GlX, Destroyer or Helium 3

[Trappernewt]

I’m looking for a good sensitive rod for Texas rig maybe even some use for 3/8oz jigs. There’s no where close that has any rods of decent quality for me to handle each to see what I like. I have an Orochii Diablo Spec-R and love it so sorta leaning toward Megabass but I don’t know which of the destroyers would be best. Any suggestion?

[GReb]

I love my helium but wouldn’t put it in the class of those other 2

[LegendaryBassin]

The GLX or Destroyer would be my choice. Can't go wrong. They are both phenomenal!!! 

[Trappernewt]

Which GLX or Destroyer would fit my needs?

[Chance_Taker4]

The Helium 3 is a $280 (can be had for around $236 now) the GLX and Destroyer are $400+. The GLX and Destroyer should and does out perform the Helium. I do in fact love my Helium 3 as I use it for 3/8oz jigs, it is super light, sensitive and has great backbone. It balances perfect with a Daiwa Tatula SV. 

[LegendaryBassin]

I like the FMJ for 3/8 and 1/2 oz jigs. The 844C GLX is awesome too! They will both compliment the Spec R you have perfectly

[Stephen B]

Just now, LegendaryBassin said:

I like the FMJ for 3/8 and 1/2 oz jigs. The 844C GLX is awesome too! They will both compliment the Spec R you have perfectly

Agreed. The Spec R will handle the smaller texas rigs and the FMJ or 844C GLX will be perfect for the bigger texas rigs, 3/8 oz jigs, and 1/2 oz jigs. 

[FryDog62]

Reel seat on the GLX a non-starter .... other two options better.  Prob Destroyer.

[Kidflex]

If your maxing at 3/8 oz jigs and using like 5/16 and lighter Texas rigs I’d suggest the glx jwr 853. I like it better than my nrx 853 & 893. That rod has a certain mojo. The mbr 844 is in a class of its own. Great stick. I use it with 1/2 oz Texas rigs though. 

[ResoKP]

Like Kidflex said, if you're maxing out at 3/8 oz jigs & t-rigs you'd want a 3 power loomis like the 853 or 893 for best sensitivity. The US Destroyer doesn't have a 853/893 equivalent casting rod which really bothers me because I think it's missing such an essential technique in the lineup...

 

Megabass newly added Brigand to the Destroyer lineup but it's in Spinning... Really wish they made it in casting instead... You're probably best going with GLX 853/893

[kschultz76]

Based on ergonomics and price the Helium 3 gets my vote. I have an FMJ - gorgeous rod, but I’ve learned to hate the trigger on the reel seat and how thin the grip is. Sadly I likely won’t buy another MB rod until the change the reel seat. I also have a GLX 844MBR and agree it’s an awesome rod, reel seat on this one is great for me for casting but not awesome for pitching so for pitching the Helium 3 or one of my Gen 1 Orochi XX rods is what I prefer. I got my GLX on a deal as a rep sample. I have no objection to high end expensive rods but the Helium does all I need, I think if I were to ever look at a $400 rod like a Destroyer again I’d seriously consider a custom. 

[Stephen B]

GLX or MB easily. Kistler is my last vote.

[kschultz76]

Also in your price range I’d take a serious look at the Shimano Expride. No hands on experience but have read many positive reviews here and elsewhere on them. 

[fishwizzard]

I have an FMJ and a 844mbr and think either would be great for 3/8 oz jigs.  The FMJ is more powerful and a bit slower in taper, but it’s only noticeable when you have a fish on the line.  There is a ton of overlap between the two of them. I got the FMJ first and I only got the 844c because of a trade too good to pass up.  

 

Reel seat comfort is such a personal thing, I love the FMJ seat and can deal with the GLX seat, but it’s only comfortable with about half the reels I have tried on it. 

[Trappernewt]

I think I’ve decided on the MB FMJ. I’m just concerned it’ll be a little heavy for 3/8oz jigs etc. 

[fishwizzard]

18 minutes ago, Trappernewt said:

I think I’ve decided on the MB FMJ. I’m just concerned it’ll be a little heavy for 3/8oz jigs etc. 

It will be fine. I cast and pitch Fat Ikas/Cover Craws with mine.  They both weight right around 3/8oz w/ a hook and while the FMJ isn’t ideal for lures that light, it can do it. The 1/2oz Kietech Tubes are a better fit for the same application. 

 

A 3/8 jig will weigh almost 3/4oz once you factor in a trailer.  

[Trappernewt]

Thanks everyone. I decided on the MB Destroyer FMJ and paired it with a Metanium MGL. 

[Stephen B]

12 minutes ago, Trappernewt said:

Thanks everyone. I decided on the MB Destroyer FMJ and paired it with a Metanium MGL. 

You will be happy with that setup. Very jealous haha. Very sensitive and overall great setup. Metanium MGL is an awesome reel. 

[punch]

On 5/24/2019 at 9:41 PM, Trappernewt said:

I think I’ve decided on the MB FMJ. I’m just concerned it’ll be a little heavy for 3/8oz jigs etc. 

I think it will be. I have a FMJ and I've been using it a lot lately. It really shines with 1/2oz & 3/4oz jigs. I think it's a it overpowered for a 3/8 and lighter texas rigs. It's a powerful rod, a true heavy. It's weight and balance is superb though. Plus the fit & finish is ridiculous. 

 

I'm running 40lb power pro SSV2 onyx on my FMJ and man you can feel EVERYTHING. 

 

If you primarily toss 3/8oz jigs, just use a regular everyday 7' to 7'3 MH rod. I personally use a 7'1 MH Legend X or a Expride 7'2 MH. 

 

 

[Stephen B]

8 minutes ago, punch said:

I think it will be. I have a FMJ and I've been using it a lot lately. It really shines with 1/2oz & 3/4oz jigs. I think it's a it overpowered for a 3/8 and lighter texas rigs. It's a powerful rod, a true heavy. It's weight and balance is superb though. Plus the fit & finish is ridiculous. 

 

I'm running 40lb power pro SSV2 onyx on my FMJ and man you can feel EVERYTHING. 

 

If you primarily toss 3/8oz jigs, just use a regular everyday 7' to 7'3 MH rod. I personally use a 7'1 MH Legend X or a Expride 7'2 MH. 

 

 

It can do the 3/8 oz jigs but at the bottom of the rods capability. You figure after you add a trailer it should be fine. The rod shines with 1/2 oz jigs and up. You can always add rods but the FMJ is an amazing for jigs and definitely a must have!

[JLewis134]

11 minutes ago, Stephen B said:

It can do the 3/8 oz jigs but at the bottom of the rods capability. You figure after you add a trailer it should be fine. The rod shines with 1/2 oz jigs and up. You can always add rods but the FMJ is an amazing for jigs and definitely a must have!

Agreed! Especially since Trapper owns the Diable Spec R already. The Spec R will be able to handle to smaller jigs and texas rigs and the FMJ will be able to do the bigger jigs/texas rigs. I think that's perfect. The FMJ definitely is amazing and has really good power for pitching jigs.

 

The NRX 853C, GLX 844C/854C, and Megabass FMJ are the rods I use and they are awesome for my jigs.