Daiwa Steez AGS 7'5 MHH Bottom Contact Vs NRX 894

[Bandersnatch]

I've still been beating myself up about which rod to replace my broken NRX 893C with. Currently, The NRX's aren't going to be available for the places I'd need to swap my broken rod from until around mid August from what I'm being told. I'm considering going with a new Daiwa Steez AGS 7'5 MHH Bottom contact rod that has just come out. I can get that rod most likely next week ish. A lot of the feedback has been great and I'm told that it fishes the 894 type weights extremely well as well balances much better. This morning I asked about the 894 weight because I couldn't find it. The 894 weighs around 4.3 ounces at 7'5 and the steel weighs around 5.6 ounces, for some reason this has concerned me a little. Does anybody else have any opinions? I'm pretty gun show going away from that bullet proof G Loomis warranty. Gary from the tackle trap shows a picture of the new steez balancing just after the lock nut with a mid 5 oz reel. 

 

Links 

http://www.***.net/showthread.php?t=1020443

https://tackletrap.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=15175

[Manifestgtr]

17 hours ago, Chief250 said:

I'm told that it fishes the 894 type weights extremely well as well balances much better. 

 

Balance is always my number one. Bad balance wears me out much quicker than a slightly higher weight.

 

Im kind of in your nrx boat but for different reasons. There are rods I like more but there are also certain things I feel like it still hasn’t been convincingly bested at...pure bottom contact being one of those things. 
 

I think the thing you have to ask yourself is if you really want an nrx and are just trying to get a rod in before August or if you wanna get into a new line/model, see what’s out there. That would be my major deciding factor. 

[Bandersnatch]

27 minutes ago, Manifestgtr said:

Balance is always my number one. Bad balance wears me out much quicker than a slightly higher weight.

 

Im kind of in your nrx boat but for different reasons. There are rods I like more but there are also certain things I feel like it still hasn’t been convincingly bested at...pure bottom contact being one of those things. 
 

I think the thing you have to ask yourself is if you really want an nrx and are just trying to get a rod in before August or if you wanna get into a new line/model, see what’s out there. That would be my major deciding factor. 

 

I haven't had the 894 but have had the 893. It needed imo a bantam mgl to balance anywhere near tip up (7.8oz)I've heard the balance in the 894 is actually worse. My understanding is that the 894 weighs 4.3 oz but the steez weighs 5.6 oz. From the people I've been talking to the steez will balance with a 5.5 oz reel yet the nrx needs at least at 7.8 oz reel. I guess overall you Nrx 12.1 total weight and steez 11.1 if you go with a 5.5 oz reel. Even if you go with a Metanium MGL the steez /met combo would weigh 11.9oz,still lighter than the nrx. I've now talked myself into it. ;). Also, I did always find myself trying to keep my 893 in my hands but struggled at times with my braid to leader knots in the recoil guides. I'm hopeful this new bottom contact steez will be everything those who have it say it is. I'm excited

[Bandersnatch]

[fishindad]

I have not fished with either rod but I am in full agreement with manifestgtr. Tip heavy for bottom contact would bug me no matter how light the rod is. If any 7'5" rod has a balance point as shown with a 5.5 oz reel, who cares what the NRX (or any rod) by itself weighs? You're not planning to fish without a reel, right? I'd bet you would be more than pleased with that setup.

[evo2s197]

I've had the Steez Bottom Contact, it's  been out for a little while now, the balance is far superior to the NRX and the build quality will leave the NRX in the dust, and it's not close. 

 

The Bottom contact is very nice, mine was paired with a Steez A, fished it about 20 times, I just decided that my newest other setup was better.

 

If you are only considering the Bottom Contact or the NRX, and myself fishing both, I would go with the Steez for sure.

[iabass8]

the 894 was crazy sensitive but it's built like crap. handle is too short, tip heavy, and I didn't like the reel seat. modified mine when I had it and sold it years ago . Been down the flagship jig rod road far too often. It's not worth it. Get something custom built exactly how you want.....if I had to pick though, it would be the steez rod no question. NRX is getting revamped . might want to just hold out for a while. no idea on the release date. 

