Can anyone build rod as well as a NRX+?

[Ibock]

I was wondering if you rod builders think you can build a rod as well as an NRX+? How much does it cost if you can?  Do you build them yourself or have a builder you like?

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

Building a rod as good or better is definitely within possibility. Be cause you’re talking about a hand crafted item from a small business don’t expect cast saving among your buying decisions. Each builder has their own pricing criteria. Email me if you’d like a quote and to discuss options. 

[Ibock]

15 hours ago, Delaware Valley Tackle said:

Building a rod as good or better is definitely within possibility. Be cause you’re talking about a hand crafted item from a small business don’t expect cast saving among your buying decisions. Each builder has their own pricing criteria. Email me if you’d like a quote and to discuss options. 

I can pick up a new NRX+ for 550 what would your roughly cost?

[casts_by_fly]

46 minutes ago, Ibock said:

I can pick up a new NRX+ for 550 what would your roughly cost?

 

Pretty sure he said email him for a quote based on your needs.

 

Having built rods for a long time (as a business) it really depends on the customer needs and wants.  First and foremost, a custom builder will have a greater attention to detail than a factory built rod so that will be better right there.  I don't know how you feel about the grips and seat on the NRX but you have all of the options there for form and function.  Want a split seat with a full grip?  How about a split grip with a full seat.  All are possible.  Prefer a longer front grip?  Just a nub and winding check?  The world's your oyster.  I'm pretty sure they use recoil guides on them and lots don't like that for casting rods (I don't).  You could swap their guide train to full Torzite.  And none of this mentioned the cosmetic options to customize to you which don't change the function (though I really dislike the blue wraps on an NRX+).  I can't quote for Dave and I don't know what you want.  Neither can he unless he knows what you want though.

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

4 hours ago, Ibock said:

I can pick up a new NRX+ for 550 what would your roughly cost?

Northern don’t want to post a reply, there are just too many variables.  $550 give or take for a rough estimate. Shipping is another variable based on location, packaging etc. for a good estimate provide the following:

 

rod type (spin, cast , fly etc) and length if known. 
 

application/technique/species/lure weights

 

grip preferences: material, full vs split 

 

any special requests (color, theme, etc) 

 

I do a preliminary quote, a follow up phone call (1 or more as needed) to answer questions and discuss options, send a formal quote with all details, once accepted request 50% down pmt, build is scheduled, upon completion balance is billed, rod ships upon receipt of payment. 
 

it sounds like a bit of a process, and it is by design. You’re paying for the builder’s expertise, advice and craftsmanship and deserve the extra attention.  Let me know if you or anyone reading has any questions about my process or custom rods in general. Thanks 

Mike

mlawson@delawarevalleytackle.com
 

 

[MickD]

NRX is nothing out of the ordinary for good builders.  Lots of premium blanks out there that are at least the equivalent, and the details can be whatever the buyer prefers.  I personally don't like the grips/seats/handles etc of Loomis.  I think my designs are better.  And I do not build for anyone other than family and me.  

[S Hovanec]

There are lots of builders that can build rods better than the NRX.  IMO, they or rather poorly constructed for what they cost.

[twofishy4u]

I hear so much about NRX rods.  Never fished one.  I have built on a few Northfork blanks and even a couple xray blanks.  Honestly none of them feel as good as my point blanks.  I find the jump from say a $80 blank to a $150 blank is usually small...then I fished the point.  Feels different, casts different.  I'd love to try one of these $550 nrx rods.

[QUAKEnSHAKE]

51 minutes ago, twofishy4u said:

I hear so much about NRX rods.  Never fished one.  I have built on a few Northfork blanks and even a couple xray blanks.  Honestly none of them feel as good as my point blanks.  I find the jump from say a $80 blank to a $150 blank is usually small...then I fished the point.  Feels different, casts different.  I'd love to try one of these $550 nrx rods.

If u live near Rockford Il you more than welcome to try my 893nrx

[WRB]

I haven’t bought an off the shelf casting jig & worm rod in 40 years, all mine were custom builds.

What is important to me is guide train, reel handle fit, balance and weight, specific rod over all length, butt to seat, short beveled fore grip, power, action, cast ability with specific lure weight. State of the art rod blank to perform all the above with satisfaction guaranteed with excellent customer service.

You communicate all your needs with the rod builder, can’t do this with off the shelf rods that make too many compromises to satisfy average. My last rods were ALX customs by Alex.

