Rod balance - NRX vs Dobyns

[Pogues2300]

I find it funny a bit how over blown the tip heavy conversation is on rigs so light…. I mean come on. I’m 49 and remember when a combo could possibly weigh on you… now a 500$ combo is uncomfortable lol

[UmairF]

34 minutes ago, Pogues2300 said:

I find it funny a bit how over blown the tip heavy conversation is on rigs so light…. I mean come on. I’m 49 and remember when a combo could possibly weigh on you… now a 500$ combo is uncomfortable lol

I think the reason why it’s a big conversation topic is because these rods cost so much. At that price point, a buyer should expect the absolute best in terms of balance, sensitivity, and other factors depending on the technique. There’s no doubt you can catch fish on a $60 combo, but for those willing to spend the extra dough, it’s worth comparing the tiny differences

[UmairF]

1 hour ago, jimanchower said:

 

Agreed. I don't find the X Bites to be particularly versatile compared to most of my other rods (which are -- to be fair -- designed to be versatile) but for jigs and t-rigs with a total weight in the 1/2 - 3/4oz range, it's what I want in my hands. The 7'2" MH/F Expride that the OP has (which I also have, in the A designation) does much better with those 1/2 - 5/8oz jigs.

I love my 7’2 MH Expride B. I’ve fished it since it came out last year and I can’t see anything replacing it at that price point. I guess I’m just looking for another rod so that I don’t have to constantly re-rig one rod to switch between jigs and t-rigs. I’d be more than happy getting another Expride B but I’d like to explore more options just to try something new/possibly better if there is something haha.

 

I do have the 7’2 Heavy Expride B. Do you guys think it’ll be a little too heavy to designate it for jigs 1/2-3/4 ounce (trailer included)? I typically gravitate towards 3/8 ounce beast coast lil magnum jigs with a baby d bomb as a trailer which probably ends up getting closer to the 1/2 ounce mark. (this would be the only jig I would fish for the rest of my life I love it that much depending on the situation lol)

[Pogues2300]

51 minutes ago, UmairF said:

I think the reason why it’s a big conversation topic is because these rods cost so much. At that price point, a buyer should expect the absolute best in terms of balance, sensitivity, and other factors depending on the technique. There’s no doubt you can catch fish on a $60 combo, but for those willing to spend the extra dough, it’s worth comparing the tiny differences

I think sensitivity for one thing trumps if a feathers worth of weight tips the rod heavy. This is my opinion everyone is entitled to their own. My point was I’ll take a fraction of an ounce tip heavy rod that is the best sensitivity and quality over balance

[UmairF]

9 minutes ago, Pogues2300 said:

I think sensitivity for one thing trumps if a feathers worth of weight tips the rod heavy. This is my opinion everyone is entitled to their own. My point was I’ll take a fraction of an ounce tip heavy rod that is the best sensitivity and quality over balance

I see your point, there’s times where I’ll fish with a rod that’s a sliver tip heavy than I’d like but worth the sensitivity as you said. There’s other times where a rod is sensitive but just isn’t worth the extra weight on my wrist all day.

 

For example I got an Orochi XX Braillist since many rave about it for heavier jigs/bottom contact but it was just way too heavy for my liking. I guess it comes down to personal preference at the end of the day.

[jimanchower]

1 hour ago, UmairF said:

I do have the 7’2 Heavy Expride B. Do you guys think it’ll be a little too heavy to designate it for jigs 1/2-3/4 ounce (trailer included)? I typically gravitate towards 3/8 ounce beast coast lil magnum jigs with a baby d bomb as a trailer which probably ends up getting closer to the 1/2 ounce mark. (this would be the only jig I would fish for the rest of my life I love it that much depending on the situation lol)

 

Just based on my MH Expride I'd say that casting those smaller jigs on a heavy Expride wouldn't be ideal. A 3/8oz Lil Magnum and Baby D Bomb is just under 3/4oz (20g). With a 1/2oz Lil Magnum you're a bit over 3/4oz (23.5g). The Baby D itself is 6.1g if that helps you do the math. And yeah, the Lil Magnum is a superb jig.

 

If you want to try something new that complements your Exprides check out a G Loomis MBR. In fact, every rod that I use regularly is either an Expride or a GLX MBR, with the exception of the X Bites.

[Darth-Baiter]

i dont think i've ever balanced a rod on my finger like that.

 

you do it with the lure?  nah..dont answer, i still wont do it.  i just cast, and try it.  i had a carpenter show me that his hammer balance right up near the head.  it was a head scratcher for me.

[UmairF]

21 minutes ago, jimanchower said:

 

Just based on my MH Expride I'd say that casting those smaller jigs on a heavy Expride wouldn't be ideal. A 3/8oz Lil Magnum and Baby D Bomb is just under 3/4oz (20g). With a 1/2oz Lil Magnum you're a bit over 3/4oz (23.5g). The Baby D itself is 6.1g if that helps you do the math. And yeah, the Lil Magnum is a superb jig.

 

If you want to try something new that complements your Exprides check out a G Loomis MBR. In fact, every rod that I use regularly is either an Expride or a GLX MBR, with the exception of the X Bites.

Thanks for doing that math! You think the glx is better than the new megabass p5s or the dobyns xtasy? Figured theyre somewhat comparable due to the price points.

[WRB]

ALX ENOX BMJ MH+Fast, 7’2” is right in the wheel house for the OP’s desired use.

Tom

[5by3]

One thing I’ve learned after dabbling in high end Loomis rods for a few years… the NRX is crazy sensitive, but it doesn’t make me feel any extra bites that I wouldn’t feel on my exprides. The exprides are above average and plenty sensitive. 
 

If it were me, I’d buy another Expride and save $400.
 

 

[Jrob78]

5 hours ago, jimanchower said:

 

Agreed. I don't find the X Bites to be particularly versatile compared to most of my other rods (which are -- to be fair -- designed to be versatile) but for jigs and t-rigs with a total weight in the 1/2 - 3/4oz range, it's what I want in my hands. 

Agree completely, it's an amazing rod for the things it does well but it doesn't do a whole lot well. I find the effective weight range to be very small, but if you stay in that range it's awesome.

[jimanchower]

1 hour ago, UmairF said:

Thanks for doing that math! You think the glx is better than the new megabass p5s or the dobyns xtasy? Figured theyre somewhat comparable due to the price points.

 

That's something that you'll have to judge for yourself. At this price point it's a matter of how it feels in your hand and the manufacturer's ethos when it comes to making rods. And warranty.