[Drunkentigerrr]

Hey BR fam,
 

Any update on this topic? I have been a loomis fan since I can remember. Recently I bought my first Daiwa reel and I was blown away. I currently have 4 nrx and 1 poison adrena for crankbait. This makes me wonder how a steez rod would go with my steez a reel. I use 854 for flipping (3/8oz with t-rig beaver) and would be replacing it with the bottom contact. Is that a good replacement?

 

Thanks! 

[Jason Penn]

i'm a total daiwa rod fan, but i don't really care for the new air sensor reel seat.  i've got the rebellion 6'10 mhr rod.  i love how the blank fishes, but the seat/lockdown just doesn't work for me.

[Zibass]

On 6/26/2020 at 10:24 PM, BaitFinesse said:

Steez but I would also cross shop with the Destroyers.  I really want a Destroyer and 19 Morethan PE in 8.6:1 bronze gears.

 

I have an older Steez, a Skyray and it is a super well balanced and light weight ML with a ton of backbone that just floats in your hand but it not that sensitive being a SVF compile x rod.  I'm sure the new ones are super sensitive but I would verify.  My Skyray is a finesse bait dock skipper and all I really do is feel for the weight of the bait after dead sticking so sensitivity is not super important but I would have been ticked if I spent that coin in good faith that it would be $500 sensitive.  I knew what I was getting into with the Skyray as a SVF compile x rod and knew that it would be Tatula sensitive.       

The Destroyer Xbite just replace my Nrx853c.  The Xbite is so sensitive and balance. It weight 3.75 oz. Here is a Morethan weight 7.2oz on it.

[Bandersnatch]

I've fished my new steez bottom contact three times so I'm not ready to give a full review. Understand I'm coming from the 893 not the 894 but I knew I wanted something with more 894 power. So far, I can say the following. 

 

Sensitivity - it's hard to be the sensitivity of the 893 but that's also imo because it's just a light power rod. The steez feels plenty sensitive but most of my bites have been big largemouth that have just had a mushy weight like bite. I'm fairly new to jig fishing as well. I find myself just using the weight of the jig, slightly lifting to notice if one is there. My lake is super grassy so I have had a chance to really drag something on rock to see the feel. 

Balance - it floats in your hand, I'm currently using a Metanium B but you could also potentially go lighter. I love the float. 

 

Power- Holy cow power. Again, I'm coming from the 893 but knew I needed more power. This rod has got the power to really pull these fish. I've been fishing 40lb smackdown to a short 16-20lb fc100 leader. When I hook one they are coming my way and in a hurry, even a few 4.5s I've caught in the last week. 

 

Tip- the tip is soft enough to throw a 1/8 tungeston weight with a 3/0 pin grip and rage craw, I found that impressive. It loves a 1/2oz jig and appears to be able to handle a lot more weight, just haven't tried. The tip is soft yet fast if that makes sense. I've watched some videos of my jig hooksets and they aren't a powerful hookset like I usually like to do. What I've noticed is a quick reaction most likely from feeling the bite a just a slight upswing a that jig hook is buried without much effort. Overall this rod has me building confidence unlike my 893. I feel totally in control with whatever happens. 

 

Also, my understanding from a few megabass p5 xbites owners is that it's a nice rod but I've heard the butt is small and it's not anywhere near as powerful as the bottom contact steez, however, I haven't fished the x bites, just was considering one when trying to replace my 893 due to nrx availability 

 

[freelancer27]

On 7/8/2020 at 8:19 AM, Chief250 said:

I've fished my new steez bottom contact three times so I'm not ready to give a full review. Understand I'm coming from the 893 not the 894 but I knew I wanted something with more 894 power. So far, I can say the following. 

 

Sensitivity - it's hard to be the sensitivity of the 893 but that's also imo because it's just a light power rod. The steez feels plenty sensitive but most of my bites have been big largemouth that have just had a mushy weight like bite. I'm fairly new to jig fishing as well. I find myself just using the weight of the jig, slightly lifting to notice if one is there. My lake is super grassy so I have had a chance to really drag something on rock to see the feel. 

Balance - it floats in your hand, I'm currently using a Metanium B but you could also potentially go lighter. I love the float. 

 

Power- Holy cow power. Again, I'm coming from the 893 but knew I needed more power. This rod has got the power to really pull these fish. I've been fishing 40lb smackdown to a short 16-20lb fc100 leader. When I hook one they are coming my way and in a hurry, even a few 4.5s I've caught in the last week. 

