Xtasy 755 or NRX 894C

[Centrarchidae]

      Hello everyone! New to the forum as a member, but been a lurker for a little while now. I am currently wanting to get some advice on what my next purchase should be. I own the Dobyn's Xtasy DRX 742SF and love it! Not one complaint about it, but I am now wanting a casting setup.

 

     I am going to be picking up another high end rod for bottom contact, and it will be paired with a Shimano Metanium DC. I am going to use it for 1/2oz to 3/4oz jigs + trailer, smaller swimbaits, T-rigs, etc. Occasionally I'll even throw the Z-Man Giant TRD with their Mag Shroomz Head that will weigh around 1oz. Jigs are definitely the main purpose, though. 

 

     I am considering getting another Xtasy, the DRX 755C, or venture out and try the NRX 894C. I know the 894C is rated up to 3/4oz, but I'm discouraged to move up to the 895C, because I hear how tip heavy it is. I have also heard the 894C can handle up to 1oz lures fairly well. A Dobyn's Champion Extreme DX 744C split grip is also on the board, but I am really focusing on the Xtasy or NRX. 

 

     What are the opinions out there? Has anyone tried either, or both of these specific models? If you were in my boat (pun intended), what would you do?

 

Thanks everyone!

[Efishin]

I own both and prefer the NRX. Its more sensitive in my hands. I'd opt for the NRX.

[kayaking_kev]

I was just in your same scenario a few days ago trying to decide between an Xtasy 755c and a NRX 894c and a Xtasy 723c or a Conquest 843c. I ended up choosing the Xtasy 755c and 723c. I also got a Extreme 702c along with those, but did a lot of research on the 744c, 745c, 746c. You can't go wrong with any of them, but the 745c would compare better to the Xtasy 755c. I talked to a guy who owns both and says the Xtasy 755c has a lot more power than the Extreme 745c, but is also lighter. 

 

I choose the Xtasy over the NRX for a few reasons. The main one being that while the NRX is a great rod and maybe still the most sensitive, it's an older rod now, while the Xtasy is more updated. The Xtasy has the best of everything, the NRX has the recoil guides. I've also heard a lot about suspect quality control with some NRX's. The Xtasy also looks a lot better than the NRX and I already had a few Dobyns rods and I love the balance of them. The NRX may or may not be as sensitive as the Xtasy, but if so we're talking about splitting hairs and the Xtasy has a lot better fighting power. But, I know there's still going to be that itch to try the NRX out and experience a legendary rod firsthand. If you think you just have to try a NRX, I'd say just get one now and get it over with, lol. Tough decisions, I know, but you really can't go wrong, even with an Extreme.

 

I was planning for awhile to get the Conquest 843c, but come ordering time I went with the Xtasy 723c, simply because it was cheaper and I could get a decent reel too. 

 

Good Luck!

 

 

[Centrarchidae]

7 hours ago, Efishin said:

I own both and prefer the NRX. Its more sensitive in my hands. I'd opt for the NRX.

But how much more sensitive? I guess that’s the million dollar question. Is it splitting hairs to you, or is it night and day?

[NHBull]

Of the 2 you mentioned, the NRX all day long,,,,,,,,and most of those saying the NRX is tip heavy has never fished one......the operative word is “fished”.. that said the conquest beats both and can be had for around 400.00

[Centrarchidae]

On 12/2/2019 at 1:41 AM, kayaking_kev said:

I was just in your same scenario a few days ago trying to decide between an Xtasy 755c and a NRX 894c and a Xtasy 723c or a Conquest 843c. I ended up choosing the Xtasy 755c and 723c. I also got a Extreme 702c along with those, but did a lot of research on the 744c, 745c, 746c. You can't go wrong with any of them, but the 745c would compare better to the Xtasy 755c. I talked to a guy who owns both and says the Xtasy 755c has a lot more power than the Extreme 745c, but is also lighter. 

 

I choose the Xtasy over the NRX for a few reasons. The main one being that while the NRX is a great rod and maybe still the most sensitive, it's an older rod now, while the Xtasy is more updated. The Xtasy has the best of everything, the NRX has the recoil guides. I've also heard a lot about suspect quality control with some NRX's. The Xtasy also looks a lot better than the NRX and I already had a few Dobyns rods and I love the balance of them. The NRX may or may not be as sensitive as the Xtasy, but if so we're talking about splitting hairs and the Xtasy has a lot better fighting power. But, I know there's still going to be that itch to try the NRX out and experience a legendary rod firsthand. If you think you just have to try a NRX, I'd say just get one now and get it over with, lol. Tough decisions, I know, but you really can't go wrong, even with an Extreme.

 

I was planning for awhile to get the Conquest 843c, but come ordering time I went with the Xtasy 723c, simply because it was cheaper and I could get a decent reel too. 

 

*** has a sale on Dobyns for Black Friday that's 20% off, but you can get another 10% off by signing up for their newsletter. I couldn't turn down getting two Xtasy's for $395 each, a Extreme for $240ish, and a Champion Glass rod for 160ish. Assuming you were going to get 20% off at Tackle Warehouse and pay $440, you could almost get two Extremes for that price with 30% off, and I was very impressed with the Extremes.

 

Good Luck!

 

 

It’s like you read my mind. You know exactly where I’m coming from here. You’re 100% right when you say there is just an itch to try the NRX. There is so much hype about how sensitive it is, who doesn’t want to try it? However, I’ve heard the same issues about them. Since so many are being sold why would G-Loomis ever update it, despite it needing an update? 

