I bought my first G. Loomis rod. It�s a E6X 7ft 1 Heavy for pitching jigs and I love it. I was wondering if the NRX are as good as some people say? Are they really that much better than a 200 dollar rod ? If so why

The answer is yes. They are lighter and more sensitive. But, they need to be paired with a light reel. I fish GLXs, my buddy fished NRXs. I thought the NRX was the most sensitive thing I had ever used until he traded all his NRXs for Conquests. We were C-rigging the other day and he let me use one of his Conquests. It was like when I was a kid watching "The Wizard of Oz" for the first time, when they went from black and white to color. Nothing compares.
They are expensive, but as he said, when you're fishing for money, you have to take any advantage you can get.

Better.

Interesting . I have a hard time spending that much money on a rod but if it�s that big of a difference I may have to reconsider. Do you think it would make that much of a difference for flipping and pitching?

I bought the NRX 893, 894, and 895. Sold them in less than a week. TIP heavy and hated the balance. Of course you can counter weight them, but if I'm spending that type of money...no thanks. I'm sure they are great for some, but I'm picky and these do not justify their price IMO.

+1

Those E6X are junk IMO never found one I liked, never used an NRX but I really like their IMX rods

Very good rods. My wife dropshots with one. And if they ever made that blank in a casting, Id be using it too!

Have 2 NRX and 3 GLX along with 2 IMX Pro spinning rods. Wouldn't give them up for anything I've tried.

This has been my opinion too. They are sensitive, but both NRXs and GLXs are tip heavy and do not balance out with lightweight reels in my opinion. Dobyns Champ. Extreme and Kistler balance much better are lighter, especially in the tip, and feel much better in my hands.

Does anyone sell them with a return policy? I just hate that I have never held one.

I actually prefer my GLX over my NRX personally. Why I buy GLoomis is if you break it it�s a $100 replacement for life. So yes I may have a small fortune in rods I won�t have to buy that model at full retail ever again.

I let a buddy of mine fish with one of my Loomis NRX sticks. At the end of the day he offered to trade me two similar Dobyns Champion Extremes for my two NRX rods and I took him up on it. A week later he offered me $100 to trade them back. I still own the Dobyns rods.

Do the NRX ever go on sale or can you buy them used?

They won't win you any more money if you couldn't catch/find fish with the cheaper stuff you already have.

I have a bunch of Loomis GLX and NRX, I have to be honest, I have a Dobyns champion extreme shakey head rod that is just incredible, it is my favorite baitcasting rod.

I have over a dozen NRX's, and over 30 GLX's, been using g-loomis over 20 yrs, wouldn't trade for my NRX's, best rods I have fished. There are some for sale on here, from time to time.

What is the number of the Dobyns extreme rod? I have a lot of Dobyns rods and was wondering if I have the model you are talking about.


The E6X in an entry level rod and not very sensitive, not for a $200 price point.

Used to fish in a club with a few guys that had several GLX rods. Seemed like they would break a rod or two every year. I fished an IMX for years with no problems. Don't know if they just didn't take care of them or what. Do you guys notice any difference in breakage rate of the GLX rods compared to other rods?

I have several NRX rods and think they are all they are said to be. I also have about a dozen IMX rods all the way from the first ones made to the newest IMX Pro that recently came out. Rod for the money the IMX is hard to beat. I tried the new conquest and IMHO thought the NRX to be superior. The Dobyns shaky head rods are the DX 702 or 703.

I mean I have been fishing since forever and I have no trouble locating and catching fish I just was wondering if there is is a big difference. I usually fish Shimano Dobyns and other nice 200 dollar rods I just was wondering if there is a huge difference between the 200 rods I fish now and the 500-600 rods

My substitute partner has a few, but now he's more impressed with these:

https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/St_Croix_Legend_Elite_Casting_Rods/descpage-LE.html

I'm still Loomis-ing it.

There is a "difference" but doesn't mean you gotta have em to be successful. I fish for free using bucoos...

Best rods made.

you using the 742?

I've got a full-grip champion extreme 742 that is by far the best light jig or heavy shakey head rod, excellent rod, I'm not sure if they make them anymore?

if you are looking talking about a baitcasting shakey head rod that dobyns makes, that 742 is pretty hare to beat . . .

Yes they are.

This wasn't my experience recently. I've had an IMX for maybe 13 years and broke it on a hookset. Set it in, and they said that it wasn't a manufacturing defect (I wasn't lying about how it broke...), and the replacement rod was $180.

I have 3 and I love mine. I'm sure I will accumulate more over time, if any of you guys that don't like them want to get rid of them, just let me know.