 

Tip- the tip is soft enough to throw a 1/8 tungeston weight with a 3/0 pin grip and rage craw, I found that impressive. It loves a 1/2oz jig and appears to be able to handle a lot more weight, just haven't tried. The tip is soft yet fast if that makes sense. I've watched some videos of my jig hooksets and they aren't a powerful hookset like I usually like to do. What I've noticed is a quick reaction most likely from feeling the bite a just a slight upswing a that jig hook is buried without much effort. Overall this rod has me building confidence unlike my 893. I feel totally in control with whatever happens. 

 

Also, my understanding from a few megabass p5 xbites owners is that it's a nice rod but I've heard the butt is small and it's not anywhere near as powerful as the bottom contact steez, however, I haven't fished the x bites, just was considering one when trying to replace my 893 due to nrx availability 

 

Hi there!

I am torn between the 894c and the Steez Bottom Contact as well.

How has your opinion evolved over the last couple of weeks of fishing the Steez?

Thanks.

[Bandersnatch]

1 hour ago, freelancer27 said:

Hi there!

I am torn between the 894c and the Steez Bottom Contact as well.

How has your opinion evolved over the last couple of weeks of fishing the Steez?

Thanks.

As a reminder I have never owned the 894, just the 893. I just got back from a week long fishing trip where I used the bottom contact a ton. I also used it along size one of my new favorite rods (7'2 H Poison Adrena) Both of these rods have the 2020 met b on them. Anyways, a couple more observations on the bottom contact. When you're holding the rod paired with a Metanium B it just feels hefty. I've done the weight calculations and to from what I have found the bottom contact paired with a Metanium B is lighter in overall weight than an 894 paired with a bantam. The Steez weighs more than the 894 but is a lot better balanced. I run this rod like all of my rods, 40lb smackdown to whatever leader I want. I don't worry about the steez from a sensitivity standpoint, it's plenty fine in that area. I'm also surprised that I can pitch a 1/8 oz Texas rigged tiny craw but yet turn around and throw a 3/4oz jig without much of a difference, it's a powerful rod yet forgiving on the light stuff. It doesn't feel anyway overloaded with a 3/4 oz jig. I have not thrown a 1 oz jig. I hate the a feeling of an overloaded rod by the way. I'm not the guy that's going to throw a heavy jig on a light rod. Also, even though the bottom contact has enough tip to throw that wide range of baits it seems that the tip sets the hook by itself most of the time. I've reviewed videos of me catching jig fish and it's surprising that lack of hookset i've had to use to have them pinned. I hated my 893 with anything more than a 3/8oz jig on it, even that felt overloaded to me. As for the adrena, I love that thing, it's crazy light and because of it's length it's easy to roll cast up under brush. I use it for the roll casting piece of it but it doesn't feel like it's got the power that the bottom contact rod does. If you're looking for a versatile, power, sensitive jig & worm rod I don't think you'll be disappointed in the bottom contact. As a guy who was stuck on having another NRX i'm completely satisfied with the transition to the steez. 

[freelancer27]

1 hour ago, Chief250 said:

As a reminder I have never owned the 894, just the 893. I just got back from a week long fishing trip where I used the bottom contact a ton. I also used it along size one of my new favorite rods (7'2 H Poison Adrena) Both of these rods have the 2020 met b on them. Anyways, a couple more observations on the bottom contact. When you're holding the rod paired with a Metanium B it just feels hefty. I've done the weight calculations and to from what I have found the bottom contact paired with a Metanium B is lighter in overall weight than an 894 paired with a bantam. The Steez weighs more than the 894 but is a lot better balanced. I run this rod like all of my rods, 40lb smackdown to whatever leader I want. I don't worry about the steez from a sensitivity standpoint, it's plenty fine in that area. I'm also surprised that I can pitch a 1/8 oz Texas rigged tiny craw but yet turn around and throw a 3/4oz jig without much of a difference, it's a powerful rod yet forgiving on the light stuff. It doesn't feel anyway overloaded with a 3/4 oz jig. I have not thrown a 1 oz jig. I hate the a feeling of an overloaded rod by the way. I'm not the guy that's going to throw a heavy jig on a light rod. Also, even though the bottom contact has enough tip to throw that wide range of baits it seems that the tip sets the hook by itself most of the time. I've reviewed videos of me catching jig fish and it's surprising that lack of hookset i've had to use to have them pinned. I hated my 893 with anything more than a 3/8oz jig on it, even that felt overloaded to me. As for the adrena, I love that thing, it's crazy light and because of it's length it's easy to roll cast up under brush. I use it for the roll casting piece of it but it doesn't feel like it's got the power that the bottom contact rod does. If you're looking for a versatile, power, sensitive jig & worm rod I don't think you'll be disappointed in the bottom contact. As a guy who was stuck on having another NRX i'm completely satisfied with the transition to the steez. 