Tom

 

[Reel]

I have built rods myself and yes, there is no greater satisfaction than catching a fish with something that is unique and built to perform to your needs.  But, when you build a rod from different components, you never know exactly what you will end up with.  You can't take it in your hand to know how it feels. You can do that with a store bought rod ... and if you don't like it you can put it back in the stand.  The engineers at the factory have a lot of knowledge of rod building and they might pick different components (not necessarely better) that will give the rod the sensitivity and the feel that you want.

 

I might not be a good rod builder but none of my rods were more sensitive than my NRX's.

[spoonplugger1]

 Alot of times rods feel better simply because you expect them to, expectation and confidence go a long way. One thing G Loomis had from the very first was the "right feel" noted by many anglers over the decades, in other words ergonomics.

[MickD]

7 hours ago, spoonplugger1 said:

 Alot of times rods feel better simply because you expect them to, expectation and confidence go a long way. One thing G Loomis had from the very first was the "right feel" noted by many anglers over the decades, in other words ergonomics.

I think that is still true whenever the G L name is mentioned in connection to a rod blank or rod.  

[Deephaven]

I had most of my rods built when you could still buy Loomis blanks, so a bunch of them are.  Comparing each custom to the associated Loomis rod mine are much nicer, better balanced and have a grip layout that I chose.  Hands down if you know why you want what you want a custom will fit your needs better.  If you don't you may just end up building the wrong rod 

[Reel]

Just out of curiosity, I'd like to know if a lot of people build or have rods built with recoil guides ???

[MickD]

Nope.  Only build with Fuji or Alps, SIC or Zirconia rings.  

[Ibock]

I am not quite ready to pull the trigger just yet.  Just researching.

[spoonplugger1]

I own and have built many rods with REC Recoil guides, what do you need to know? I have not used the newer, higher framed models, I don't get a call to use RECs very often. All the rods I need to trust, the ones that will make or break a fishing trip have REC guides on them, the same with my blanks and other components, they have to be as failsafe as I can make them.

[Reel]

I just wanted to know if many people wanted a rod built with REC recoil guides.  It doesn't seem the case.  

[Chris Catignani]

16 hours ago, Reel said:

I just wanted to know if many people wanted a rod built with REC recoil guides.  It doesn't seem the case.  

I've built a few rods on SS guides the last couple years...I would consider REC's on a rod.

[casts_by_fly]

On 5/19/2024 at 5:43 AM, Reel said:

I just wanted to know if many people wanted a rod built with REC recoil guides.  It doesn't seem the case.  

 

I've done quite a few for fly rods to keep the weight to an absolute minimum.  I don't prefer them though because of the way they sing as line goes through them.  For a standard rod I wouldn't use them unless asked to.  I've always kept titanium SiC as the top of the line for guides and see no reason to stop (I've not built a rod since Torzite came out).

[MickD]

5 hours ago, casts_by_fly said:

 

I've done quite a few for fly rods to keep the weight to an absolute minimum.  I don't prefer them though because of the way they sing as line goes through them.  For a standard rod I wouldn't use them unless asked to.  I've always kept titanium SiC as the top of the line for guides and see no reason to stop (I've not built a rod since Torzite came out).

I've noticed that noise on one of the three fly rods I've built with the REC guides, snakes, but it is affected by the line. I changed to a different line and I don't get it any more.  And not on the two other rods. 

 

I see no need for Torzite on a fly rod.  Titanium frames with good rings for the first two, then wire guides after that.  I think the real advantage in Torzite comes with spinning rods.  But that's just one person's opinion.  

[casts_by_fly]

1 hour ago, MickD said:

I've noticed that noise on one of the three fly rods I've built with the REC guides, snakes, but it is affected by the line. I changed to a different line and I don't get it any more.  And not on the two other rods. 

 

I see no need for Torzite on a fly rod.  Titanium frames with good rings for the first two, then wire guides after that.  I think the real advantage in Torzite comes with spinning rods.  But that's just one person's opinion.  

hi mick,

 

I agree on the noise with fly lines. In my case, all of my lines were bad or worse. There were a few that were passable and for a long casting light tip high modulus fly rod the benefit is worth it. I have a 5 wt an 8 wt that I built specifically for that purpose. They are beautifully crisp. 
 

also agree on torzite on a fly rod. I was thinking more for spinning rods and even then I’m not sure how much better they could be over titanium sic to justify the price.

 

[Chris Catignani]

20 hours ago, casts_by_fly said:

I don't prefer them though because of the way they sing as line goes through them.

That singing is what makes fish come up to the top!🤣

[Recurve1]

What available rod blanks are the equivalent of the Loomis NRX+ blanks/rod?  Talking about performance, not appearance.

Specifically, have you built a rod on XYZ blank and compared it directly to an NRX+? 

I ask because the Loomis blank is not available and wanting to know which blank is its equal.

Thanks