Jig/worm casting rod under 350

[Pogues2300]

Looking for my first higher end rod for bottom contact. I do have a shimano expride i bought for 50% off last fall, but if there is something for under or close to 350$ that's a jump in sensitivity id like to hear about it. Spring fever set in, hope everyone else is having a good winter. 

[kayaking_kev]

The Exprides are great rods, not sure you would need something else, but there is the Dobyns Extreme HP 744c or 745c or the Megabass Destroyer FMJ, that might be a little more sensitive, but that's just a guess as I haven't personally compared them. The G.Loomis GLX is a good rod also, and you can usually find a used NRX for around that price in good condition and that is supposed to be the most sensitive. I seen almost new Dobyns Xtasy's selling for around $400 also a lot lately. All good choices.

[FryDog62]

What size/action are you looking for? The most sensitive rod I have is an NRX but would be more expensive.  Used ones as mentioned above could work.  I also have an Orochi Braillist which has great bottom sensitivity but not sure that’s the size/action you want.  My bias would be away from Dobyns, don’t get me wrong they are very good rods (I have two) but I think they are known more for excellent balance but not overly sensitive.  

[Pogues2300]

I fish from a kayak, would like to be right around 7ft mh/ fast. Would love a nrx but ill wait for 50% off sale next fall for that. Trying to keep it to around 350 because I'm also buying a new kayak, chronarch mgl reel and a tatula elite ags spinning rod... there goes a nice chunk of my year end bonus lol. 

[FryDog62]

4 minutes ago, Pogues2300 said:

I fish from a kayak, would like to be right around 7ft mh/ fast. Would love a nrx but ill wait for 50% off sale next fall for that. Trying to keep it to around 350 because I'm also buying a new kayak, chronarch mgl reel and a tatula elite ags spinning rod... there goes a nice chunk of my year end bonus lol. 

Sounds good - at least your spending your hard earned cash on the right priorities?

[Pogues2300]

 Yeah 2 years ago I traded drinking for fishing... nice to still see some of my spending. Pretty sure you have answered my questions before as I'm trying to learn bass fishing. Thanks again. 

[FordsnFishin]

Dobyns champion extreme is what I use for all my bottom contact needs

[new2BC4bass]

You are talking about rods out of my price range so I can only pass on names I have read about.  The Expride is highly rated.  The Villain 2.0 is way below your price point, but Tackletour was impressed with its sensitivity.  ALX is another possibility.  The Zolo has been rated between the IMX and GLX for sensitivity.  Enox should be more sensitive given its price.  Tatula Elite AGS, Witch Doctor Shaman, iRod Air, Kistler Helium 3, Orochi XX, Poison Adrena and let us not forget that a very nice custom rod can be had for that price.

 

Thanks.  My winter hasn't been too bad so far.  Got two excellent condition Genesis II casting rods and just ordered a new Bantam MGL 6.2:1 left hand for about $256 with tax and free shipping.  Couldn't pass up that price.  Am looking at possibly getting two more used casting rods. 

 

Hope your winter is a good one, too.

[NorthernBasser]

[Dens228]

I use the MegaBass Orochi XX for both bottom and swimming jigs, I also use it for t-rigs. 

So yes, I have three of them since I always have all three rigged and ready.

[NathanDLTH]

If you are okay with used, there are some sweet deals out there. Frydog mentioned the NRX and I see them locally selling for 300-400 used. The Braillist is a great rod from Megabass, Exprides from Shimano are solid, Dobyns are good I have the 755 Xtasy and love it. Maybe check out rods at a store so that way you can tell how each rod feels. Good luck. 

[Pogues2300]

Thanks for all the replies. I'm interested in the champion xtreme and possibly a st Croix around that price point. I'm still researching though lol.

[dodgeguy]

7ft inch Johnny Morris Patriot mh fast.

[TBAG]

Yeah, where are you seeing new NRX's and Exprides for 50% off. Sorry but I doubt that. 

 

I've bought a few NRX's for 30% off but that's the max I've ever seen. 

[Pogues2300]

 In Minnesota a store does it every August... interesting you think id bother to post a lie when I'm just asking for suggestions. 

[TBAG]

6 hours ago, Pogues2300 said:

 In Minnesota a store does it every August... interesting you think id bother to post a lie when I'm just asking for suggestions. 

 

Then I'd wait until August and buy an NRX. 

[Bandersnatch]

2 hours ago, TBAG said:

 

Then I'd wait until August and buy an NRX. 

I'll help you, use the expride and buy two nrxs in August. You won't regret it. You will however regret a Dobyns imo since your trying to upgrade from the expride. I think a lot would agree that the expride may have equal to or better than sensitivity to when compared to the Dobyns. The brailist is a great option if you can't wait. 

[Mikeltee]

Why $350? You can spend $50 more and get the best which is the NRX 894 or the Zbone heavy. I just picked up a custom with the xray blank, which zbone uses, for $225. Dont suffer from upgraditis. Get the best out the gate! Next, get the NRX 893 and you will be set from finesse to 1oz jigs. 895 will cover to 1.5oz.

[Pogues2300]

You are right. I'm going to just go for the nrx. 

[Fishin Dad]

On 2/9/2020 at 11:21 AM, Pogues2300 said:

 In Minnesota a store does it every August... interesting you think id bother to post a lie when I'm just asking for suggestions. 

Would you willing to share or at least PM me the name of that store. That would awesome.  Always wanted to hook up an NRX. 

[FordsnFishin]

http://dobynsrods.com/store/#!/Refurbished-Dobyns-Rods/c/14031087/offset=0&sort=normal

 

Keep your eye on here and you can have a champion extreme for $250

[Dens228]

MegaBass Orochi XX Braillist........