Thanks a lot Chief!

Going through all of the info on the web, the NRX 894c seems to be still a bit more sensitive than the Steez but gets beaten by the Steez when it comes to better balance and being a better all around rod. 

Since I am actually just looking for a dedicated 1/2 (+trailer) Jig rod and also a bit turned off by Daiwa's limited warranty, I think I will go with the 894c. 

Question now is: wait for the new NRX to come out or not

[Bandersnatch]

7 minutes ago, freelancer27 said:

Thanks a lot Chief!

Going through all of the info on the web, the NRX 894c seems to be still a bit more sensitive than the Steez but gets beaten by the Steez when it comes to better balance and being a better all around rod. 

Since I am actually just looking for a dedicated 1/2 (+trailer) Jig rod and also a bit turned off by Daiwa's limited warranty, I think I will go with the 894c. 

Question now is: wait for the new NRX to come out or not

My understanding is it won't be this year. 

[freelancer27]

10 minutes ago, Chief250 said:

My understanding is it won't be this year. 

That's valuable info!

Was the warranty a major consideration in your purchase decision? While I understand that the GLomis warranty even allows you to replace a rod that was broken accidentally (against a fee of course), the Daiwa warranty leaves you hanging and would require you to buy a brand new rod.

Given that I do the majority of my fishing from the bank, this is a bit of worry of mine. 

While I take my NRX 852c often with me, my 7'9XH Steez AGS stays home, because I am too afraid that I might hang up the AGS guides or otherwise damage the rod and then have to buy one at full price again.

Cheers mate!

[Bandersnatch]

1 hour ago, freelancer27 said:

That's valuable info!

Was the warranty a major consideration in your purchase decision? While I understand that the GLomis warranty even allows you to replace a rod that was broken accidentally (against a fee of course), the Daiwa warranty leaves you hanging and would require you to buy a brand new rod.

Given that I do the majority of my fishing from the bank, this is a bit of worry of mine. 

While I take my NRX 852c often with me, my 7'9XH Steez AGS stays home, because I am too afraid that I might hang up the AGS guides or otherwise damage the rod and then have to buy one at full price again.

Cheers mate!

It was since I was switching from a broken nrx to a steez however I'm not sure about the warranty. I was also told that the shimano expride warranty sucked. I broke an expride and they replaced it without question. I'd hope daiwa just didn't tell you to shove it

[freelancer27]

On 6/26/2020 at 6:13 PM, evo2s197 said:

I've had the Steez Bottom Contact, it's  been out for a little while now, the balance is far superior to the NRX and the build quality will leave the NRX in the dust, and it's not close. 

 

The Bottom contact is very nice, mine was paired with a Steez A, fished it about 20 times, I just decided that my newest other setup was better.

 

If you are only considering the Bottom Contact or the NRX, and myself fishing both, I would go with the Steez for sure.

What is your 'newest other set up' that was better?

?

[WRB]

Rods should balance in the middle of the reel seat,then the reel weight doesn't affect balance. The Daiwa rod may have a counter balance weight added to the butt to off set the rod length feeling tip heavy.

Tom

[Bandersnatch]

39 minutes ago, freelancer27 said:

What is your 'newest other set up' that was better?

?

His was the 2020 7'4 h st croix extreme 

26 minutes ago, WRB said:

Rods should balance in the middle of the reel seat,then the reel weight doesn't affect balance. The Daiwa rod may have a counter balance weight added to the butt to off set the rod length feeling tip heavy.