 

The Xtasy I have now is an amazing rod. It has a JDM look to it, and reminds me of MegaBass aesthetics. When you get in that upper echelon of rods I believe it should look good, too! The NRX is very Plain Jane. It is the girl in your college science class that catches your eye, because she is smart, but you’re nervous to ask her out because she’s a solid 5-6. The Xtasy is the 10 in the class that is funny and everyone wants to date, but they’re hesitant because she just transferred from the rival school. I don’t even know if that made sense, but as I write this at 5:00am it seems funny to me. 

Sensitivity is such a subjective term. I watched a review the other day were the guy said his Expride was just as sensitive as a his NRX. Could it be? Maybe, but I have a hard time believing that. The Expride is a great rod, but as sensitive as the supposedly most sensitive bass rod, ever? Mmm...  We need someone to invent a machine that can quantify rod sensitivity. Ha! Xtasy is wicked sensitive. I feel the fish look at my lure! I just can’t imagine the NRX being night and day more sensitive.

 

The Xtasy I have flat out performs and it’s sensitivity is off the charts. It looks fantastic: it really is a beautiful rod IMO. The kicker I guess here is Gary Dobyn’s customer service. It can’t be beat. I sent G-Loomis an email asking them about their rods and got a generic email back that was along the lines of “that is a great rod. You’ll love it.” When I sent Dobyn’s an email asking a bunch of questions Gary called me and we chatted for about an hour about fishing and hobbies. Very, very cool guy and you can just tell he is passionate about fishing. 
 

Well, I think I’ll get a casting Xtasy. It performs like a work horse, is incredibly sensitive, and the aesthetics are in a class of their own. Oh, and it balances phenomenally (right at the locking nut). I just can’t see any negatives.

 

Thanks for helping me make up my mind!

On 12/2/2019 at 1:41 AM, kayaking_kev said:

*** has a sale on Dobyns for Black Friday that's 20% off, but you can get another 10% off by signing up for their newsletter. I couldn't turn down getting two Xtasy's for $395 each, a Extreme for $240ish, and a Champion Glass rod for 160ish. Assuming you were going to get 20% off at Tackle Warehouse and pay $440, you could almost get two Extremes for that price with 30% off, and I was very impressed with the Extremes.

 

 

Also, thanks for the heads up!

On 12/2/2019 at 4:11 AM, NHBull said:

Of the 2 you mentioned, the NRX all day long,,,,,,,,and most of those saying the NRX is tip heavy has never fished one......the operative word is “fished”.. that said the conquest beats both and can be had for around 400.00

I also dabbled with the Conquest. What are the reasons you like the NRX > Xtasy, and what makes the Conquest king?

[kayaking_kev]

No Problem!

 

Gary Dobyns told me almost two weeks ago that a new Dobyns series is about to be released in a few weeks, so it should be anytime now. I know it has 7ft Panfish rods in it, but I'm not sure if it's going to be all panfish models or not, he wouldn't really divulge anymore information on them. I don't think it will be a higher end series than the Xtasy though and may just be a Panfish Series.

 

Besides great rods, you can't beat Dobyns Customer Service. Gary himself will talk to you and make you feel like a friend. And, you can't beat the Warranty, he said he asked to see a receipt only once ever on a return, and you can send your rod in and get a good deal on a upgrade or different model.

[Stephen B]

I much prefer the NRX and own both rods

[fishballer06]

I'll be the odd man out here. 

 

I'd go with the Xtasy 755. I personally think it's a better rod, with better materials and sensitivity. 

 

Also, I own the Xtreme 745, and I would also vote on that rod over the GLX, if you want to save yourself a little money. 

 

Because you're throwing 1/2-3/4oz jigs plus a trailer, I think a 4 powered rod wouldn't be stout enough. Go with a 5 power. 

[iabass8]

I fished the nrx894 for a couple years. Its a super sensitive rod but its poorly built and tip heavy. Im particular about that though. I do have an xtasy 755. Only have a few trips with it. Would choose it everytime over the 894. 

[JLewis134]

NRX. Best blank ive ever touched

[NathanDLTH]

Ill say Xtasy here, but I havent fished the 894, but have fished a 873CR which I think would be fairly close to the 894. If youre looking for a high end bottom contact rod consider these as well: Megabass Orochi Braillist or Daiwa Steez MH/H 7’5(Just released). I’d seriously look at those or even a Conquest 904 or 905c. All the rods here are top of the line. 

[JLewis134]

NRX wins in terms of sensitivity over the Xtasy. Xtasy is good but the Megabass Valdivia and St Croix 7'4 H Legend Elite are other option id consider. I like my Xtasy rods but I like my St Croix, Megabass, and G Loomis more. Steez AGS rods are sweet too

[Centrarchidae]

I appreciate everyone who responded and gave me feedback. I ended up buying the Xtasy 754. I took it out yesterday and it is sweet! I’ll probably buy an NRX during summer to give it a try, but overall I have no regrets about this purchase. It’s incredibly sensitive and is one awesome jig rod.

[NathanDLTH]

I think you'll be happy.

[Highland reservoirs]

I have fished the NRX 894 and could not get over how tip heavy it was you should not have to put quarters on a 500.00 rod to balance it js.

[ATA]

NRX and you'll thank me

[kayaking_kev]

I had a Xtasy 755c Mag-Heavy, the butt diameter was about 3 times smaller in than my X-Ray Med-Light. I used to reach for my DX-702 ML and would often grab the 755c thinking it was it.