I think that is it, I love that rod.

The E6X rods are okay but there are better rods at that price point, IMO.

I love my NRX rods, they are the lightest most sensitive rod made. The handle is a little too short on the NRX's for my personal preference. They had some issues with the reel seats on the early model NRX's. They have since fixed this issue. I had three of them break on me. Twice it was as I was tightening the reel seat.

I had one reel seat fail on the hookset on a big fish at CB. I swatted the fish with 65# braid and the reel came flying off the rod banging into the first guide as I tried to get the fish under control. I looked like one of the 3 Stooges for a few seconds. I am still in therapy over that one.

The new GLX rod handles are slightly longer and I really like the new ones. I got a new 7' Conquest for father's day and it is the bomb.

Are they worth the money? If you are fishing a worm or jig and want the absolute most sensitive rod made then the answer is Yes.

In that price point what do u like?

I just got a 742 champ extreme and it isn�t that sensitive in my opionion. I think the rod has a great tip and action which really make it comfortable to fish with. I don�t think this rod is as sensitive as my $150 rods. That being said I would buy more dobyns bc of how well balanced they are. I have noticed that the rod is very sensitive when it comes to �bite detection� but i was hoping for a more clear understanding of the bottom substrate while just working a lure on the bottom. it is just kind of mushy... I feel like i could feel a fish fart if it was near my lure but for 359 i was hoping to get the total package.

There are a bunch of good rods in the $150 to $200 price range and all of them are good rods. My opinion is that to truly tell the difference between a good rod and a great rod you have to step up to at least the GLX rods in the Loomis group.

I bought a new Shimano Expride for bladed jigs last month and it is an awesome rod for it's intended purpose. I think it was $279.

Loomis XpeditorService:

https://www.anglingtrade.com/2014/03/04/...ram-simplified/

I'm sure if someone spends $500-$600 on a rod they are going to say they are as good as everyone says. The better question is: "Are they worth the investment?" Maybe for some they are. If you are looking for a high quality rod at a good price, you should look for a used pre-HP Dobyns Extreme. They can be found for $190-$220. Are there less expensive rods that can get the job done? Sure, but an Extreme at $190-$220 is hard to beat for a high quality, sensitive, balanced rod. They also have a $100 ($80 fee plus $20 shipping) no questions asked replacement warranty.

Not in my opinion. Ive never seen a rod with the strength and sensitivity combined as power tackle.

I have to say all this mostly good talk about the NRX is going to make me have to get one. However I am surprised about all the shade thrown at what I would call expensive products on TFF. I think 200 dollars on s rod or reel is expensive . Maybe it�s bc I do t have sponsors or a big enough wallet or maybe it�s bc I have never thrown a 600 rod. I am going to save up and get one bc now I have the itch. I do not see myself being so overwhelmed at a 600 dollar rod I want to get rid of everything else but who knows. Thank y�all for all the feedback and happy fishing.

IMO:
are they as good as advertised - oh yes.
are they worth the xtra $ over a really good rod at say $250-$300 - questionable.
if you don't have a similarly weighted (and priced) reel the balance is off, so be prepared to get into a $1k setup.

I compare it to reel prices ... once you get to a certain weight, every 10th of an ounce reduction comes at a higher and higher incremental cost. At what point is it no longer worth it? Up to you. You can catch just as many fish on a setup at half or a third the price. Having said all that, i enjoy throwing my NRX / MGXtreme setup more than any other.

Do they Carry the 742 on TW?

I only see the 743...Thanks

So I�m not gonna be able to buy a bunch of these probably only one. I primarily want a ride for flipping and pitching jigs and for throwing soft plastics what Rod would you choose I also most of the time it fishing from the bank only occasionally I will be fishing from a boat

The NRX is that good. Crazy. I have one BUT am afraid to use it! Seriously.... I think the Kistlers are real close and gotta plug Alpha Angler -- crazy good rods, and somehow different. But a lot of companies are making good rods now.

Whats a good reel? I have all 5.5 oz reels.

Daiwa steez and lews super mag for heavy lifting.

Im considering buying some Nrx off ebay new.

I've never used a Loomis rod because there's no way that I could justify paying $500-$600 for one rod, period. About the most I'll spend on a new rod is $250 and that's pushing it! I have no doubt that they are as good as some people say, though. Some people say that my Falcon Cara's are good, too. But I'm boatless, so whadda I know!

