NRX+ 853/893 vs P5 xbites

[GardenStateFishin]

Which would you choose for 1/4oz Texas rigs and maybe some free rigging 1/4-3/8oz

[MRQturbo]

Xbites... Sensitivity is on par with nrx.. I would not go heavier than 3/8....ive used mine to throw 1/5 ned rigs no problem... I find that the 893 is more versitle tho.. You can easily throw moving baits with this rod too.. 

[GardenStateFishin]

3 minutes ago, MRQturbo said:

Xbites... Sensitivity is on par with nrx.. I would not go heavier than 3/8....ive used mine to throw 1/5 ned rigs no problem... I find that the 893 is more versitle tho.. You can easily throw moving baits with this rod too.. 

interesting. Wasn’t expecting to hear that the sensitivity was as good as the nrx’s. I have an 843c mbr, 854, 873 and was wondering if adding either X bites or the 853/893 would be a good addition. I’ve heard the xbites can feel mushy at times. I’m usually throwing 1/4oz tungsten + 4” craw like rage craw, xzone adrenaline craw, or 3.5” dolive beaver

[FishTank]

I have fished the X-bites and own the Daemos.  Both these rods are not close to the sensitivity of the NRX+ rods. If I was buying a rod for sensitivity and just for jigs and worms, I would get the NRX+. But the best bang for the buck is a JDM X-bites. The downside would be no warranty. While the NRX has one the best rod warranties in the business. 

 

A few other things, I have the 853C and while it is a great rod, it tops out around 5/8 -3/4oz. The X-bites seemed a little stiffer but softer at the tip. It felt like it could handle a little more weight. It also has a more versatile taper. You could probably throw more than just jigs and worms on it.

[GardenStateFishin]

14 minutes ago, FishTank said:

I have fished the X-bites and own the Daemos.  Both these rods are not close to the sensitivity of the NRX+ rods. If I was buying a rod for sensitivity and just for jigs and worms, I would get the NRX+. But the best bang for the buck is a JDM X-bites. The downside would be no warranty. While the NRX has one the best rod warranties in the business. 

 

A few other things, I have the 853C and while it is a great rod, it tops out around 5/8 -3/4oz. The X-bites seemed a little stiffer but softer at the tip. It felt like it could handle a little more weight. It also has a more versatile taper. You could probably throw more than just jigs and worms on it.

Yeah the X bites is intriguing for sure. I wouldn’t be buying jdm just bc to me I can get P5’s from US brand new for about $380 which is similarly priced to the jdm after shipping costs. Can also get an 893 for $400 right now but I prefer the 85” rods usually out of my yak so just a bit torn. This rod really would just be always sitting with a 3/16-5/16 bullet weight at all times. Have my other bases covered

[TNBankFishing]

Having owned both, I’d strongly go for the 893. I fished out of a yak and the extra length is something you can get used too pretty easily if your not fishing overhangs on the river a ton. The sensitivity goes to the NRX and the fact you can fish it hard for years and still sell it for a decent chunk means you’re sorta insulated if you end up selling it. 

[GardenStateFishin]

27 minutes ago, TNBankFishing said:

Having owned both, I’d strongly go for the 893. I fished out of a yak and the extra length is something you can get used too pretty easily if your not fishing overhangs on the river a ton. The sensitivity goes to the NRX and the fact you can fish it hard for years and still sell it for a decent chunk means you’re sorta insulated if you end up selling it. 

That’s what I’m thinking too. Especially getting it at $400. The 7’5 length will def be new for me but I may end up really liking it

[FishTank]

16 minutes ago, GardenStateFishin said:

That’s what I’m thinking too. Especially getting it at $400. The 7’5 length will def be new for me but I may end up really liking it

 

I have the 894 but not the 893. I love the 894. It is by far my favorite jig rod. The extra length has never bothered me on a kayak.  If I had do it all over again,  I might choose the 893 instead of the 853 simply because I like the 894 so much. 

 

If you can get the 893 new for $400, I'd jump on it. 

