NRX+ or Megabass P5

[Meyer87]

Looking to invest into my first high end specific bottom contact rod. 

 

Technique - Pitching/Flipping around tree laydowns, and some minimal grass. Mostly mud bottom, but some rock scattered in

Presentation - 3/8-1/2oz pitching jigs, and 1/4-3/8oz Texas Rigs 

Max depth - 12ft, 90% of the time we're probably fishing 2-8ft 

 

The 3 rods I've really been focusing my time and research into are: 

NRX+854 JWR 
NRX+ 893/894 JWR 
Megabass P5 X Bites 

 

Now I'm primarily fishing from a boat with 2 of my buddies, so the 7ft rod helps with pitching as I have someone standing close to me most of the time. But I have a 7'5" Orochi XX EMTF that I fish as well, and it hasn't became an issue yet. 

 

The NRX+ Seems to be the gold standard when it comes to bottom contact from what I can gather, and I do have 2 GLX MBRs (the 843 and 844) I've used the 843 for finesse jigs and I kind of grown to like that softer tip for jigs. I just purchased the 844 to use for jigs over that 3/8oz mark (haven't had a chance to use it yet), but I'm leaning on turning that more into an all around rod, and getting a rod dedicated for bottom contact. 

 

I have 2 Megabass rods, a Levante, and an EMTF. And as a whole, I really enjoy those rods as well. 

 

So the TL;DR version - Anyone with experience with the NRX+ 854/893/894, and/or the Megabass X Bites, can you give me pros and cons. 

My main question about the the NRX+ is do I go with the 854 or the 893/894. I'm not casting long distances, so I'm not sure if the 893/894 has any more value over the 854, but I'm all ears if there is. From my research, it sounds like the 894 has a softer tip due to the length over the 854, which I kind of find appealing. And the X Bites rod is 7'2, but has a pretty parabolic bend as well. I like the reel seat design on the X Bites, but from what I've seen their cork grip isn't on the same level as the NRX. And I do like the G Loomis warranty. So as you can see, I'm kind of stuck. 

 

Really appreciate any feedback. 

[Reel]

I've got both the NRX 893 and 894 and for the intended purpose I would choose the 894.  I get more precision when I pitch and that's important for me. 

 

I use the 893 mostly for weightless senkos.

[Boomstick]

I can't give you too much input here other than you don't want a 893C for 1/2oz jigs at all let alone around laydowns. Beyond that, the differences in length are primarily your personal preference, however 7'5" is a pretty good length for pitching and flipping generally (I use the 7'5" Daiwa Steez AGS Bottom Contact rod myself).

[Meyer87]

Appreciate it guys, looks like I can check the 893 off the list. Now I just need to figure out the length. 

[thunderblack]

Why can't a Steez AGS compile be added to the list?

[Meyer87]

I'm open to other suggestions, these are just where I had landed originally 

 

[MidwestBassAttack]

BOOM……NRX+ 873 CRR

 

Perfect for what you want to do

 

 

[Pogues2300]

1 hour ago, MidwestBassAttack said:

BOOM……NRX+ 873 CRR

 

Perfect for what you want to do

 

 

Had this and the Megabass x- bites. Sold the Megabass x- bites. Probably just a preference. Both are nice rods. 

[freelancer27]

So, i think you want a shorter rod that is sensitive, has some tip but also some backbone, since you are fishing some mesium cover. 

 

Some suggestions:

 

* 2021 Steez AGS 7'2 heavy

* 2021 NRX 894c (might be a bit too long, you can go with the 854c instead)

* Megabass P5 Tachyon Shaft

 

I would not consider the X Bites. Not enough power for cover. 

 

[KP Duty]

16 hours ago, MidwestBassAttack said:

BOOM……NRX+ 873 CRR

 

Perfect for what you want to do

 

 

+1

Its more powerful than you think it will be.  873 is my fav for bottom contact.

[Meyer87]

7 hours ago, freelancer27 said:

So, i think you want a shorter rod that is sensitive, has some tip but also some backbone, since you are fishing some mesium cover. 

 

Some suggestions:

 

* 2021 Steez AGS 7'2 heavy

* 2021 NRX 894c (might be a bit too long, you can go with the 854c instead)

* Megabass P5 Tachyon Shaft

 

I would not consider the X Bites. Not enough power for cover. 

 

This really helps out! I think its safe to eliminate the X Bites. I have done some research into the Tachyon shaft, which seems super interesting. 

