Which G. Loomis NRX Spinning Rod?

[FishTank]

So I found a good deal at a sort of local (in Indiana) tackle shop on a few NRX spinning rods.  I can't mention the name of the store as they are not allowed to advertise the price but are able to sell them.  They are first rate rods and not seconds or demos.  I can get the 802S, the 803S, or the 822S DSR for $425 shipped.  Which one would you choose?  

 

I am wanting to use this for small, light swimbaits (Keitech 3in), weightless senkos, and small hair jigs.

 

They also have the Conquest 902S SJR for $525 but I am not sure how feel about a 7'6'' drop shot rod. 

 

 

[BrianMDTX]

I have no clue as I have no experience with upper echelon rods. But can you tell me what you get with a $425-$525 spinning rod vs a decent $125 (or less) rod?  I assume components (seats, guides, grips) are higher quality, as well as the blanks and finish. But in actual fishing, is there that much of a difference that makes one noticeably better over the other when in use?

 

Trust me, I am not denigrating high-end rods and reels. I do not want to say how much I have tied up in some guns, bows, etc. I’m just wondering if the increases in sensitivity, casting distance, whatever makes that much of a difference to any but the most skilled of anglers. I say that as in my case, I do not think a $525 rod would make me that more successful of an angler, but it may in others. 

[optimator]

Do you like to drive a Chevette or a Corvette? 

[BrianMDTX]

24 minutes ago, optimator said:

Do you like to drive a Chevette or a Corvette? 

Fair question. But is a $125 or $150 rod a Chevette? Maybe a $19.95 or $29.95 rod is a Chevette. 
 

Truthfully, I don’t think that’s a fair example. One doesn’t buy a Corvette for the same reasons as a Chevette (which was a horrible car). You don’t buy an econobox to drive like a high-performance machine or a luxury sedan. But you do buy a $125 rod to catch fish the same as you do a $525 rod. 
 

So what does $400 more actually get you? 

[optimator]

I know the sensitivity of my IMX-PRO blows my Sierra and Tatula rods out of the water. I'm pretty sure the components are better too. Most importantly, to me, are the paychecks to Americans in Woodland Washington. I guarantee you the QC is better than anything coming out of China.  

 

Plus there's a lot of money on this forum. $400 doesn't mean the same thing to everybody ?

[FishTank]

1 hour ago, BrianMDTX said:

I have no clue as I have no experience with upper echelon rods. But can you tell me what you get with a $425-$525 spinning rod vs a decent $125 (or less) rod?  I assume components (seats, guides, grips) are higher quality, as well as the blanks and finish. But in actual fishing, is there that much of a difference that makes one noticeably better over the other when in use?

 

Trust me, I am not denigrating high-end rods and reels. I do not want to say how much I have tied up in some guns, bows, etc. I’m just wondering if the increases in sensitivity, casting distance, whatever makes that much of a difference to any but the most skilled of anglers. I say that as in my case, I do not think a $525 rod would make me that more successful of an angler, but it may in others. 

I always think that sensitivity is subjective but to answer your question.....  I have rods all over the place in value and cost.  When it comes to spinning rods, I have a few St. Croix Avids and a recently broken Fenwick Elite Tech so this NRX will be new to me in a way.  I do however have a NRX casting rod and it is without a doubt the most sensitive rod I have ever owned.  Is it worth the cost between other rods> probably not but it is a pure pleasure to fish and to me that's worth it.  The worst thing about the NRX I have though, is that as soon as I fished it, I wanted another one.  It's that good.  The cost was not even in my mind.  No other rod I have owned has done this to me.  

 

I could quote you specs and components but it doesn't really some up the feel and quality of this rod.  To some, the design is old school and dated but that's the way I like it.  I think next year I will invest in another one if I can find them.  There is supposed to be new version coming out by the end of the year and Loomis, from what I heard, is only shipping what they have on hand to dealers. 