[GardenStateFishin]

13 minutes ago, FishTank said:

 

I have the 894 but not the 893. I love the 894. It is by far my favorite jig rod. The extra length has never bothered me on a kayak.  If I had do it all over again,  I might choose the 893 instead of the 853 simply because I like the 894 so much. 

 

If you can get the 893 new for $400, I'd jump on it. 

Yep just pulled the trigger. Thanks yall

[Darth-Baiter]

X-bites for sure for me.  it is my favorite rod of my humble arsenal of rods.

 

super sensitive.   really sensitive.  and it is a great casting rod.   very accurate.    it is my go to Free-rig rod.  or finesse jigs.  dang it is fun.  

 

yesterday i casted out and i 4.5 grabbed it on the drop.  i felt the vibration on fairly slack line. 

[Rockhopper]

4 hours ago, GardenStateFishin said:

Can also get an 893 for $400 right now

care to share the deetz? or is this just a one off private sale?

[GardenStateFishin]

9 minutes ago, Rockhopper said:

care to share the deetz? or is this just a one off private sale?

Was a like new buy from The Hook Up with their spring sale on used rods. Out of the 893’s but a few other models still available and amazing prices

[woolleyfooley]

If the p5 is as sensitive as an NRX I’m buying a half dozen! Realistically though, how sensitive are they? Any comparison to the steez ags or the Dobyn’s champion extreme?

[Bandersnatch]

5 hours ago, woolleyfooley said:

If the p5 is as sensitive as an NRX I’m buying a half dozen! Realistically though, how sensitive are they? Any comparison to the steez ags or the Dobyn’s champion extreme?

In terms of sensitivity. I own a casting model from all the lines you ask.

 

1. NRX Sensitivity 10

2.Steez Ags (bottom contact) Sensitivity 9

3. P5 Jig rod Sensitivity 8.5 

4. Dobyns champ extreme Sensitivity 6.75

 

[MRQturbo]

6 hours ago, woolleyfooley said:

If the p5 is as sensitive as an NRX I’m buying a half dozen! Realistically though, how sensitive are they? Any comparison to the steez ags or the Dobyn’s champion extreme?

Only the xbites I've found on par with my nrx plus...if I wasn't so scared it was gonna break every time I use it I'd have a few more... I've seen too many of my friends break theirs.. 

[woolleyfooley]

19 hours ago, Bandersnatch said:

In terms of sensitivity. I own a casting model from all the lines you ask.

 

1. NRX Sensitivity 10

2.Steez Ags (bottom contact) Sensitivity 9

3. P5 Jig rod Sensitivity 8.5 

4. Dobyns champ extreme Sensitivity 6.75

 

Wow. Only a 6.75 for the champion extreme? Interesting.

[Bandersnatch]

On 3/11/2025 at 6:20 PM, woolleyfooley said:

Wow. Only a 6.75 for the champion extreme? Interesting.

Yup

[FishTank]

On 3/11/2025 at 6:20 PM, woolleyfooley said:

Wow. Only a 6.75 for the champion extreme? Interesting.

 

I would say the same. I have a Med Fast and it's just so so. Nice rod but I would agree with @Bandersnatch list with one exception.

 

I would put the Daiwa Real Control I have above the NRX+. It's taken me about 4 trips and some soul searching to admit it's just a fuzz better. 

 

[FellowAnglers1]

35 minutes ago, FishTank said:

 

I would say the same. I have a Med Fast and it's just so so. Nice rod but I would agree with @Bandersnatch list with one exception.

 

I would put the Daiwa Real Control I have above the NRX+. It's taken me about 4 trips and some soul searching to admit it's just a fuzz better. 

 

Nice do these feel more like a do it all rod  Megabass p5 or bottomn contact like Nrx jwr? What the review on it so far and what make it more sensitive than the nrx+?Now I want to get myself one and compare it to my Daiwa steez The One rod.

