Looking for high end rod recommendations

[LegendaryBassin]

16 hours ago, WRB said:

G. Loomis NRX series rods are now a decade old technology. Time tends to develope technology and this is true in fishing rods. Light weight with flexible high modulus rods are now common. You can get NRX performance for $400 today. Take a look at Shimano new rods.

Tom

While the Expride and Poison are great rods in their own right and IMO a better value, they aren't a NRX. But why is it still the topic of all conversation about sensitivity? There is a simple answer, it is the standard. There are definitely rods that are awesome and can compete but NRX is still the standard. That blank is electric

[Tywithay]

The NRX rods are great and if you can find a used one, it might be the best option since you know you like it already. Personally, I think the best rod for the applications you mentioned is the Steez AGS 76MML. That rod is a bit of a unicorn. The Tatula Elite AGS version is special too, though it pales in comparison to the Steez and NRX in terms of sensitivity. The ZBone Xray blanks are NRX level as well, but I don't find the builds as refined as the Steez.

[Fishin' Fool]

18 hours ago, WRB said:

G. Loomis NRX series rods are now a decade old technology. Time tends to develope technology and this is true in fishing rods. Light weight with flexible high modulus rods are now common. You can get NRX performance for $400 today. Take a look at Shimano new rods.

Tom

Just curious to which modules you recommend? 

10 hours ago, shimanoangler said:

The Brigand is a GREAT stick.  It has plenty of feel for tube fishing and enough backbone to set the hook on long casts is deep water.  However, I think it may be a tad too heavy/stiff (if you can have such a thing with a spinning rod) to cover the other lighter techniques you are looking to cover.  That said, it is a GREAT looking stick that fishes really well for tubes, paddle tail swimbaits and lighter jigs.  I have had a few of these rods, but I sold them as I am a pretty loyal Dobyns fan, and I already had a Dobyns Champion Extreme HP 743, so I had an overlap in technique specific rods, and I sold the Brigand.  Truth be told, I think it is a better, more sensitive, rod than my 743.

 

I am on the same pursuit you are on, and right now, what I am trying out are several Daiwa rods.  I have a Daiwa Cronos 7'6" MML with a stinger tip and a Daiwa Tatula Elite with AGS guides in the 7'6" ML.   Both rated up to 1/2 oz, but down to 1/8 and 3/32 of an oz, so I believe they are light enough to tackle the NED, Drop Shot and Hair Jig applications and maybe even heavy enough to step up to fishing NEKO and other Wacky right worms.  I am headed out for the long weekend to put these new rods to the test and I will report back on my findings.

 

I should mention that I also have the Dobyns Xtasy 752 and 753.  Just picked up the 753, so I haven't thrown it yet.  The 752 I have fished some (light paddle tails), and I have found the rod somewhat "stiff" for a ML.  So much so that it is really hard to "launch" those lighter baits (throws tubes a mile).  That is the one thing about the Xtasy line, which is they are really "stout" rods, and give you a really solid feeling fighting bigger fish (where I find some of the other finesse rods, Loomis included just too whippy/flimsy).   So this is great in the 753 and 723 models, but not exactly what I am looking for in the 752 and 722 models (sold my 722 for that very reason).      

 

If these don't meet the test, I have my eye on the Daiwa Steez 7'6" MML, but like you, I HATE the thought of dropping $450 or more to pick up a used one.....  

 

More to come after this weekend.  

Do you have any experience with the JDM Megabass Destroyer wind buster? It seems like it would fit that range of rods also.

[shimanoangler]

2 hours ago, Fishin' Fool said:

Just curious to which modules you recommend? 

Do you have any experience with the JDM Megabass Destroyer wind buster? It seems like it would fit that range of rods also.

I don't. Just the Brigand and some of their drop shot rods.  

[70diesel]

From my experience, just get the rod you want, the NRX. It's just money, you can make more. Otherwise you'll be constantly trying to compare whatever you get to the NRX and if you don't get an NRX you'll be always wondering what if....(your kids can pay for their own college lol).

 

I have the St. Croix LTB and the Lengend X. IMO, they aren't the same as the NRX. But is the NRX worth the extra money? Not to me. I have used the NRX's and yes they are awesome but to be honest I think it's also because of the reel selection. The NRX's I've used all have Shimano Aldebarans on them and my St Croixs have Shimano Curado 70's on them. The reel adds to the difference also. I also made the mistake of using a Shimano GL Conquest w/ an Aldebaran, what a mistake that was, it's even better than an NRX. Yes, it is awesome but no chance I'm spending over $1k for a fishing rod/reel.

 

Long story short, we only get one go round at this game called life. Just get what you want instead of trying to save money and hope it's close enough.

[Fishin' Fool]

Life has a funny/cruel way of readjusting our priorities in life. My little pomeranian wandered out to the main road on Friday afternoon and got hit by a car. After $3000 worth of vet bills and I'm sure more coming in the future I don't feel the need to buy a $600 rod. 

[A-Jay]

53 minutes ago, Fishin' Fool said:

Life has a funny/cruel way of readjusting our priorities in life. My little pomeranian wandered out to the main road on Friday afternoon and got hit by a car. After $3000 worth of vet bills and I'm sure more coming in the future I don't feel the need to buy a $600 rod. 

Really sorry to hear this.

Hope the mending is quick and complete.

A-Jay 

[evo2s197]

On 9/5/2020 at 8:50 PM, 70diesel said:

Long story short, we only get one go round at this game called life. Just get what you want instead of trying to save money and hope it's close enough

Exactly ? 

[Fishin' Fool]

On 9/6/2020 at 10:23 PM, A-Jay said:

Really sorry to hear this.

Hope the mending is quick and complete.

A-Jay 

Thank you A-Jay. We are gonna try the surgery to fix his leg tomorrow. What's a few more grand right?!

[Quoddy]

On 9/1/2020 at 7:01 PM, Fishin' Fool said:

Just curious to which modules you recommend? 

Do you have any experience with the JDM Megabass Destroyer wind buster? It seems like it would fit that range of rods also.

Ive only recently purchased and begun to use the Wind Buster. Being so used to the Addermine it's difficult to judge just how much of an improvement it might be. I do love the overall feel for many types of fishing, though. Seems to be a perfect match for the Shimano Essence I picked to go with it. 

[ACGOG]

Everyone on here swears by the Poison Adrena. I've also seen the argument made multiple times that the NRX is old and using outdated technology but it is one of the sweetest rods I've ever laid hands on.

 

Personally I'd buy something cheap and serviceable (my Abu Garcia Veritas' work great for the price honestly, $99 at Academy) until you find something local pop up on Marketplace or Craigslist.

[NathanDLTH]

On 8/31/2020 at 1:20 PM, Fishin' Fool said:

Anyone have experience with the Megabass Brigand?

I’m fishing the Orochi XX Enforcer which is the little brother to the Brigand, it’s awesome. Good fit and finish, very comfortable with a 2500-3000 size reel. I’d recommend that or the Brigand personally.