I am a huge Loomis fan and have been ever since high school, in the mid 90's. I have several Loomis rods from E6X, to the CBR, Bronzeback, IMX, GLX and about 8 or so NRX rods. The NRX rods are incredible for sure. I don't like the tiny guides on the spinning rods though. I like to fish straight Floro and I feel the smaller guides restrict line flow. Otherwise, they are awesome. Very sensitive and durable. I have a couple first run casting rods and never experienced the handle issue....

I fish deep plastics and football jigs with an NRX and find them to be worth every penny. They are cost prohibitive for shorter line presentations and moving lures. I use IMX and Mossyback for those presentations.

Thats a good idea, quality likely isnt needed for close combat, being most of my lakes are only 12 feet deep I may be over thinking these rods. Im not struggling to catch fish.

I'm all about sensitivity and the NRX is that in spades. I fish braid with either a flouro or mono leader and the feel is amazing, as is a strike. I liken a strike on a Texas rigged plastic lure to running over a brick with a push lawn mower. That's NRX!!!! Pitching, flipping, or any short line presentation, I find IMX or Mossyback to provide sufficient sensitivity and exceptional toughness required for short line work. I use G Loomis rods exclusively for all plastic fishing. I fish cranks on Powell and Phenix and spinnerbaits on old AllStar 6' pistol grip and a G Loomis Mossyback JWR 853, that's been shortened 1 1/2" in the butt.

The reel i have on my NRX is 5.0, but 5.5 would be fine i am sure.

I tried it first with a with a 6+ oz reel and the balance was horrible.

It kinda depends on which people and how good they're sayings the rods are. I've used them, and one thing is absolutely true. They're expensive.

You hit the nail square on the head. Personally, I have a somewhat retarded sense of feel and need the extra sensitivity of the NRX. My brother in law on the other hand can take an old worn out ugly stick with the stretchiest mono made and feel a fish looking at his worm in 40 feet of water in a 25 mph wind. I just hate (envy) folks like that.

The Daiwa Steez is as good as it gets IMO. I think it is 5.6 oz. I bought my first Steez reel in 2012 and I have tried to wear it out. Lots & lots of cranking deepdivers & getting hung up with heavy braid and pulling hard on it. It is still as solid today as it was when it was new. It has held up so well I have steadily accumulated five more.

I remember the first one I picked up at SW Parts in Dallas. It was so light I didn't believe it would hold up for one hard season of fishing. Shane told me he had been all thru the reel and that it had good guts so I took his word and bought one. I figured it would be worn out after one good year of fishing. I was fishing 2 days a week.

My first Steez was a 6.2:1 and so light and smooth I started using it as my primary reel for throwing lipless rattling baits, squarebills, spinnerbaits. I used it hard. After that year bought another one in a 7:1 for soft plastics & jigs. Same thing, liked it so well I bought a few more.

A lot of reels feel silky smooth when they are new. To me the real test is how they feel after a season's hard use.

Is a $500 reel for everybody? No probably not but I will tell you this. A 5.6 oz Steez on a 4 oz NRX is a pretty sweet rig. The only problem is once you fish with this rig everything else feels heavy & dull in comparison. I know the OP was asking about NRX rods but it would be a shame to buy an NRX and put a 9 oz clunky reel on it.

yes the steez are very smooth, mine arent very old. I have 6.2 and 8.1 and got rid of most of my aldebaran that were 4.5 oz.

I use these rods now they are 363 grams. https://www.fxcustomrods.com/collections...ast-casting-rod

One of my favorite NRX Rods is the 893C

fyi g loomis are on ebay new 450 shipped.

the greatest, get some.

NRX is definitely the most sensitive and lightest rod I've ever fished, of course I haven't fished every rod out there. I own at least one of just about every NRX model in the casting series. I even throw cranks and spinner baits on 2 power NRX. For me its just about enjoying the quality and the performance of the rods. Of course they are not for everyone price wise...and they wont magically find bass for you, but they are an absolute pleasure to fish with.

Found this option for g loomis warranty which is above and beyond g loomis actual warranty, which might interest people. https://www.americanlegacyfishing.com/gloomis-warranty-program

OPTION 1: Get A Replacement Loomis Rod at NO COST.

Although this isn�t part of the G. Loomis Warranty, American Legacy Fishing will gladly replace your broken rod with the exact model at NO COST if at the time you contact us for a warranty you buy a new G. Loomis rod that sells for as much or more than the broken rod.

It doesn�t have to be the same model or series of your broken rod, but the rod you purchase must have a list price of as much or more than the broken rod.
This must be one, single transaction all occurring at the time of initial contact.
This program is NOT AVAILABLE �after-the-fact� � i.e. you buy a new rod and then later send a rod in for warranty against a previously purchased new G. Loomis rod.

