Glx 894

[Drop shot-1]

I was checking out the GLX 894 as a Weightless Senko and ika rod. Has anybody actually fished with this is? I like the length for it but I it might be a little bit too firm to cast these Baits?

[Big Rick]

You'll get some opinions once the mods move this to the rod and reel section of the forum, I'm sure. That rod is above my pay scale, so I don't have an opinion...

[JohnFromLisbon]

For weightless senkos I'd go with either the 852 or 853. Unless you're talking 6-7" senkos with jungle/beast hooks. For 5" senkos I use the 852S.

[5by3]

46 minutes ago, JohnFromLisbon said:

For weightless senkos I'd go with either the 852 or 853. Unless you're talking 6-7" senkos with jungle/beast hooks. For 5" senkos I use the 852S.

Agreed. The 894 is better for 3/8-3/4 oz jigs.

[TNBankFishing]

893 would fit the bill from what I’ve researched. Weightless 5” senkos, 1/4oz Trigs, etc. 
 

Just pulled the trigger on my first Loomis stick and it’s an 893 so I’ll try to remember to update this with initial impressions. 

[Nelson Delaney]

I fish weightless 5” senkos on the nrx 894c with a lews pro-ti.   Casts great & really drives the hook home.  Also the extra power helps fishing in thick weeds

[RDB]

I’m not as familiar with the GLX but I would choose the 3 power.  I use an NRX 893 for those applications.  IMO the NRX 893 & 873 CRR are the 2 best G Loomis casting rods in their lineup.

[NorcalBassin]

Agree with the 893 or even 852 if you fish open water. 894 is a great jig rod, but unless you're fishing heavy cover it would be overkill.

[FishTank]

It's doable for both but the senko might give you some headaches depending on the reel.  The fat ika won't be an issue.  A 3 power would be better for a Senko. 

[TNBankFishing]

After getting the new NRX+ 893 out for a couple trips I have a few thoughts. 
 

Total time on the water with it in hand is ~6 hours. 
 

Pros: Light, sensitive, handles 1/4 to 3/8ths fantasticly. Fishes smaller than 7’5”, which makes you feel more confident with pitching and moving around in a kayak or on the bank. Pitches well, doesn’t cast distance great but is alright. The rod sticks to its guns and is an amazing bottom contact stick. 

 

Cons: Value isn’t there. Yes it’s 0.1% more sensitive in my hands compared to my xbites or BC2, but not enough to warrant the price. A rough feel in hand compared to my St. Croix Legend Elite/X is more telling. The NRX is just a bit more sharp, but I can still feel all of the same bottom composition using the same line. I don’t think you’ll see a huge difference in bite detection between the 4 rods. The cork is absolutely terrible. I cannot accept a rod with an MSRP over $600 has that much filler. 
 

Neither pro or con:

Solid lifetime warranty with a no ask expiditor replacement. While some folks really dig the warranty if a rod lasts more than 3 years of heavy tourney fishing I call it a win. Others feel differently. 

Ergonomics are fine, handle shape is good and the light weight means being just a bit tip heavy doesn’t matter.

 

Finding discounts is more difficult than MB or Daiwa, but doable. 

 

Final thoughts:

Finally decided to see what all the fuss is about with Loomis sticks. I really wanted to try a NRX+ for bottom contact, and they do live up the hype. If you’re on the fence and can swing the cost, do it. I love trying gear and don’t expect any rod to be “the best”, and I’m happy when I find stuff that’s fun to fish with. Don’t expect it to blow your skirt up if you’ve used other high end gear, and you’ll be super happy. I don’t think I’ll need another light jig/t rig rod for the next decade. 
 

Cost breakdown of gear I mentioned and what I paid:

Xbites - Bought with 20% discount $400. 

Steez BC2 - Bought with 25% discount $412. 
Legend X MHF - Bought on %25 discount $337. 

Legend Elite MF - Bought on %25 discount $330. 

Nrx+ 893 - Bought with %20 discount $500. 
 

All rods are fished with a 20 JDM Met with braid to flouro leader.