Tom

Either way the ultra light nrxs need either more butt weight or a much heavier reel to float in your hand. If the dawia can balance tip up better with a lighter reel making the overall package weight less it negates the ultra light weight of the nrx, no? 

[WRB]

Ultra light NRX @ 4.2 oz?

The reel weight should not affect balance if the rod is biult properly with the fulcrum point in the middle of the reel seat. You can put a brick on the fulcrum point without changing balance. Heavier reel increases the combo weight insignificantly IMO.

I prefer rods with short foregrips like NRX in lieu of bare reel locking rings because the way I hold the rod/reel combo towards the foregrip tends off sets any tip heavy feel with line and lures. Palming the reel the balance point should be in the center of the Palm.

We all have a different idea of what feels right.

Tom

 

[evo2s197]

20 hours ago, Chief250 said:

His was the 2020 7'4 h st croix extreme

That is correct, to myself the St. Croix felt better overall, I like the way the vibrations transmit through the entire handle vs the steez where it feels more dampened to me if I'm dragging a Carolina rig horizontally while the entire handle is against my side, it's still splitting hairs though, the only way to tell is fishing both on the same day, with the same line, reel and lure in the same area which I did.

 

I feel both are a step above the NRX overall, those rods left me underwhelmed to say the least.

 

If your on the fence between the steez and NRX I would definitely go with the Steez, no contest.

 

 

[freelancer27]

 

Got the 894c and the Steez Bottom Contact. Fished them for two outings. Here are some quick thoughts:

 

Looks: Steez looks better and has much better craftsmanship. It's a bit sad that a US made high end rod sits so far behind a Chinese made one. Well, what is truly high quality that is made in this country that is not software...

 

I HATE the Steez's hook keeper placement. I have my rods stuck into my backpack when I walk around, the hook keeper makes it really tedious to get the rod in and out from the backpack. Why Daiwa, why?

 

Handling: out of the box it is the Steez. The NRx is a bit more tip heavy than I would like. The Steez is perfectly balanced. The handle is a bit more comfortable on the Steez as well. The Eva on the Steez can be a bit slippery though. The fishing glove's leather hand side slips on the Eva. Especially when they are wet. I added a grip wrap on the NRx and now I like it a lot. Will try a balance kit next and see how it behaves.

 

Performance: Both handle lures from 3/8 to 3/4 oz ounces pretty well. The NRX has a faster taper and feels Abit more powerful than the Steez to me. Sensitivity: Both are very sensitive. I think the NRX might still be a hair more sensitive. But this is really splitting hair. The NRX has more of a slight vibrating feel, while the Steez is a bit more solid. This allows the NRX to pick up some contact a bit more in my short experience.

 

 

Warranty: I hope I will not have to use it for either but the NRX with it's replacement warranty is better.

 

 

Usage: Have not completely figured it out yet. Had the Steez equipped with a Steez A and 20 pound sniper FC while the NRX was with a 2019 daiwa morethan and 16 pound sniper FC. I might actually reverse this, since the NRX seems to be slightly more powerful and I will use the NRX for heavier duty stuff and lighter flipping techniques.

 

 

 

Which to choose if you only could do one: Hm, that is a very good question. If one needs a good all around bottom contact rod for 3/8 to 1/2 oz jigs and warranty is not that important since you fish most of the time from the boat, I would probably go for the Steez. For Bank fisherman that fish heavier jigs, I would go for the NRX.

 

 

Got both for more than 25% off. Fair deal I would say. Let me know if you have Q.

[Bandersnatch]

17 minutes ago, freelancer27 said:

Got the 894c and the Steez Bottom Contact. Fished them for two outings. Here are some quick thoughts: Looks: Steez looks better and has much better craftsmanship. It's a bit sad that a US made high end rod sits so far behind a Chinese made one. Well, what is truly high quality that is made in thick country that is not software... I HATE the Steez's hook keeper placement. I have my rods stuck into my backpack when I walk around, the hook keeper makes it really tedious to get the rod in and out from the backpack. Why Daiwa, why? Handling: out of the box it is the Steez. The NRx is a bit more tip heavy than I would like. The Steez is perfectly balanced. The handle is a bit more comfortable on the Steez as well. The Eva on the Steez can be a bit slippery though. The fishing glove's leather hand side slips on the Eva. Especially when they are wet. I added a grip wrap on the NRx and now I like it a lot. Will try a balance kit next and see how it behaves. Performance: Both handle lures from 3/8 to 3/4 oz ounces pretty well. The NRX has a faster taper and feels Abit more powerful than the Steez to me. Sensitivity: Both are very sensitive. I think the NRX might still be a hair more sensitive. But this is really splitting hair. The NRX has more of a slight vibrating feel, while the Steez is a bit more solid. This allows the NRX to pick up some contact a bit more in my short experience. Warranty: I hope I will not have to use it for either but the NRX with it's replacement warranty is better. Usage: Have not completely figured it out yet. Had the Steez equipped with a Steez A and 20 pound sniper FC while the NRX was with a 2019 daiwa morethan and 16 pound sniper FC. I might actually reverse this, since the NRX seems to be slightly more powerful and I will use the NRX for heavier duty stuff and lighter flipping techniques. Which to choose if you only could do one: Hm, that is a very good question. If one needs a good all around bottom contact rod for 3/8 to 1/2 oz jigs and warranty is not that important since you fish most of the time from the boat, I would probably go for the Steez. For Bank fisherman that fish heavier jigs, I would go for the NRX. Got both for more than 25% off. Fair deal I would say. Let me know if you have Q.

Got the 894c and the Steez Bottom Contact. Fished them for two outings. Here are some quick thoughts:

 

Looks: Steez looks better and has much better craftsmanship. It's a bit sad that a US made high end rod sits so far behind a Chinese made one. Well, what is truly high quality that is made in thick country that is not software...

 

I HATE the Steez's hook keeper placement. I have my rods stuck into my backpack when I walk around, the hook keeper makes it really tedious to get the rod in and out from the backpack. Why Daiwa, why?

 

Handling: out of the box it is the Steez. The NRx is a bit more tip heavy than I would like. The Steez is perfectly balanced. The handle is a bit more comfortable on the Steez as well. The Eva on the Steez can be a bit slippery though. The fishing glove's leather hand side slips on the Eva. Especially when they are wet. I added a grip wrap on the NRx and now I like it a lot. Will try a balance kit next and see how it behaves.

 

Performance: Both handle lures from 3/8 to 3/4 oz ounces pretty well. The NRX has a faster taper and feels Abit more powerful than the Steez to me. Sensitivity: Both are very sensitive. I think the NRX might still be a hair more sensitive. But this is really splitting hair. The NRX has more of a slight vibrating feel, while the Steez is a bit more solid. This allows the NRX to pick up some contact a bit more in my short experience.

 

 

Warranty: I hope I will not have to use it for either but the NRX with it's replacement warranty is better.

 

 

Usage: Have not completely figured it out yet. Had the Steez equipped with a Steez A and 20 pound sniper FC while the NRX was with a 2019 daiwa morethan and 16 pound sniper FC. I might actually reverse this, since the NRX seems to be slightly more powerful and I will use the NRX for heavier duty stuff and lighter flipping techniques.

 

 

 

Which to choose if you only could do one: Hm, that is a very good question. If one needs a good all around bottom contact rod for 3/8 to 1/2 oz jigs and warranty is not that important since you fish most of the time from the boat, I would probably go for the Steez. For Bank fisherman that fish heavier jigs, I would go for the NRX.

 

 

Got both for more than 25% off. Fair deal I would say. Let me know if you have Q.

Great write up. I agree with most of what you've said with the exception of the hook keeper not bothering me. As for Power, I switched from the 893 but am surprised you find the 894 more powerful than the bottom contact. 

[freelancer27]

43 minutes ago, Chief250 said:

Great write up. I agree with most of what you've said with the exception of the hook keeper not bothering me. As for Power, I switched from the 893 but am surprised you find the 894 more powerful than the bottom contact. 

Well, the hook keeper just bugs me because of the way I transport the rods when I am bankfishing. It also is not the ideal placement when I put a lure cover over on. When the hook keeper is above the reel seat this works much better.

I was surprised as well. I thought the Steez would be more powerful, which is why I had used it with 20# instead and put the 16# on the NRX.

I hooked into a 5+ # largie on Saturday (open water) and I had no problem getting the fish to shore, whatsoever. Unfortunately my line snapped when I was about to get the fish on land...