 

 

[BrianMDTX]

40 minutes ago, FishTank said:

I always think that sensitivity is subjective but to answer your question.....  I have rods all over the place in value and cost.  When it comes to spinning rods, I have a few St. Croix Avids and a recently broken Fenwick Elite Tech so this NRX will be new to me in a way.  I do however have a NRX casting rod and it is without a doubt the most sensitive rod I have ever owned.  Is it worth the cost between other rods> probably not but it is a pure pleasure to fish and to me that's worth it.  The worst thing about the NRX I have though, is that as soon as I fished it, I wanted another one.  It's that good.  The cost was not even in my mind.  No other rod I have owned has done this to me.  

 

I could quote you specs and components but it doesn't really some up the feel and quality of this rod.  To some, the design is old school and dated but that's the way I like it.  I think next year I will invest in another one if I can find them.  There is supposed to be new version coming out by the end of the year and Loomis, from what I heard, is only shipping what they have on hand to dealers. 

 

 

Good enough!

 

I was asking as I equate the cost of equipment for fishing as I do to bowhunting and archery, with which I have much more experience. I have and do own some top-of-the-line bows, arrows, components, etc. But truth be told, an archer of the class of say, for example, fellow ex-Marylander Jesse Broadwater, would outshoot me every day of the week and twice on Sunday with a cheap Walmart special bow no matter what I’m shooting...because he’s that good. When you can put 90 out of 90 arrows in a spot the size of a dime at 20 yards, you’re good. No matter what you’re shooting. 

 

I’m thinking rods (and reels) are similar. I’m sure many anglers spend $$$ on upper end equipment to better themselves, but most probably lack the skill to fully utilize whatever increases in sensitivity, etc. that equipment offers to its fullest potential. 

 

And I’ve had a few G&T’s...so forgive my ramblings lol. 

[5by3]

I used to own the 822dsr. Phenomenal rod if you are strictly looking for an open water drop shot rod and perhaps the best on the market for this application. I sold it because it was more of a niche rod for me and I don’t drop shot much. I wouldn’t recommend throwing senkos on it. It’s pretty soft.
 

Can’t comment on the 802s or 803s since I haven’t fished them.

 

The 872s is on my bucket list to try. I hear it can do a lot of things well.

[FishTank]

25 minutes ago, 5by3 said:

I used to own the 822dsr. Phenomenal rod if you are strictly looking for an open water drop shot rod and perhaps the best on the market for this application. I sold it because it was more of a niche rod for me and I don’t drop shot much. I wouldn’t recommend throwing senkos on it. It’s pretty soft.
 

Can’t comment on the 802s or 803s since I haven’t fished them.

 

The 872s is on my bucket list to try. I hear it can do a lot of things well.

I too really wanted the 872s but the shop I had the deal with didn't have it in stock. 

 

Thanks for the info on the 822S DSR.  I think that will narrow it down to the 802S and 803S. 

[Randy Price]

19 hours ago, BrianMDTX said:

I have no clue as I have no experience with upper echelon rods. But can you tell me what you get with a $425-$525 spinning rod vs a decent $125 (or less) rod?  I assume components (seats, guides, grips) are higher quality, as well as the blanks and finish. But in actual fishing, is there that much of a difference that makes one noticeably better over the other when in use?

 

Trust me, I am not denigrating high-end rods and reels. I do not want to say how much I have tied up in some guns, bows, etc. I’m just wondering if the increases in sensitivity, casting distance, whatever makes that much of a difference to any but the most skilled of anglers. I say that as in my case, I do not think a $525 rod would make me that more successful of an angler, but it may in others. 

Most of my rods are SC Legend series.  My buddy is a blue light special fisherman.  Spends $ 50.00 on a combo.  He loves it if we both go fishing and he catches more than me.  Like a lot of guys here I thankfully can afford some of the nicer rods/reels but I don't golf, drink, etc... so it's my hobby and I enjoy the feel of a higher end rod and reel.  

[thunderblack]

OP, I would go for the 803S. 802S probably not enough power and 822 sounds like you ruled out. Out of the 3 mentioned I would still buy the 822 DSR since that is one of the best models. If you need it to handle worms and small jigs go with 803S for sure.

[browne762]

I have the NRX 822 DSR and really like it, but I wouldn't feel comfortable trowing Senkos with it. As said above the 822 is pretty soft. Hair jigs and small swimbaits, all day.

