NRX+

[Ibock]

Well, the search has ended. After years of searching for a rod better than an NRX+, I finally gave up. The NRX+ is just the best rod on the market. I am writing to all those like me who might want something different, or think they can save money and find the equivalent for cheaper.  I preface this by stating I have not tried every rod on the market nor am I an expert, but I have fished a lot of nice rods and none of them have the total package the NRX+ offers.

These are the high-end rods I have fished in the last 2 years are as follows. Kistler Zbone, Dobyns Xtasy, Shimano Poison Adrena, Shimano Expride, Megabass Destroyer, Diawa Steez, G loomis Conquest, Power Tackle now Reneau Tackle. All these are phenomenal rods, and from what I have seen are great companies with great products but IMO the G Loomis NRX+ is just something special. 

Look is the NRX+ worth the money? I don't know...? 600 dollars for a rod I admit seems kind of ridiculous. Especially since I am just going to throw the fish right back in the water anyway. Can I catch as many fish on a 100 rod...? probably but if you are a gear enthusiast like me I truly believe it can't be beat.

From the tapers to the truly electric sensitivity to the awesome warranty, I don't think you can find a better rod on the planet. If you want the best and have the money blow go get yourself and NRX+

 

[Zcoker]

I went the high end rod route for saltwater species, some of which cost over $1500, high end Japanese rods like Zenaq and Ripple Fisher.  It's one of those kinda things where when you use one once, you'll have to use it again. They kinda grow on ya, if you know what I mean. Nothing else can compare. But, truly, the gains although perceived slight for some folks are expediential for the kind of accuracy needed for certain species. I could not do what I do with certain species if I did not have that high caliber rod (or tool) to do it. I can only presume that it's much the same with bass fishing. Most of my bass rods although not $600 are still in the $300-$400 range. Other rods, to be sure, just don't cut it, in my opinion. I mean, they do work and they do catch fish but just can't compare to the high priced Cadillac kinda rods. Ya do get what ya pay for with most things, like the NRX you rave about here. 

[Ibock]

14 minutes ago, Zcoker said:

I went the high end rod route for saltwater species, some of which cost over $1500, high end Japanese rods like Zenaq and Ripple Fisher.  It's one of those kinda things where when you use one once, you'll have to use it again. They kinda grow on ya, if you know what I mean. Nothing else can compare. But, truly, the gains although perceived slight for some folks are expediential for the kind of accuracy needed for certain species. I could not do what I do with certain species if I did not have that high caliber rod (or tool) to do it. I can only presume that it's much the same with bass fishing. Most of my bass rods although not $600 are still in the $300-$400 range. Other rods, to be sure, just don't cut it, in my opinion. I mean, they do work and they do catch fish but just can't compare to the high priced Cadillac kinda rods. Ya do get what ya pay for with most things, like the NRX you rave about here. 

Yeah, it's hard to describe but the way I try to explain it to people is it just makes fishing more enjoyable.  I thought I loved fishing before but it just takes it to another level.

[Dwight Hottle]

I totally understand your affinity for the NRX+ but have you compared one to the Edge Epitome or BWS MBR series? I have and you owe it to yourself to do so. If you’re willing to wait the quality for the price is overwhelming. 

[KP Duty]

NRX is definitely the benchmark.  We really need a rod 'dyno' that shows sensitivity in black and white.  We need to be where we are with cars, such as " I know your turbo '91 camaro is as fast as my  c10 z06...but my vette is much nicer/better built."  Since sensitivity can't be proven, the super expensive JDM rods like the EG Insparares are touted as the best in every category by the guys who shell out for them.  

[Jmurphy87]

I own 3 NRX+ rods and a conquest, I have many cheaper rods also. I live by the Motto that the rod is only as sensitive as the person holding it can register the feedback. I do just as good with rods that cost less than $100 as my most expensive ones. The law of diminishing returns kicks in quickly above $200-300 overall.

[roadwarrior]

Another contender: 

https://ctsfishing.com/product-category/blanks/cts-custom-blanks/#:~:text=CTS Custom Fishing Rod Blanks | CTS Fishing - Made in New Zealand

[Dye99]

Im with ya, I have favorites from different brands but for me and my hands NRX+ is the gold standard.

The weight and sensitivity make them worth risking a divorce if my wife finds out about the price of the half a dozen blue banded things.

[FishTank]

I always like it when this type of topic comes up. There always that question, in not so many words, "Yes it's a nice rod but is it as sensitive as an NRX?" So to me they set the standard/bench mark in that category.  The closest I have fished and owned is the Megabass Evoluzion. It's as sensitive to me but in a different way. Also, the taper is unusual. I like it but it is way different from any NRX+ rod. 

 

In any case, I'm up to 12 of them with two or three more on my radar for next year but I wouldn't pay for full price for one. I have found them at a more reasonable price from time to time. I have yet to be disappointed in any of the ones I own. 

 

The odd one of the bunch I own is the 883BJR. I really like this rod for spinnerbaits and of course bladed jigs but I tried a big square bill on it and it was really impressive. It's soft and powerful which is way different from the rest of the rods in the NRX+ line.  It sort of has a moderate-fast taper that loads quickly. 

 

I hope in the future that G. Loomis expands this line with a few new rods, like a real jerkbait rod or a BFS rod but they will probably capitalize on the live scoping craze and come out with a line of spinning rods that are geared towards that technique first. 

 

[rangerjockey]

I've been fishing them since the introduction. I believe that was 2012 if memory serves. At that time there was a noticeable difference in sensitivity compared to offerings from others.

