Help me choose

[j bab]

I have a 6'6" MH for general use but I feel like it's a little too short for some situations (I'm 6'4" tall)... 

So I'm pretty set on a Loomis 853C (7"1' MH XF) for general use (tx rigs, soft jerkbaits, smaller jigs), but I have to decide between the new GLX and the NRX. Or is the 893 better for these techniques...?

I'd also like a rod that I can use for carolina rigs (usually in 10-25 ft) and possibly heavier tx rigs, jigs, and small swimbaits as well. Would it be a little redundant to get an 874 (7'3" MH F) alongside an 853? Or I could get the 893 for a couple more inches in length, but I'm not sure if an XF tip is good for carolina rigs? Please share your thoughts. Also for this one I won't use it as often, so I might get an E6X or IMX.

As far as reels go, I think I want an Aldebaran for the 853 so I can have the lightest set up possible since that will be my most used rod. I have an Aldebaran in 6.5:1 but I'll probably sell it and get a 7.4:1 for those applications. For the c-rig rod, I'll probably get a Lew's Tournament Lite G or something like that in a 7:1 ratio.

I should point out, I already have a 7'9" XH rod for the real heavy stuff so that's covered. Also I'm going to continue to use my 6'6" MH for close up situations because it's more maneuverable.

[timsford]

The 853c or 873 c would be perfect for what you want to do as long as jig weights are around 3/8 or so. If you want to go heavier or for Carolina rigs I'd look at 893 or 894 depending on lure weights. Lots of guys use the 893 for flukes and senkos as well but it's too long imo definitely look at nrx rep samples or lightly used vs glx at the same price. The only way I'd go glx is to get a rod they don't make in nrx like 844 mbr. Also I'd advise trying a reel mounted on one in hand. The aldebaran is super light and if a rod is tip heavy, I'd want a heavier reel like maybe a metanium or ci4+, or zillion or steez sv tw

[bigfruits]

4 minutes ago, timsford said:

The 853c or 873 c would be perfect for what you want to do as long as jig weights are around 3/8 or so. If you want to go heavier or for Carolina rigs I'd look at 893 or 894 depending on lure weights. I'd definitely look at nrx rep samples or lightly used vs glx at the same price

I would swap the 873 and 893 around in your statement above, timsford.

the NRX 873 will be considerably stiffer than the 893. I consider the 873 a 4 power loomis rod.

people seem to love the 893 for jigs 3/8oz and under (plus plastic).

[timsford]

Yes you are right most people consider the 873 to be a step up in power from the 853 and 893 and between the 893 and 894 from what I've heard. I'd say 853 and 894. The 853 for lighter jigs and t rigs and 894 for Carolina rigs and big jigs or for fishing around cover. It all depends on what weight stuff you want to throw and also what type of cover and water depth you are fishing as well as what length rod feels best to you. What works best for me or someone else may not fit you best

[j bab]

@timsford thanks a lot, that's really helpful'

@bigfruits which two would you choose?

[bigfruits]

I have never fished the 893 but I would guess the tip might be a little soft for Carolina rig fishing. I have not fished the 853 either.

I have the NRX 873 and think its perfect for Carolina rigs and 1/2 oz jigs and plastics.

There is basically a cult following for the NRX 893 for light jigs and plastics. The 894 also gets great reviews for heavier stuff.

I would research the Metanium MGL also. I have the Met 13 and love it, the MGL is supposed to be better. For jigs and plastics exclusively, I would choose the XG models. I have the 15 Aldebaran as well, it should be fine for up to 3/8 plus plastic. Both reels can be bought for about $325 from Japan.

I sent you a PM of a good resource for researching these rods and reels.

Cheers,

-z

 

[bigfruits]

alternatively, if you like a fast actions, the old GLX MBR 843 and MBR 844 would be great for your intended applications and could be used for spinnerbaits, small swimbaits, buzzbaits etc as well. I don't think I will ever sell both of mine, theyre just that good for anything in their weight range.

[j bab]

17 minutes ago, bigfruits said:

alternatively, if you like a fast actions, the old GLX MBR 843 and MBR 844 would be great for your intended applications and could be used for spinnerbaits, small swimbaits, buzzbaits etc as well.

So an 843 could throw slightly heavier jigs (rated up to 3/4 but some people don't recommend going as high as the rating it seems) than the 853? That's interesting because I would think XF would drag heavier stuff better than a Fast tip, but it seems like I'm wrong according to the ratings.

[bigfruits]

a 3/4oz jig with a trailer will weigh a lot more than 3/4oz. I'd say the 843 would be ideal with 3/8oz weight + trailer.

an XF action does not necessarily mean that the tip is softer or stiffer than a Fast action.

I have never used the 853 so I cannot answer your question. It would be best to get more opinions as lure weight ratings on rods and action/power are not always accurate and differ from other manufacturers or even on different models from the same manufacturer.

for example, id say most GLX rods are about .5 of a power greater IN THE TIP SECTION than their NRX counterparts. there are no power ratings (stiffness) for rod tips that I know of so its good to hear from a lot of people who have used a particular rod before making a purchase based on published ratings.

id probably go with GLX MBR if you want versatility and NRX if you want super sensitive bottom contact rods.

 

[Molay1292]

NRX 853C JWR is a very versatile rod, can be used for many techniques.  I feel it performs best at a total weight of about 1/2 oz.  3/8oz jigs and trailer.    I used it at Amistad in deep water with a 1/2oz jig and trailer and just could not get the kind of hooksets that I would of liked.    The rod has just about unmatched sensitivity which makes it very good for contact baits, it is not a tip heavy rod at all IMO and the recoil guides help with both.     

I had the GLX 854 and did not find it special, broke it after a few outings and upgraded to another NRX.   It had good sensitivity but not special, I like the the older 844 MBR slightly better.   Either will make a good carolina rig or larger jig rod, just pick one that suits you.

 

 

[j bab]

I think I've decided on the 853 & the 894. Now 1 NRX & 1 IMX or 2 GLX... 

[Molay1292]

Buy 1 NRX now and save a little longer and buy another when you have the money.   I know if I would have taken this route it would have saved me money in the long run.