Considering upgrading to Imx Pro/NRX+

[Rockhopper]

I am thinking about selling off all my current rods, downsizing my rod numbers, and having fewer quantity Imx Pro/NRX+ rods.  I'm getting to the point that I no longer desire to have 20+ bass rods in my arsenal.  I just want 4 to 6 high end casting combos and one or two spinning combos that I will actually use regularly.  Please keep answers specific to Imx Pro/NRX+ lines, though I am really after NRX+.

 

If you could choose 4 casting rods, and 1 spinning rod, which specific models would you choose to cover all types of fishing?

 

What I currently have that I will keep:

 

IMX Pro 906c cbr

822s dsr

 

What I have in mind:

 

1. 812c jbr

2. 843c mbr

3. 844c mbr

4. 903c cbr

 

5. 852s jwr

 

 

How far off am I?  On the right track? I could do away with one of the 843/844 in lieu a longer heavier rod for bigger baits/swimbaits/etc. 

[FishTank]

I think I am up to about 12 NRX+ rods and if I had to pick four casting and two spinning, I would go with the following......

 

Casting

 

1. 904C MBR - Jigs and topwater

2. 883C BJR - Spinnerbaits, Swimjigs, and Bladed Jigs

3. 853C JWR - Worms, jigs and senkos

4. 802C JWR - Picked this one for its versatility with light baits. I toss small paddle tail swimbaits, shakey heads (roboworm), and 1/4oz jigs on this one.  If this isn't your thing, the 894C JWR would be another one. I like flipping and pitching with this one. 

 

Spinning (this is a tough one)

 

1. 872S JWR - Doesn't feel like a 2 powered rod. Great for wacky worms

2. 821S NRR - Ned rigs, spy baits, and all around finesse

 

Honorable mentions

 

866C IMX Pro Deep Flex - favorite crankbait rod 

803S NRX+ JWR - Great for windy days and power fishing/skipping around docks. This rod and the 872S trade places often

842 NRX+ SJR -  Good do all rod for light baits. The tip is soft and works for small cranks, jerkbaits, spinnerbaits, and even small worms

 

 

[Wprich]

This are my favorites I have doubles of all except the 853C:

 

853C - All bottom contact 3/16 - 3/8 plus plastic
843C - 3/8 oz spinnerbaits, chatterbaits, finesse jig(Keitech/beastcoast football), swimbaits(paddletails ie keitechs 3.3-4.3), spoons, TX rigs, crankbaits(in a pinch I've throw deep divers during summer on it)
844C - 1/2 oz+ spinnerbaits, chatterbaits, jigs, swimbaits(magdrafts/bullshads), Carolina rigs(1/2 & 3/4), TX rigs 

 

852S(my favorite)- wacky, neko, shaky head, free rig, dragging dropshots, light TX rigs, flukes  
842S - Dropshot(dragging and dropping), neko, ned, free rig, crankbaits(shadrap 5/frittside JR/5), 2.8/3.3 keitechs, jerkbaits, small topwaters, flukes

 

 

[Rockhopper]

I really appreciate the feedback.  I have a couple questions if anyone can make the comparison.

 

How would you rate the 904c mbr vs the 894c jwr?  Assuming the 894 will be a bit more stout.  Will the 904c mbr perform in the same techniques as well as the 894?  I prefer the lightest rod I can get away with and still fish comfortably and throw the larger baits.

 

How does the 866c cbr df compare to the 903c cbr?  Which would be the better choice for square bills to shallower/smaller cranks up to 8-10 ft? (keep in mind I have the 906c cbr)

 

I am looking for:

 

one all purpose spinning rod (already have 822s finesse rod)

 

one all pupose casting rod to throw spinnerbaits, small swim baits, moving baits, and smaller topwater such as poppers

 

one shorter casting rod to throw jerkbaits and weightless plastics

 

one casting rod to throw smaller cranks and squarebills (already have 906c crank rod that is also used for bladed jigs)

 

one heavier casting rod to throw larger swim baits and pitching/flipping heavier jigs, and topwater frogs

[FishTank]

23 hours ago, Rockhopper said:

I really appreciate the feedback.  I have a couple questions if anyone can make the comparison.

 

How would you rate the 904c mbr vs the 894c jwr?  Assuming the 894 will be a bit more stout.  Will the 904c mbr perform in the same techniques as well as the 894?  I prefer the lightest rod I can get away with and still fish comfortably and throw the larger baits.