Now I feel like the gap has narrowed. Still, they deserve to be the standard, but I don't think they equal any more fish in the boat.

[Randy Price]

On 5/17/2024 at 12:06 PM, Jmurphy87 said:

I own 3 NRX+ rods and a conquest, I have many cheaper rods also. I live by the Motto that the rod is only as sensitive as the person holding it can register the feedback. I do just as good with rods that cost less than $100 as my most expensive ones. The law of diminishing returns kicks in quickly above $200-300 overall.

I agree 100% with @Jmurphy87.  I recently bought a couple of NRX+ rods because I felt like I was missing out.  They are nice rods but in my almost 60 YO hands, I can't tell the difference between a NRX+ and a SC LE.  @Jmurphy87 was also correct that the law of diminishing returns.  I will stand by what I tell many of my new to fishing friends that a SC AVID series rod is the best band for the buck.

[Ibock]

On 5/17/2024 at 12:06 PM, Jmurphy87 said:

I own 3 NRX+ rods and a conquest, I have many cheaper rods also. I live by the Motto that the rod is only as sensitive as the person holding it can register the feedback. I do just as good with rods that cost less than $100 as my most expensive ones. The law of diminishing returns kicks in quickly above $200-300 overall.

My only push back would be... How do you know you're not missing bites that you would have felt with a more sensitive rod.  I agree it is diminishing returns.   However I do think on applications like a weightless wacky rig I would have had no idea I had a bite. With the NRX+ I feel bites on slack line while wacky fishing.

[Jmurphy87]

13 minutes ago, Ibock said:

My only push back would be... How do you know you're not missing bites that you would have felt with a more sensitive rod.  I agree it is diminishing returns.   However I do think on applications like a weightless wacky rig I would have had no idea I had a bite. With the NRX+ I feel bites on slack line while wacky fishing.

We are what interprets this sensitivity in a rod. Fish against a pro and give the pro a $50 dollar rod and they will beat you, even if you have a NRX+. Experience and time are what determines how good you are along with your own ability to determine bites and feel. I don’t disagree with you about them being great rods, although are abilities to feel what they transmit are the biggest factor. Unless you are fishing for money we don’t really need to have that fraction of a difference. My observations and opinion, I respect your opinion and observations and don’t challenge them.

[Ibock]

Yeah, I always joke with people I don't know if my high-end rods catch me more fish but It does make me enjoy fishing more.

[FellowAnglers1]

Love my 872s, 873, 893, and 843s. Got this rod for 45 percent off recently with their sales. Can't wait to test it on the water feels good in hand.

[new2BC4bass]

On 5/14/2024 at 3:44 PM, Ibock said:

Well, the search has ended. After years of searching for a rod better than an NRX+, I finally gave up. The NRX+ is just the best rod on the market. I am writing to all those like me who might want something different, or think they can save money and find the equivalent for cheaper.  I preface this by stating I have not tried every rod on the market nor am I an expert, but I have fished a lot of nice rods and none of them have the total package the NRX+ offers.

These are the high-end rods I have fished in the last 2 years are as follows. Kistler Zbone, Dobyns Xtasy, Shimano Poison Adrena, Shimano Expride, Megabass Destroyer, Diawa Steez, G loomis Conquest, Power Tackle now Reneau Tackle. All these are phenomenal rods, and from what I have seen are great companies with great products but IMO the G Loomis NRX+ is just something special. 

Look is the NRX+ worth the money? I don't know...? 600 dollars for a rod I admit seems kind of ridiculous. Especially since I am just going to throw the fish right back in the water anyway. Can I catch as many fish on a 100 rod...? probably but if you are a gear enthusiast like me I truly believe it can't be beat.

From the tapers to the truly electric sensitivity to the awesome warranty, I don't think you can find a better rod on the planet. If you want the best and have the money blow go get yourself and NRX+

 

Obviously you aren't into fly fishing if you think a $600 NRX+ rod is expensive. 

 

[padon]

On 5/17/2024 at 1:06 PM, Jmurphy87 said:

I own 3 NRX+ rods and a conquest, I have many cheaper rods also. I live by the Motto that the rod is only as sensitive as the person holding it can register the feedback. I do just as good with rods that cost less than $100 as my most expensive ones. The law of diminishing returns kicks in quickly above $200-300 overall.

i fell the same. i have 2 nrx+ and they are great rods. i dont think i catch any more fish on them than my exprides orochi xx. i feel like once you get over $300 or so the gains although real are less noticeable than the difference between a $100 and a $300 rod.

[Bigbox99]

I'm not a sensitivity guy.  Maybe it because the bottom of all my lakes is muck and slime so bottom contact fishing really isn't much of a thing but if I can pull a weightless plastic across weeds and tell the difference between coontail and curly leaf pond weed on fluoro mainline then I am satisfied in the sensitivity department.  What I am picky on is action and handle length.  I can really appreciate the way a rod casts and how it handles the fish.  I have found I prefer a lot of the JDM stuff over USDM rods.  The icing on the cake is that they confirm the correctness of my opinion by looking high end and from this century.  It's confirmation bias, but it's nice.

[Randy Price]

I agree with what many others have stated.  Once you get above $ 300.00 it doesn't really matter what brand you like the yare all good.  Best Wishes, Randy Price

[woolleyfooley]

This is going to be very specific, but how does the sensitivity compare to the dobyns xtasy? Have you ever used a dobyns champion extreme?

 

Edit: d**n Randy! I didn’t realize you revived a 5 month old thread! 😂 Hopefully OP sees this.