Bought a used NRX 873C CRR that's sorta beaten up...

[Big Lou]

I purchased a used NRX 873C CRR from an online vendor a couple of weeks ago, and I've been trying to decide what to do with it since it arrived. It was rated "Good" by the vendor, and I've come around to the conclusion that I disagree with that rating. "Fair" would have been more accurate, given their system. (The damage wasn't pictured.) So, sending it back is one option.

 

The primary problem is a bunch of delamination due to (presumably) the CR weights banging against it. Either that, or someone just banged it on the boat every time he/she lost a fish. :) The grip is also sticky from the plastic breaking down, but that's secondary.

 

From what I've read, the NRX laminate was a UV coating of some kind, and somewhat thin and soft, which contributes to the rod's qualities. Today, I took an old t-shirt with 91% rubbing alcohol and rubbed the marks until all of the "loose edges" are gone. There aren't any really big marks, just a lot of small-ish ones.

 

Gary Loomis has been quoted as saying the best blanks are uncoated, unpainted, etc.

 

Although it's a bit disappointing to have received a rod in this condition, I can get over the cosmetics as long as there is no need to worry about the rod's structural soundness relating to the laminate missing here and there. The price probably should have been a little lower, but it is a rod that--assuming it's structurally okay--should be great to fish with, and not that easy to come by.

 

Should I be worried about the laminate? The guides, wraps, and cork are all fine, if not a little dirty--less so now.

 

Does anyone know if Loomis can fix this kind of damage, and would it be worth it to have it fixed? If it only has cosmetic implications, then I'm inclined to leave it alone.

 

Thanks,

Lou

[FishTank]

You should post a pic of the damage too, for everyone to see.   It is hard to assess without it.  

 

I also have this rod as well.  It is fantastic.  It maybe my favorite of the NRX rods.  

 

As far as repair from G. Loomis, more than likely it wouldn't be warrantied but you might be able to use their, sort of, no questions asked Expeditor Service.  I would call to find out.  Just keep in mind if this is the route you go, it may take months to get it taken care of. 

[Big Lou]

Sorry for the delay. Here are some pics. They don't cover everything, but they are representative.

 

Lou

[FishTank]

It's hard to say for sure.  My thoughts though, if there are no visible cracks,  you are probably good but I would just fish it anyway.   Those dings do look pretty bad though. 

[new2BC4bass]

Catch a 5 lber on it with another 5 or so pounds of weeds attached.  If it holds up, then I wouldn't worry about it. 

 

[GetFishorDieTryin]

I think NRXs are somewhat rash prone.  As long as there aren't any cracks in the blank you should be fine. 

[Rodney Smith]

I bought a used 822 DSR a few years ago and it was worse than this one. It did bug me. I used a black sharpie to touch up the blemishes. They were still there, but not nearly as noticeable. 

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

That rods been handled a little roughly. The finish itself isn’t integral my only concern would be the tough handling that led to it. If you load it fully and it holds up no harm done. Problem is if you load it and it breaks you’ll get blamed. Second hand is a good way to buy but is always a crap shoot. Good luck whatever you decide 

[Big Lou]

Thanks for the replies everyone. Sorry for the delay getting back. I got busy with work and side-tracked a bit.

 

I've looked at the rod very closely a few times now, and there is no visual evidence to suggest major damage. I agree, it does make me question how it was treated, but I don't have long-term experience with NRX's to know how badly one needs to be hit in order to "crack" the laminate.

 

I also don't own a boat, so I don't know what "rod lockers" look like these days. I've seen pictures that look like individual tubes hold rods in some boats. If one were to place a rod with a weight--such as a Carolina rig--into a tube without a sock and then go boating across the main lake on a Friday afternoon (for example), there would be some damage to the coating eventually. Whether that could damage the blank probably depends on how big the weight is, and how long it gets banged against the rod in the same place.

 

When I look at the areas that have lost their coating, I don't see evidence of blunt force damage to the blank, which I might expect to see. And, I don't see any cracks when I bend the rod.

 

Yes, I would like to catch a 5lb'er or two as a stress test, but I'm more likely to "hook" some rocks and docks before that happens.

 

Lou

 

 

[Bandersnatch]

It's fine, nrxs look like this 

[thunderblack]

Op, fish that rod. Most used nrx rods have similar marks second hand. Loomis will cover you if that rod breaks but its just cosmetic. Fish that puppy