 

How does the 866c cbr df compare to the 903c cbr?  Which would be the better choice for square bills to shallower/smaller cranks up to 8-10 ft? (keep in mind I have the 906c cbr)

 

I am looking for:

 

one all purpose spinning rod (already have 822s finesse rod)

 

one all pupose casting rod to throw spinnerbaits, small swim baits, moving baits, and smaller topwater such as poppers

 

one shorter casting rod to throw jerkbaits and weightless plastics

 

one casting rod to throw smaller cranks and squarebills (already have 906c crank rod that is also used for bladed jigs)

 

one heavier casting rod to throw larger swim baits and pitching/flipping heavier jigs, and topwater frogs

 

So I made a typo above,  I have the 894c not the 854c. Between the 894c and the 904c, both are great jig rods but 894 is more powerful and has a stiffer tip. I like the 894 for quick hook sets especially in thicker cover. The 904 is no slouch though. Its softer at the tip and has less power. I like it for deeper football jigs. The big difference between the the two is versatility.  I can use the 904 for more baits, like topwater frogs and paddle tail swimbaits but straight jig fishing, the 894 is my favorite.  Also, I would not use the 904 for bigger swimbaits like the 6in Magdraft.

 

I also have the 903c. It is not my favorite crankbait rod but it gets the job done. It does do well with 3/8 -1/2oz square bills, chatterbaits and lipless. It is a little faster so it's better suited for shallow baits. The 866c works better for crankbaits than run 6' and below. For small 3/8oz baits, I like the Megabass Z Crank Elseil. It works well with cranks and jerkbaits up to 1/2oz but no bigger. Very sensitive, versatile rod. 

 

If you're looking for the most versatile spinning rod, I recently picked up the Megabass P5 Windbuster.  I'm having a hard time finding something I don't like to throw on it. The handle is different but the rod can do just about anything. The tip is soft and loads really well and it's pretty sensitive but it's not NRX+ sensitive.  The 872s JWR and the 842s SJR both are better in that department with 842s being the most versatile of the two. The 842 is more like the 822s in some regards.  

 

For a short jerkbait rod, I use a 783c GLX but Megabass P5 Z Crank has sort of taken its place.

 

Still like the 883c BJR NRX+ for chatterbaits, spinnerbaits and topwater (not frogs though).

 

 

[Wprich]

3 hours ago, Rockhopper said:

I really appreciate the feedback.  I have a couple questions if anyone can make the comparison.

 

How would you rate the 904c mbr vs the 894c jwr?  Assuming the 894 will be a bit more stout.  Will the 904c mbr perform in the same techniques as well as the 894?  I prefer the lightest rod I can get away with and still fish comfortably and throw the larger baits.

 

How does the 866c cbr df compare to the 903c cbr?  Which would be the better choice for square bills to shallower/smaller cranks up to 8-10 ft? (keep in mind I have the 906c cbr)

 

I am looking for:

 

one all purpose spinning rod (already have 822s finesse rod)

842S

one all pupose casting rod to throw spinnerbaits, small swim baits, moving baits, and smaller topwater such as poppers

843C/903C

one shorter casting rod to throw jerkbaits and weightless plastics

802C/783C(I have spinning 802S pretty sure it's same blank)

one casting rod to throw smaller cranks and squarebills (already have 906c crank rod that is also used for bladed jigs)

 

one heavier casting rod to throw larger swim baits and pitching/flipping heavier jigs, and topwater frogs

844C/904C

Can't help with the cranking or the 894 but I have 844's which are comparable to the 904.  The 2 rods I can suggest above all are the 843C and 842S you can do darn near anything with those two within their weigh ranges the rest of my suggestions are above.

[Rockhopper]

Thank you.  Soaking this all in and processing.  Not a lot of places around to get hands on these rods.  Want to know what I am getting into prior to pulling the trigger sight unseen.

[Wprich]

I bought/sold/traded a few before I settled on the ones I have so don't be like me!

[WRB]

When G.Loomis came out with NRX around 2010 the action was very different then traditional fast that has a J bend, the upper 1/4. NRX tends to bend the upper 1/2  yet respond like a fast action 

the NRX 843C JWR (Jig & worm rod )replaced the GLX 844C JWR as the hallmark rod.

