. Thanks for the taking time to give input.