 

Do you have experience with the 854/894 and the Steez AGS? Interested to hear your thoughts on the difference between them, sensitivity, weight, and action wise 

[freelancer27]

Happy it helps a bit.

I have had the NRX 894c. I bought it along side the Steez Bottom Contact Gen1 and decided to keep the Steez, since that rord just looked and worked better for my intended use of 1/2oz Jigs + trailer. 
The NRX 894c was too tip heavy for my liking and also for the lures that I was planning to throw on it, the tip was too fast. 

I still have a NRX 804c, that I use for pure skipping and dock activities. That might actually be another option for you. Much better balanced rod and still enough power to pull a 4 #er out of medium cover.


The Steez BC is fairly variable and can do anything from 3/8oz jig (+trailer) to up to 3/4oz jigs with trailer. I did not include it, since you mentioned that you wanted a shorter rod. 

The Steez 7'2H (Heavy Pitch) should fit your profile very nicely. It has enough tip for the lighter lures but enough backbone to get a good fish out of medium (not heavy) cover. 

The Tachyon Shaft, I have no personal experience with but I hear that people like to use it for pitching lighter baits into medium cover.

Also consider warranty. GLoomis is probably the safest, once you pass the 1-3 year mark. 

IF I was in your shoes I would look at the NRX 804/854c or te Steez Heavy Pitch.

[FishTank]

Choosing between the two ..... The P5 looks great and well made but NRX + is slightly more sensitive and warranty is way better. 

 

I think it comes down to looks vs warranty.

>  Just typing that makes me question why I buy fishing gear.?

[Meyer87]

52 minutes ago, FishTank said:

Choosing between the two ..... The P5 looks great and well made but NRX + is slightly more sensitive and warranty is way better. 

 

I think it comes down to looks vs warranty.

>  Just typing that makes me question why I buy fishing gear.?

Haha this hits so close to home. Luckily I like the simpler side of looks, but in this case, simple is more expensive. 

 

I keep finding myself coming back to the 854C and the 873C. My only worries for the 854 is that I do like to throw T Rigs with 1/4-3/8oz weights, hopefully that's not too light for it. 

[FishTank]

15 minutes ago, Meyer87 said:

Haha this hits so close to home. Luckily I like the simpler side of looks, but in this case, simple is more expensive. 

 

I keep finding myself coming back to the 854C and the 873C. My only worries for the 854 is that I do like to throw T Rigs with 1/4-3/8oz weights, hopefully that's not too light for it. 

 

I have the 904 NRX + and have thrown a 5 inch Senko weightlessness with no issues.  

[Meyer87]

3 minutes ago, FishTank said:

 

I have the 904 NRX + and have thrown a 5 inch Senko weightlessness with no issues.  

Perfect, that was my concern with the 4 power. But This makes me feel better. 

 

I appreciate everyones input! 

[Meyer87]

Little update as I’m sure everyone was on the edge of their seat, but I pulled the trigger on an 854. Appreciate everyone’s help!

[MidwestBassAttack]

19 minutes ago, Meyer87 said:

Little update as I’m sure everyone was on the edge of their seat, but I pulled the trigger on an 854. Appreciate everyone’s help!

Enjoy it! 

[UmairF]

Hey I know that I’m almost 2 years late to this but really glad I found it!

 

Recently got the nrx+ 854 as well so it’s nice seeing someone go through the exact same rabbit hole as I did.

 

It’s funny because I was looking for something for the exact same situations that the OP also listed 😂.

 

I paired it with the newer zillion reel and it’s smoother than butter. I like the 7’1 length because I can cast it a good amount and also be pretty accurate for those dock or laydown scenarios.

 

How have you liked the rod so far? I’ve only really had a couple months with it. I’ve designated it as my 3/8-1/2 oz jig rod however, I wonder if I can use it for micro jigs 1/4 ounce plus trailer? Itll probably be closer to a little under 3/8 with the trailer but I’m just curious if the rod is too powerful for the finesse jig hooks (keitech model 2 jig for reference).

 

Thanks!

[rangerjockey]

I think the 873crr is the best 3/8 -1/2oz Jig rod in the NRX line up.  Personally, I Think the 854 and 894are both fairly stout rods. I wouldn't throw a 1/4oz jig on either. If you could cast it, I don't think it would fish the bait very well.

 

[Rodney Smith]

I have P5 rods and NRX+ rods. I have also had Steez rods. The best jig and worm for 1/4-5/8 jigs is the 873 CRR. It is the most versatile jig and worm rod you can buy. The warranty is also best.