Today longer rods are more popular the NRX+853C JWR should in the mix and NRX+894CJWR. I suggest other brands the NBR’s for crankbaits, chatter baits and spinnerbaits 

Tom

PS, NRX+ JWR lure rating is understated; 3 power 1/4-1oz, 4 power 3/8- 1 1/4oz.

[Hulkster]

I have 2 imx pro rods, the MBR 903C (7'6 MH baitcasting rod) and the SJR 901 S (7'6 light powered spinning rod)

 

They are amazing rods 

[new2BC4bass]

I can't help with rod selection, but I can sympathize with wanting about 8 good rods to do everything with.  I've picked up a slew of rods over the past 15 years.  Selecting just a few for an outing is a pain.    One I wish now that I didn't have to deal with.

 

[Rockhopper]

3 hours ago, Hulkster said:

I have 2 imx pro rods, the MBR 903C (7'6 MH baitcasting rod) and the SJR 901 S (7'6 light powered spinning rod)

 

They are amazing rods 

Can you tell me more of your thoughts on the 903?

[Hulkster]

On 12/18/2024 at 11:48 AM, Rockhopper said:

Can you tell me more of your thoughts on the 903?

 

So I use it for an all purpose rod and I like the MH taper with the 7'6 length. You can really bomb some long casts. I use 12 pound Sufix Siege mono on mine paired with a curado 200i. I even caught a muskie from shore on this rod, smashed a Mepps #5 Black Fury 

[Rockhopper]

Anyone have thoughts on the 904 mbr vs the 873 crr?

 

Refined list?

 

1. jerkbait model? (GLX 822c JBR?)

2. 843c mbr (spinnerbaits, moving baits, shallow crankbaits?)

3. 853C JWR (worms, jigs)

4. 904c mbr/873 crr/894c jwr (heavy jigs, topwater, bigger swimbaits)

5. 906c cbr (DD crankbaits, chatterbaits)

 

6. 852s jwr (do all...senko's, light t-rigs, light jigs, trout fishing)

7. 822s dsr (finesse...I absolutely LOVE this rod btw)

[Wprich]

Haven't tried the 822C but would like to when they come in stock again. 

843C can throw cranks not ideal rod but it can definitely do it can save some bucks here and go GLX if you want if your getting NRX 853C for predominately bottom stuff. 

853C perfect for what you have it listed for. 

852S may be a bit much of a rod for trout it's a powerful spinning rod.

[Motoboss]

I did the same thing several years ago and reduced the collection to the most productive setups. All my G Loomis rods are original Gary Loomis IMX rods with the GLX being a 2016ish (Shimano) model. I believe this range covers any situation I encounter, although updated models would certainly be an upgrade (NRX+, IMX-Pro) in sensitivity and length.
This collection covers every method and lure I fish, and do it well. Actually better than my abilities😏

 

GLX 804c JWR - 6’ 8”

IMX 844c MBR H/F - 7’

IMX 843 CBR M/M - 7’

IMX 782c MBR M/F - 6’6”

IMX 783c MBR MH/F - 6’6”

IMX 781s ML/F - 6’6”

Thats five casting rods and one spinning rod in my everyday arsenal.  I find the MBR rods a better choice from a specific application rod as they more versatile. Truthfully the spinning outfit with one H, MH and JWR are typically the choices for a day out in the canoe.

If taking five casting rods I usually replace the IMX 843 CBR rod with a KISTLER KLX Power 4 All Around MH/MF - 7’ as it throws a lager variety of crank/blade baits. The GLX 804 JWR is kind of redundant but it’s just such a great jig and Trig rod I hate leaving behind.

 

I also have a backup E6X 843c MH/F - 7’ but rarely use it as it’s another MH/F with a bit less sensitivity than the IMX. My backup spinning rod is a 7’ Diawa Tatula M/XF with a Diawa Procyon 2500, but typically a garage queen (it’s a Diawa setup! 😂)

I think it’s a wise decision to reduce the quantity of rigs for a smaller selection of quality rigs. It seems to make fishing easier.

[SkippinJimmy]

I downsized about 3 years ago but now I am back to the original number of rods, they just cost a lot more.

 

You have received good feedback on rods, so I’ll not add more.  However, I think there are better options for moving baits than NRX rods.  I use NRX for bottom contact only as I feel like that is where they shine.  For moving baits, I would look at something like an Alpha Angler Rebound or ChatterBound.  
 

I know you asked for NRX only but I have a problem following directions.