 

I have the Conquest 902 and use it all the time for Senkos and have also used it for swimbaits. I don't DS on it, but would if I didn't have something else. I like the reel seat way more then the NRX, but dislike the hook keeper location.

 

No experience with the 802 or 803.

[Randy Price]

@FishTank, how does the NRX compare to the Legend Series from SC?  I have a few LE's, X's and Xtreme's and wonder how can it get better??

[FishTank]

3 hours ago, thunderblack said:

OP, I would go for the 803S. 802S probably not enough power and 822 sounds like you ruled out. Out of the 3 mentioned I would still buy the 822 DSR since that is one of the best models. If you need it to handle worms and small jigs go with 803S for sure.

Picked up the 803S today.  We will see how it goes.  Going tonight to check it out......

 

Thanks for the advice.

[FishTank]

2 hours ago, Randy Price said:

@FishTank, how does the NRX compare to the Legend Series from SC?  I have a few LE's, X's and Xtreme's and wonder how can it get better??

I have the NRX 853C and the 7'1'' MH X-Fast LE and the 6'8'' M Fast LE. 

 

The quality of the rod build is about the same, the LE maybe slightly better, but the feel and sensitivity of the NRX is definitely a step above the LE. (at least to me).  The 7'1'' LE is just a fuzz heavier than the NRX.  Also, the NRX is a little bit softer at the tip.  On the other hand though the 6'8'' M Fast LE is a good balance between the two and a very versatile rod.

[Fishin' Fool]

21 hours ago, 5by3 said:

I used to own the 822dsr. Phenomenal rod if you are strictly looking for an open water drop shot rod and perhaps the best on the market for this application. I sold it because it was more of a niche rod for me and I don’t drop shot much. I wouldn’t recommend throwing senkos on it. It’s pretty soft.
 

Can’t comment on the 802s or 803s since I haven’t fished them.

 

The 872s is on my bucket list to try. I hear it can do a lot of things well.

I had two 872s rods 1 green and 1 black/blue. They are great big water rods and can do alot. I liked it as a drop shot rod but it was a great for tubes, senkos, small swimbaits almost anything. Unfortunately money became short and i had to sell both rods.

[FishTank]

Well after fishing it for about 1hr, I am glad I didn't get the 802S.  It would be have been too light for what I want to fish. 

 

The 803S is light at the tip though but has a surprising amount of power on the other end.  I ended catching 3 fish and lost a couple right off the bat getting use to how this rod loads on a hook set.  

 

It is probably too early to give a full assessment but it is amazingly sensitive and has a lot more power than I expected.  Also, it's not as stiff as other MH X-fast rods I have used.   The NRX 803s is not exactly what I expected but it may the best spinning rod I have put my hands on.   The next thing to do is find an equally excellent reel to put on it.  ?

[RedRob]

On 6/29/2020 at 5:01 PM, BrianMDTX said:

I have no clue as I have no experience with upper echelon rods. But can you tell me what you get with a $425-$525 spinning rod vs a decent $125 (or less) rod?  I assume components (seats, guides, grips) are higher quality, as well as the blanks and finish. But in actual fishing, is there that much of a difference that makes one noticeably better over the other when in use?

 

Trust me, I am not denigrating high-end rods and reels. I do not want to say how much I have tied up in some guns, bows, etc. I’m just wondering if the increases in sensitivity, casting distance, whatever makes that much of a difference to any but the most skilled of anglers. I say that as in my case, I do not think a $525 rod would make me that more successful of an angler, but it may in others. 

I don't have an NRX but do have a couple SC xtremes and LE's also avid and avid x's I did a closed eyes sensitivity on an NRX the guy touched the tip with a feather and I could feel it. Almost bought it on spot. My XTREME is just as sensitive as is my pan fish elite. There are times I fish the avid's still but alway end with the better rods and catch more. A trout can take a worm of a hook with surgical precision. Bass suck a worm on the drop. I can feel these in the $500 rods where I might not in even the $200 rods. The NRX is a phenomenal rod. Catch what ya can with what ya got. Sorry OP can't help ya on you quest for an NRX. But might be looking at an NRX or a 2020 SC LE for my next one.