Most sensitive rod for bottom techniques

[Fishin' Fool]

I know this is a pretty subjective topic but what do you guys think is the most sensitive spinning rod for bottom techniques such as dragging tubes. Is it the G Loomis NRX? What do you think?

[DelcoSol]

I have had a lot of high end rods and not one has even been close to the NRX I had. They are the benchmark for sensitivity in the bass world. 

[Dwight Hottle]

The NRX is definitely in the top five if not first. You would have to try several top rods to determine what you think is the best. I think it is number one based on the rods I have tried. 

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

If you've got the budget for NRX look into a custom. You're exactly right that sensitivity is perception and not quantifiable. Some of the sensitivity of the NRX is due to pre conceived notions tied to the Loomis name. They're definitely high end rods but not quite as mystical as they're sometimes portrayed. 

[Mike2841]

I think the nrx is pretty overrated. Don't get me wrong it's a great rod, but I think once you get over about 200$ there's not too much of a difference. I had a st croix avid, upgraded to a nrx, then bought a legend elite on clearance (all spinning). I still use the legend, occasionally the avid, plan on selling the nrx. I would say the nrx and legend are better than the avid, but not significantly so. The biggest difference is the weight not the sensitivity, and even that is negligible. I wouldn't buy another legend or nrx unless they were heavily discounted, but I'm glad that I bought them so I don't ever think "what if". Not trying to talk you out of a nrx or tell you how to spend your money, just my two cents. 

[kickerfish1]

I don't believe there are many rods that can touch an NRX. IMO it crushes everything especially when you are talking about weight of the rod and feel. Everything just feels amplified and the rods feel quite crisp and powerful. Precisely what you want in a bottom contact rod. I know several guys that use both MB and NRX rods. Though the MB rods will push $500-600 a piece they feel the NRX is still superior in feel. You could say that at some point in time you can find a rod or price point that allows you to feel all you would ever need to. The difference is just amplified that bite, tap-tap, or thunk is at the other end of the line.

I have Champion Extremes, MB Orichi XX, Cumaras, Powell Endurance, Kistler H3, Shimano Cumulus, ALX Zolo, and even a few customs and they all are under the NRX in feel. The only rod that is close is custom K2 but the blank doesn't offer the same level of power though it is stupid light and has really good feel.

If I had around $400 to drop on a rod for bottom contact alone I would buy another NRX rep sample or dealer demo in a heartbeat.

[John G]

Check out the Shimano Poison Ultima or the Gamakatsu Luxxe Oltre.

[KP Duty]

Rod sensitivity is only subjective because we don't have an instrument to measure it currently.  I bet the banter in the car stereo world was similar before the decibel meter came out.

[IAY]

Just now, KP Duty said:

Rod sensitivity is only subjective because we don't have an instrument to measure it currently.  I bet the banter in the car stereo world was similar before the decibel meter came out.

I agree to an extent. I am sure you can measure the vibration being transmitted into the rod, and call that "sensitivity". Whether the person perceives it or not DOES NOT make a rod that transmits vibration better as sensitive as a lesser one.

[j bab]

1 minute ago, KP Duty said:

Rod sensitivity is only subjective because we don't have an instrument to measure it currently.  I bet the banter in the car stereo world was similar before the decibel meter came out.

It will be interesting to see which rod is truly the most sensitive when we can accurately measure it...

Does anyone here have experience with the Daiwa Steez SVF AGS rods? They're supposed to have comparable sensitivity to the NRX, they have carbon fiber guides. I have the 7'9" for flippin, but I haven't used it enough yet to compare it, and I don't have access to an NRX that big to compare it with

[IAY]

Just now, j bab said:

It will be interesting to see which rod is truly the most sensitive when we can accurately measure it...

Does anyone here have experience with the Daiwa Steez SVF AGS rods? They're supposed to have comparable sensitivity to the NRX, they have carbon fiber guides. I have the 7'9" for flippin, but I haven't used it enough yet to compare it, and I don't have access to an NRX that big to compare it with

Steez rods are pretty hit or miss in terms of sensitivity, but they are suppose to be pretty good. Steez rods are also much better balanced than NRX and are very very light, but the AGS guides are suppose to be ultra fragile. 

[kickerfish1]

14 minutes ago, John G said:

Check out the Shimano Poison Ultima or the Gamakatsu Luxxe Oltre.

Very good point John! And if these were available in the US I would have one for sure. Just hate the shipping and customs fees

[Airman4754]

I've had them all and all of my bottom contact rods are now Phenix UMBX and Megabass Orochi XX. 

An NRX being double the price of those rods is laughable to me. They're good rods, but for over half a grand they aren't that good. 

[Bryant Blackmon]

I recently got rid of my NRX for a Megabass Destroyer Phase 3 and have to say not only is the quality better, so is the performance

[thehooligan]

In my hands, the nrx, ultima, and x7 destroyer feel so close it comes down to what you prefer in length/tapers.

As others have said, the nrx is like the benchmark for bottom contact fishing. May not be anywhere near as balanced or look as good as a megabass/Jackall rod, but it sure gets the job done.

I wouldn't hesitate to fish one but I rarely fish bottom contact. 

[fishstick]

Ok, so hear me out...

If I needed the most sensitive rod avaliable, I would probably try a pflueger lady trion or something along those lines. I know women can be very sensitive, so if my hunch is correct, a ladies rod would also have to be pretty sensitive? Maybe worth a shot.

[Mike L]

I don't know...Never held a NRX but my GLX is good enough.  If the taper wasn't so soft it would be darn near perfect.

 

Mike 

[sarcazmo]

I'd be very wary of anyone who definitively said one rod was the most sensitive by far.  

Honestly most people would be hard pressed to find the difference in sensitivity in most 'high end' rods.  NRX, Any of the St Croix blanks built on SCV, Phenix K2, NFC etc.

I'd say DVT hit the nail on the head.  Half the reason people think NRX are king is because of the brand loyalty and name they've built up.  Not saying their not great rods, but there are plenty out there that are just as good.