Want to buy a new rod and need advice

[Randy Price]

I'm wanting to buy a new casting rod to pair with my JDM Metanium XG.  I'm looking at either the SC Legend X (68MHF, 71MHXF, or 70MF) or the Legend Elite in basically the same length, powers, and actions.  I believe the only difference between these two rods are that one is split grip and the other isn't (please correct me if I'm wrong about this).  What rod length, power and action would be the best "all-around" casting rod for bass? 

[NorthernBasser]

I'd say the best all-around rod would be in the 7'-7'2 range and MH/F. Or XF, depending on the manufacturer. 

[Susky River Rat]

I really love my 7’ medium fast ST. Croix premier. I think the best is subjective to the individual though. What I look for and feel you might think differently about.

[Fishingmickey]

There is a lot of really good rods for that price range out there too. Knowing on how your planning to fish with your new JDM Met. would help out a bunch on making a good recommendation on a rod.  Targeting Great lakes Small mouth?

FM

[Randy Price]

24 minutes ago, Fishingmickey said:

There is a lot of really good rods for that price range out there too. Knowing on how your planning to fish with your new JDM Met. would help out a bunch on making a good recommendation on a rod.  Targeting Great lakes Small mouth?

FM

@Fishingmickey, I would be using the rod on inland lakes/ponds for SM and LM.

[FishTank]

I have the 6'8'' M Fast Legend Elite and its my go to for a Texas Rigged 5in Senko with an 1/8oz bullet weight. I love this rod for comfortable all day fishing but it's not as sensitive as say an NRX. It's more in line with the GLX. I also have the 7'1" MH Xfast and it's a pretty stout rod for a MH. It's great for jigs and a big Texas Rigged ribbon tail worm. Between the two the 6'8" M would be my choice but if you are going to fish mainly jigs, then the 7'1'' MH Xfast.

[Randy Price]

11 minutes ago, FishTank said:

I have the 6'8'' M Fast Legend Elite and its my go to for a Texas Rigged 5in Senko with an 1/8oz bullet weight. I love this rod for comfortable all day fishing but it's not as sensitive as say an NRX. It's more in line with the GLX. I also have the 7'1" MH Xfast and it's a pretty stout rod for a MH. It's great for jigs and a big Texas Rigged ribbon tail worm. Between the two the 6'8" M would be my choice but if you are going to fish mainly jigs, then the 7'1'' MH Xfast.

@FishTank, I know it's a hard thing to describe but how much less sensitive is it than a NRX?  From my experience once you get top a certain price range the ROI gets very slim.

[FishTank]

1 hour ago, Randy Price said:

@FishTank, I know it's a hard thing to describe but how much less sensitive is it than a NRX?  From my experience once you get top a certain price range the ROI gets very slim.

It is a hard thing to describe. It's one of those "to each his own".  For me I had two GLX rods at the time I got my first NRX and those to me were the top of the line when it came to sensitivity. When I fished the 853C NRX for the first time, I was blown away. I never thought anything would be better than the GLX.

 

So I guess it would be best to judge it against the rods you already have. If you have fished other Loomis rods, it might be easier to distinguish but if you put it up against the Legend Elite, it is more sensitive.  I don't think it has caused me to loose or miss fish though. To put it a different way, I think the LE might be a more functional/traditional rod but the NRX is more fun to fish. One thing though, once you buy an NRX+, you will start gauging it against all the other rods you have and there is a good chance you will want more.

 

I have the same reel as you and I have it paired with an NRX+ 904C.  It is has been my favorite jig set up ever. It's just one of those combos that does it for me. On the other hand, I love fishing an 1/8oz bullet weight and a Texas Rig on the LE. 

 

Forgot to ask..... What are you wanting to use this rod for anyway?

 

[FishTank]

One thing for sure.... The Legend Elite is the better value. 

[Ski]

16 hours ago, Randy Price said:

What rod length, power and action would be the best "all-around" casting rod for bass? 

7'2" Medium Heavy Fast action.

 

16 hours ago, NorthernBasser said:

I'd say the best all-around rod would be in the 7'-7'2 range and MH/F. Or XF, depending on the manufacturer.

^^^^^ This

 

[Hulkster]

I have the Loomis IMX Pro MBR 903C which is a 7'6 MH rod. its awesome for all kinds of things. 

I like the extra length for casting distance. 

[Randy Price]

15 hours ago, FishTank said:

It is a hard thing to describe. It's one of those "to each his own".  For me I had two GLX rods at the time I got my first NRX and those to me were the top of the line when it came to sensitivity. When I fished the 853C NRX for the first time, I was blown away. I never thought anything would be better than the GLX.

 

So I guess it would be best to judge it against the rods you already have. If you have fished other Loomis rods, it might be easier to distinguish but if you put it up against the Legend Elite, it is more sensitive.  I don't think it has caused me to loose or miss fish though. To put it a different way, I think the LE might be a more functional/traditional rod but the NRX is more fun to fish. One thing though, once you buy an NRX+, you will start gauging it against all the other rods you have and there is a good chance you will want more.

 

I have the same reel as you and I have it paired with an NRX+ 904C.  It is has been my favorite jig set up ever. It's just one of those combos that does it for me. On the other hand, I love fishing an 1/8oz bullet weight and a Texas Rig on the LE. 

 

Forgot to ask..... What are you wanting to use this rod for anyway?

 

@FishTank, SM & LM bass in lakes and ponds.

[FishTank]

5 minutes ago, Randy Price said:

@FishTank, SM & LM bass in lakes and ponds.

Sorry,  what lures or techniques are wanting to use it for?

[shackman]

I have 2 of the JDM metanium 20’s and both are on Expride A’s. One med/hvy and one XH 

[Randy Price]

5 hours ago, FishTank said:

Sorry,  what lures or techniques are wanting to use it for?

I'm not real advanced when it comes to that.  I want something I can use for multiple type baits such as bucktails, senkos, top water , etc..