New G. Loomis E6X 783C MBR 6’6” best sensitive rod under $200?

[Jayc Garcia]

Hi, new here to this site and have a question regarding rod sensitivity.

 

I recently bought the “NEW” G. Loomis E6X casting rod and was curious to know if there was any other rods that would be more sensitive at a slightly more/less price point than the $190 I paid. I currently have this rod paired with the new Shimano Curado DC reel and mostly fish bottom with it using the drop shot setup. I use 1/4 - 1/2 oz weight with a drop shot hook, and I catch tons of bass and blue gills on worms here in the rivers.

 

I currently have my eyes on Shimano’s zodias rods but no stores have them here, and the bass pro shop only has G. Loomis E6X rods as their highest high end fishing rods that they carry in stock. So, what do you guys think are there other rods that compare to the new E6X at a better price point or would Shimano’s zodias rod series be the better deal for only $10 more. I’m really looking for a rod that is going to deliver amazing sensivity at a $200 or under price point.

 

 

[Vilas15]

You'll find many fans of St Croix Avid or Avid X at $200.

[waymont]

I love the new Daiwa Tatula bass rods. I have a medium 6'8" spinning rod that is super sensitive and light.

I happened to compare it to an e6x and it felt more balanced and lighter. I also have a 6'10" MH casting rod that is just as nice. I bought both of mine on Ebay for $110.00 ea. It's a very sensitive and comfortable line of rods.

The cork handles are excellent.

[rangerjockey]

I would choose the Zodias over the E6X. It's a significant upgrade for about the same money.

[TBAG]

St. Croix Avid

Dobyns Sierra

[LCG]

Avid x

[Hulkster]

the new E6Xs (2018 models) are really nice, that being said, people say the zodias are more sensitive. personally, I hate the ergonomics of the zodias (i find the full cork handles of the E6X to be much more comfortable than the Ci4/EVA foam of the zodias) and the lack of the hook keeper on the zodias would drive me nuts. 

 

If it were me i would stick with the 2018 E6X. 

[Matt_3479]

I have a dobyns Sierra, 2 different st. Croix avid x’s and 2 different loomis e6x’s and they are all very similar. I would say my loomis spinning rod is more sensitive then my avid x spinning rod ( 6’6 medium fast vs 7’ medium fast) and the casting rods are all very close. I would probably have to say my dobyns is best balanced followed by the e6x then the avid x. The e6x and avid x I would say might be slightly ever so slightly more sensitive but it’s really close. 

[WRB]

Dobyns Sierra series rods on sale at TW for $119.

Tom

[Jayc Garcia]

Thank you all for the feedback!

 

I checked out bass pro and they now have 1 NRX model in store from G. Loomis and I compared it to the E6X. Both had same med-heavy power and fast action and to be honest I couldn’t feel much of a difference from the two. the NRX was a bit more beefy and no way in hell can I justify paying $500 for a rod. I’ll most likely just stick with the E6X and take it all in so when I do switch rods my hands will know the difference.

[Matt_3479]

3 hours ago, Jayc Garcia said:

Thank you all for the feedback!

 

I checked out bass pro and they now have 1 NRX model in store from G. Loomis and I compared it to the E6X. Both had same med-heavy power and fast action and to be honest I couldn’t feel much of a difference from the two. the NRX was a bit more beefy and no way in hell can I justify paying $500 for a rod. I’ll most likely just stick with the E6X and take it all in so when I do switch rods my hands will know the difference.

The nrx from the e6x is a huge difference. I fish the glx series and it is leagues above the e6x. I’ve handled the nrx but ever fished and they are nice and will most likely be the next rod. They are a step above the glx so miles in front of the e6x

[fishwizzard]

I have a mbr783 GLX and my nephew has an old-model mbr783 E6X and I have gotten to fish them side by side.   The GLX is undoubtedly more sensitive, loads and unloads more smoothly on the cast and is more balanced, but over all the E6X compares very well to it. Dragging a jig around on a soft bottom really demonstrated the difference the most dramatically.  I also have an Avid and again it is closer to the GLX then further from it until you get to stricly bottom contact presentations.  

 

I will admit that I am so in love with the mbr tapers that I would pick an E6X a more sensitive rod with a “worse” taper any day. 

[kschultz76]

Kistler Helium 3, on sale they run $220.

[LonnieP]

6 hours ago, kschultz76 said:

Kistler Helium 3, on sale they run $220.

Theyre on sale now. I have a Helium 3 and a Loomis E6X . The Kistler  blows the E6X away for only 30 more dollars.

[Diggy]

Powell Endurance is a great rod around $150 with tons of models. They are all under 4oz as well.

[Yeeleng Thao]

Even though I don't really own many rods, I've been fortunate enough to be able to handle and fish many different brands of rods from a wide price range from lightening rods to Conquests and Archangels.

 

IMHO the rods from the price range of $100-$200 all have pretty similar "sensitivity" across all brands. I notice that going down a step in rod power actually provides a higher "sensitivity" boost than changing brands. The difference in a $100 rod to a $200 rod seems to be more focused in the rod handle and guides used than a real improvement in the quality of the blank.

 

I only started noticed an improvement in "sensitivity" when fishing with rods exceeding the $300+ price mark. Though, not as significant as you'd expect from spending over half a grand.

 

Offerings such as the Saint Croix legend tournament, Dobyns Champion, or Kistler helium  that fill in the $200-$300 market do seem to be a bit more refined, but imo not enough to justify the extra 50 or so dollars. I'd only buy one if they're on sale.

 

Saying all that, I also actually use a Gloomis e6x casting as my main all round rod. I chose this rod mainly out of aesthetics, rod design, and resale value as I one day hope to save up for a GLX.