All you have to do email us at glwarranty@americanlegacyfishing.com or call us at 1-877-402-6350 and let us know the details and then send your broken G. Loomis rod back to us - we'll need all the pieces - and we'll send you an exact replacement G. Loomis rod and your new rod at our expense via ground shipping.

If you want us to ship your new rod and replacement rod immediately and then want to ship back the broken rod let us know at this time.

We will charge your credit card for both rods. We will send your new rods out via FedEx Ground along with a prepaid FedEx return shipping label for the broken rod (remember, we need ALL the pieces).
There is a $30.00 non-refundable additional shipping fee for this.
Upon receipt of your broken rod we will refund the initial charge against your credit card for the difference between your warranty rod and your new G. Loomis rod.

Note: If the broken rod is a model that is no longer offered we will replace it with the model that is closest to the broken model. Usually this is not much of an issue as the current G. Loomis product line has actually grown over the years to well over 700 different rod models!

If it was going to put more fish in the boat then every pro on tour would buy rod boxes full of them. Instead they have 100.00-250.00 sponsor ship rods. Quantum, Abu, shimano, castaway, BPS etc.
Guess KVD would win every tournament he entered if he fished GLoomis NRX rods.

You post makes zero sense.

That would be like expecting Nascar drivers to all race a toyota if that is the dominant car that year...

Where the captain derails the train is the statement "every pro on tour would buy rod boxes full of them" The pros don't buy them, if they were having to supply their own equipment without sponsorship do you reckon KVD would fish Quantum [censored] or run a Nitro boat???? Yes indeed, were it not for sponsorship $$$$$ you'd see a lot more NRX being proudly displayed.

I was making a point, if they are so much more sensitive than any other rod on the market then every top pro would use them. Right off hand I cant tell you any Bassmaster elites who fish them.

Waaaay too much emphasis on what the pros are doing Capt. Like I said earlier, if not for sponsorship $$$$ the decks of those Elite would be covered with NRX. They really are that much better.

If you are not a very good bass angler an NRX will not help you be competitive.
If you are a very good angler an NRX will not help you be more competitive.
Just like golf clubs folks.

I spoke with a rod builder I won�t say who the other day who said he could build a comparable rod close to the NRX for 170 bucks. Based on what I am hearing y�all say there is no way that would be possible right?

Buy it. See what the quality is. Write a report and let us all know.

No they would not, unless of course G loomis paid them more than their current deal.

My guess is that every single person on this forum owns something that another person would view as extravagant and quite possibly a "waste of money."

I bought a ping-pong paddle in 1973 that was $30. That was like $300 in today's dollars. And it wasn't because I was from a well-to-do family.

What's your extravagant thing?

I agree, my extravagance is Rolex watches. I don't consider my NRX extravagant

This has been said before, and I completely agree. Using an NRX for flipping, frogs, square bills, deep divers, topwaters, swimbaits, etc. Is overkill.

If you are throwing a football jig, C rig, T rig, fishing deep brush piles, etc. I have not found a better rod. I can feel what I come in contact with so much better that I can work football jigs over stumps, misc cover without getting hung up more than I can other rods, I feel the right type of bottom better, I feel the subtle bites better.

I don't fish tournaments, I don't care what everyone else is using, its all about getting an edge on bigger fish, and I know I throw a lot of money away chasing those big ones, but I love every minute of it.

I would think that would depend on which people are "some people".

The stereo system on my boat! $1200 Focal speakers. Made in France. With a nice little Mosconi amp. So I can listen to the Rangers games while I fish.

But....that was the tip of the iceberg. It was leftover stuff from my Jeep. <<<<even the wife didn't know how deep I was on that stereo system. But, then again, I have some Martin Logan stats in my living room. They cost more than I paid for my house in '93.

I really love music and cannot listen to it unless it's "right".

I have to disagree with the golf club comparison. If two different rods were tested, (like golf clubs), with automated arms holding them, then the most sensitive rod wins the feel test. I get that the rods wont make you something you're not, but if you can add more sensitivity, why not. I know what they are, and I love the NRX, and agreed that most all of the top three or four rod companies all make a more costly, more sensitive rod. A lot of guys out there spending $500. on a Driver shaft, also, doesn't make them a Tour player, but makes them better overall, with their game, if that graphite blank quality enhances their productivity.

Guys try to buy "a competitive game" in fishing and golf by buying high dollar stuff when they should be buying lessons and playing/practicing/fishing more.
Sensitivity does not mean chit when you are in the wrong fishing location and/or otherwise clueless.

More than likely you are the marketing profile target for $500 rods which is fine as I have several myself (thus my opinion on $200 or $500 rods).

