Jig & Worms Casting Rod

[Chatterbaiter]

This originally started as just a thought in my head, followed by research, and now here. I use a St. Croix LTB "Plastics" (new model) with 12lb fluoro as my current light t-rig, shakey head, senko, and finesse jig rod, but because I lack self control it wasn't long before I began looking at some other offerings. Now a lot of us know every manufacturer makes a better rod by application. So, before I inevitably go off and purchase another rod I most definitely do not need, I would like to here some opinions from those whom have experience with these rods or similar.

 

TLDR; I've been eye-balling G. Loomis' NRX 852C & 853C JWR because who hasen't. As well as Dobyn's DX 702C & 703C HP. I've been debating whether NRX claimed "superior lightness and sensitivity" outweigh the Extreme HP's own sensitivity, balance, and obvious value.

[Tywithay]

If you buy the DX, you'll be wondering forever if the NRX would have been better. If you buy the NRX, you'll want another NRX.

[Catt]

Shimano G. Loomis Conquest MBR ?

[Mjmj]

what oz weight do you normally use. I have the NRX 853 and it is only really good for 1/4 oz plus a small creature bait. I use braid to fluro and it's sensitive,  almost too sensitive.  should have see the stick I set the hook on yesterday. Almost 12" long?  That being said, I love my NRX, but dollar for dollar my KISTLER H3  LMH is just as good of a rod. 

[PAbasser927]

+1 on the Helium 3.  I fought this same internal battle over the winter when deciding on a jig and worm rod.  I went with the H3 over the NRX, due to price, after learning that Kistler rods utilize blanks from Gary Loomis at North Forks Composites.  I have been fishing the H3 since early spring and it lacks nothing in regards to sensitivity.  Admittedly, I have never fished an NRX.

[WRB]

So what reel do you plan on using with a highend JWR?

Second question is what weight range jigs?

Both questions are important to determine a specific rod model, your budget limits also help.

You have the choice of off the shelf or custom build rods to meet your exact needs.

Tom

 

[Chatterbaiter]

Really great suggestions and questions guys. I'd be using this set up for light t-rigs, shakey heads, and finesse jigs. Predominantly 3/16oz to1/4oz weights. I currently use a St Croix LTB "Plastics" rod, and switch between a Curado 70 and Lew's Team Pro Magnesium with 10-12lb fluoro. It performs fairly well, it's sensitive, light, but a little tip heavy with a reel under 6oz. I find the tip a little on the stiff side when using lighter baits, but I will say that characteristic does aid when I come across some grassy/snaggy bits (easily able to snap the lure free).

 

For those of you who mentioned the Kistler He3, I've seriously given them a look before as well. Seeing as they too are made using NFC blanks that "Gary helped design himself".

 

And the one of you who mentioned the Conquest MBR. Don't go tempting me even further haha. Seriously though, I can plainly see their durability over the NRX. Maybe not as sensitive or light, but definitely seems stronger. Maybe pick up the 904C at some point.

[Tywithay]

The Conquest are pretty much on par with the NRX, maybe even a little better overall. I certainly prefer the full handle and the guides. For the baits you're throwing, the 852 would be excellent. Or, snag a Conquest 842 from one of the places having a memorial sale and take some of the sting off. I think you'd be pleased with either. 

[RyneB]

ALX Zolo. I have never held a NRX, but the ALX Zolo embarasses a Loomis IMX. 

[billjaco]

Can I have the St Croix you seem determined to orphan? I'll give it a good home so you won't have to feel guilty about kicking it to the curb.

 

Is it a 2018 model with the updated handle?

 

What are the negative aspects of that rod that have you looking for a replacement?

[Angry John]

I never jumped on the Loomis train but I did get a taste of megabass.  The scv Croix  blanks are just about as good as it gets and is considered top tier.  If your looking high end the Phoenix k2 is amazing what time I got to fish one.  Not one who likes recoils and that kinda turned me off the nrx at that time.  Technically Loomis is now shimano.  Just does not float my boat but that's not saying there not amazing.

[kickerfish1]

No comparison in sensitivity between the NRX series and the Dobyns Champion Extremes. Looks and balance I would give to the Extremes but if you are talking weight and feel the NRX tops them. The Helium 3 is built on the NFC IM blank. Step up to the Zbone for the HM blank (Intermediate vs High modulus). The Helium 3 will fish between the NRX and Extreme on feel alone. The K2 by Phoenix is an amazing and superlight rod. I would put the feel right up there with a NRX. For the record I own at least one Champion Extreme, K2, H3, and NRX. If it was me I would be looking at the NRX 852 or 853. The TackleTrap has rep samples typically of these rods that will carry a full warranty and will come with the wrapping and decals on them like a new rod but at a great discount. The 853 would be better if you are around more cover or if you were referring to 3/16 or 1/4 oz plus plastic which could easily get to or above 3/8 oz.

 

Another option for that kind of coin would be the Megabass rods. Performance, looks, and balance. The new Orichi XX rods or the Destroyer rods would be worthy of consideration. Only downside is they rarely go on sale except if you happed to find rep samples or closeout models and these rods are not discounted during the retailers sales.

 

 

[Mjmj]

definitely the 852 if you're gonna go with the nrx. you would be VERY disappointed throwing a 3/16 weight + the plastic on a 853. I bought the 853 for 3/16 oz and it's just a little bit stiff for it.  It casts much better with 1/4 oz an up. 

[WRB]

NRX rod blanks differ from tradition fast or extra fast action rods, more parabolic bend with stiffness so the rod tip action doesn’t casting light weight lures. The high modulus blank stiffness results in good lure feedback and power.

You should be able to cast 3/16 oz lures with a 2 power NRX using a slower speed casting motion.

NRX are over priced IMO.

$300 you can have an excellent jig & worm rod custom made from highend blank, guide train and reel seat that includes a good warranty.

Tom

PS, jigs and T-rig worms weigh more then the package rating.

[Angry John]

I agree with Tom for the money or a little more might as well go custom.  DVT could do you up a quick quote.

[fishwizzard]

On 5/23/2018 at 6:30 PM, Chatterbaiter said:

This originally started as just a thought in my head, followed by research, and now here. I use a St. Croix LTB "Plastics" (new model) with 12lb fluoro as my current light t-rig, shakey head, senko, and finesse jig rod,

 

I use a MBR 783 GLX for these lures and love it.  I have some ergonomic issues with the rod, but no complaints on how it fishes. 

[Chatterbaiter]

Again, great feedback guys. I went out the other day and used my current St. Croix setup a bit and decided I would hang on to it a little longer as it still serves me pretty well. I still have my eyes on an NRX at some point though, I wouldn't use it enough to justify it at this point. Although the current Memorial Day sales going on are hard to pass up. I did however purchase another DX.. Got the 784 because I felt it would work a little better then my 745 when throwing jigs/worms in deeper water.

 

I'll have to check out some of these custom rod builders mentioned, too. It does sound pretty darn appealing.

[evilcatfish]

Have you considered the Megabass USA destroyer series? Sensitivity and build quality is superb, though you can't really go wrong with the NRX either