[FishTank]

9 hours ago, FellowAnglers1 said:

Nice do these feel more like a do it all rod  Megabass p5 or bottomn contact like Nrx jwr? What the review on it so far and what make it more sensitive than the nrx+?Now I want to get myself one and compare it to my Daiwa steez The One rod.

I can't speak for all the rods in the Real Control line up, just the one I have. Which is the 6'11'' MH SV. In hand it feels stiff and super light but once you put a lure on it, it softens up. It's definitely different from any other rod I have fished.  When it comes to sensitivity,  it too is different.  The rod has this soft and stiff but hallow feel to it, unlike the NRX+. Which is stiff throughout the blank because of the Spiral X design.  The Reel Control has too many techy terms to list but all of them make it perfectly balanced and sensitive.  

 

The model I have is not exactly a do all rod but I have used it for jigs (may still prefer the NRX here), Texas Rigged plastic, jerkbaits,  spinnerbaits, Dark Sleeper, and some topwater.  I would not use it for crankbaits.  It really excelled at jerkbaits and the Dark Sleeper.  I think if the tip was faster, it would be perfect for jigs because the sensitivity is definitely there.

 

Overall, it's so unique that it's hard to compare it to another rod, maybe the Megabass Evoluzion but it's still way different. I think I still need to fish it some more to really understand what it's all about but I do like it and I will probably look at getting the 7'3'' Heavy or the 7'1'' MH with the solid tip. It's supposed to be extremely sensitive.  

[FellowAnglers1]

1 hour ago, FishTank said:

I can't speak for all the rods in the Real Control line up, just the one I have. Which is the 6'11'' MH SV. In hand it feels stiff and super light but once you put a lure on it, it softens up. It's definitely different from any other rod I have fished.  When it comes to sensitivity,  it too is different.  The rod has this soft and stiff but hallow feel to it, unlike the NRX+. Which is stiff throughout the blank because of the Spiral X design.  The Reel Control has too many techy terms to list but all of them make it perfectly balanced and sensitive.  

 

The model I have is not exactly a do all rod but I have used it for jigs (may still prefer the NRX here), Texas Rigged plastic, jerkbaits,  spinnerbaits, Dark Sleeper, and some topwater.  I would not use it for crankbaits.  It really excelled at jerkbaits and the Dark Sleeper.  I think if the tip was faster, it would be perfect for jigs because the sensitivity is definitely there.

 

Overall, it's so unique that it's hard to compare it to another rod, maybe the Megabass Evoluzion but it's still way different. I think I still need to fish it some more to really understand what it's all about but I do like it and I will probably look at getting the 7'3'' Heavy or the 7'1'' MH with the solid tip. It's supposed to be extremely sensitive.  

Thanks for the review on it.

[Bigbox99]

2 hours ago, FishTank said:

I can't speak for all the rods in the Real Control line up, just the one I have. Which is the 6'11'' MH SV. In hand it feels stiff and super light but once you put a lure on it, it softens up. It's definitely different from any other rod I have fished.  When it comes to sensitivity,  it too is different.  The rod has this soft and stiff but hallow feel to it, unlike the NRX+. Which is stiff throughout the blank because of the Spiral X design.  The Reel Control has too many techy terms to list but all of them make it perfectly balanced and sensitive.  

 

The model I have is not exactly a do all rod but I have used it for jigs (may still prefer the NRX here), Texas Rigged plastic, jerkbaits,  spinnerbaits, Dark Sleeper, and some topwater.  I would not use it for crankbaits.  It really excelled at jerkbaits and the Dark Sleeper.  I think if the tip was faster, it would be perfect for jigs because the sensitivity is definitely there.

 

Overall, it's so unique that it's hard to compare it to another rod, maybe the Megabass Evoluzion but it's still way different. I think I still need to fish it some more to really understand what it's all about but I do like it and I will probably look at getting the 7'3'' Heavy or the 7'1'' MH with the solid tip. It's supposed to be extremely sensitive.  

If you haven't read through this thread yet I'd take a look.  Lots of good info about the RC line and how the solid tip jig model compares to the x7 bearing down.

http://www.tackletour.net/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=91024