Some of the best tournament anglers are using cheap stuff by comparison and win $s. Yes, I know they are paid....

It is true, some people's ability doesn't match up with the quality of their equipment. Like I said, a rod won't make you something you're not. However, once a person reaches a certain level of competency, better equipment will definitely make it more enjoyable. Now, the brand, style, price, are all for the consumer to decide, and the most expensive is not always the best, that's why there are so many choices, thank goodness.

Loomis doesn�t need to shell out $$$ to pros to promote their product. Their product speaks for itself. If sponsorship wasn�t a thing, I�d be willing to bet 90% of the guys on tour would be using Loomis rods. Until you fish with an NRX, you just won�t understand the difference. I thought spending $500+ on a rod was absolutely ridiculous for years... then I bought my first NRX with a bonus. Haven�t looked back. You don�t know sensitivity until you fish with an NRX.

Understood.

My guess is that even the guys on here that say would never spend more than $200 on a fishin pole have something that someone else would consider a waste of money. It could be a set of Snap On Allen wrenches they paid $100 for. I would figure my $5 set from Home Depot would suffice.

Bondhus Allen wrenches are better:)

I ordered a g loomis nrx today to mostly use for a swimbait I fish a lot on long casts. I assume Ill notice the difference quickly compared to the 79.99 lews I been using. My normal rods have more feel than the lews but werent stiff enough so I bough a few cheap lews for flipping, punching and this swim bait I drag.

Ive used the one I ordered and bought 4 more since that post they are incredible. So sensitive at times its annoying its like theres a party on the end of your line all the time but they are just tasting....

I have 853 854 873 894 895 now, all Nrx blue.

I absolutely cant say I catch more fish with them, but you sure feel more of everything. The most noticeable improvement for me has been shakey head worm fishing where they usually swim away before I know, Ive felt a few pick it up but still waited for it to swim.

Too lazy to read the whole thread to see if I already posted but....I have 3 GLXs and 2 NRXs and been fishing them for two years, best rod I ever had my hands on. I'm lets say middle aged, and lite is important and the weight and balance of the NRX is special. Most important is the sensitivity. It be sensitive.

I've never fish with the NRX but I have fished with the new Kistler Z- Bone. Hard to imagine the NRX is better than the new Z-Bone, anyone fished with both of them?

Never heard of it but theres a common thread according to the description on tackle whs...



Made in the USA! The redesigned Kistler Z-Bone LEXF Casting Rods are custom hand-crafted by Kistler�s own rod experts in the United States of America, Texas. Each proprietary blank pattern is exclusively designed for Kistler Rods by the legendary Gary Loomis and constructed by the North Fork Composites team in their state-of-the-art blank factory in the state of Washington.

The blank�s "Raw Carbon" finish involves a sanding and polishing process that requires no gloss or paint coating, which in turn offers incredible sensitivity, performance, and lightweight balance. North Fork�s four-part, high modulus HM next-generation graphite delivers a level of quality and strength-to-weight ratio that has proven to be unequaled thanks to the expertise and experience of the graphite genius himself, Gary Loomis.

Grab a hold of Kistler�s proprietary Marble Rubber Synthetic Cork and you will quickly notice the quality and feel that will enhance the performance of any angler. It�s made to last and remain tacky through all weather conditions. Kistler also only used Fuji�s latest innovative components, such as their enhanced ECSM16 reel seats and stainless steel �K� frame "Tangle Free" MACRO-sized guide with SIC rings. Experience the difference with the Kistler Z-Bone LEXF Casting Rods.

The Kistler Family has been in the rod biz for many years. Trey's father Billy Kistler helped Morgan McCain start up the original All Star rod company. Billy later started started Castaway Rods. Trey Kistler started Kistler Rods after he got out of the military.

Morgan now runs McCain rods.

To the OG,buy what feels right to you. That said, if your catching fish on any manufacture Entry level rod. When you step up and purchase the next level rod or higher end rods you are going to gain more sensitivity, at least thats what they all say. Right?

Now, I have only ever fished Loomis rods and Shimano reels. Mostly GLX and two NRX. I love them. That said, my tourney partner only fishes Diawa rods and reels.

Several people have posted some great suggestions for rods.

Go get the rod or rods that work best for you by whatever rod manufacture you like. You may end up with several rods from several different rod manufactures. Some my by 50 bucks or 500 bucks. When its all said and done, you are the one fishing the rods.

Same thing with the reels that you purchase for all those rods you buy. Get what works best for you.

Agree, I thought bps carbonlites were awesome when I went from 75$ combos, they just get better and better as you move up.