[Hulkster]

11 hours ago, Motoboss said:

I did the same thing several years ago and reduced the collection to the most productive setups. All my G Loomis rods are original Gary Loomis IMX rods with the GLX being a 2016ish (Shimano) model. I believe this range covers any situation I encounter, although updated models would certainly be an upgrade (NRX+, IMX-Pro) in sensitivity and length.
This collection covers every method and lure I fish, and do it well. Actually better than my abilities😏

 

GLX 804c JWR - 6’ 8”

IMX 844c MBR H/F - 7’

IMX 843 CBR M/M - 7’

IMX 782c MBR M/F - 6’6”

IMX 783c MBR MH/F - 6’6”

IMX 781s ML/F - 6’6”

Thats five casting rods and one spinning rod in my everyday arsenal.  I find the MBR rods a better choice from a specific application rod as they more versatile. Truthfully the spinning outfit with one H, MH and JWR are typically the choices for a day out in the canoe.

If taking five casting rods I usually replace the IMX 843 CBR rod with a KISTLER KLX Power 4 All Around MH/MF - 7’ as it throws a lager variety of crank/blade baits. The GLX 804 JWR is kind of redundant but it’s just such a great jig and Trig rod I hate leaving behind.

 

I also have a backup E6X 843c MH/F - 7’ but rarely use it as it’s another MH/F with a bit less sensitivity than the IMX. My backup spinning rod is a 7’ Diawa Tatula M/XF with a Diawa Procyon 2500, but typically a garage queen (it’s a Diawa setup! 😂)

I think it’s a wise decision to reduce the quantity of rigs for a smaller selection of quality rigs. It seems to make fishing easier.

 How old are your Loomis rods? like pre 1997 buy out? 

[Motoboss]

Yes pre 97, when Gary still made them. They sat wrapped up for over twenty years as I went into motorcycle racing education and instruction while traveling extensively. Used them sparingly for several years afterwards and in the Spring of ‘21 I retired and finally started finishing regularly again.

 I look at the new models with lust in my eyes but can’t justify spending what it takes to replace them for incremental improvements.

 

Yes, they’re old, like me 😆

[WRB]

The original GLX rods put G. Loomis in the forefront, good blanks. The rods are heavy compared to today’s thinner wall blanks and light weight hardware. 
Look into having the rods re wrapped with lighter guide train good bang for your buck.

Tom

[TNBankFishing]

On 12/19/2024 at 3:19 PM, Rockhopper said:

Anyone have thoughts on the 904 mbr vs the 873 crr?

 

Refined list?

 

1. jerkbait model? (GLX 822c JBR?)

2. 843c mbr (spinnerbaits, moving baits, shallow crankbaits?)

3. 853C JWR (worms, jigs)

4. 904c mbr/873 crr/894c jwr (heavy jigs, topwater, bigger swimbaits)

5. 906c cbr (DD crankbaits, chatterbaits)

 

6. 852s jwr (do all...senko's, light t-rigs, light jigs, trout fishing)

7. 822s dsr (finesse...I absolutely LOVE this rod btw)

The 873 has been my favorite NRX+ model. Followed closely by the 893. 
 

I own a 843 and have had a chance to fish a 903. From my perspective I prefer the 7’ rod. Unless you really need the length to bomb from shore there’s something really fun about the 843. It pretty much does everything 1/4 to 1/2 for me. The 873 does everything bottom contact 3/8 to 3/4. 
 

I realize I just said I prefer the 843 over the 903, but love the 893. The reason is in the JWR taper I feel like the 893 is electric and the extra length makes it a light weight pitching dream. The 853 just didn’t resonate with me. I hope this helps. 

[Rockhopper]

You would think living 20 minutes away from loomis headquarters and having a metric crap ton of fishing stores in the area I'd be able to get hands on a couple of these rods to feel the actions. No dice. Finally found two in stock at Bob's in Longview, WA. 852c jwr and another 822s dsr. Already own the 822s.

 

The 852c had a great action, but too light for a casting rod. Is the 852c jwr and 852s jwr built on the same blank? If so, I think I'd really like that as a spinning rod. Super light and sensitive. 

 

Wish I could get hands on the other models I'm considering. Hate to buy rods this expensive without getting hands on. 

 

I guess I could try to head to the factory and see if they could let me check some out. Don't actually know if they have a showroom. Been years since I've been in there.