Can I build a rod better than a G Loomis NRX? Do you know a builder and what should it cost? What blank should I use, grips, guides?

Probably not. Might be able to get something comparable or of slightly lesser quality but at a much more affordable cost though.

.... yep ....
Get a hold of Ron at Reel Time Rods, located at Lake Fork� Popes Landing

Yes for sure, not hard but you will not learn it over night it takes time. And you will build more than one rod to become good at it good luck but have fun.

Absolutely. So many good blanks on the market now. Phenix line up alone IMHO is superior to Loomis. StCroix is another line up to look into.

My arsenal is entirely Batson Rainshadow blanks. Their series consist of Revelation which is their lower modulous line up. A little heavier in weight but smooth stout dependable blanks. Those are their work horse. The middle modulous are the Immortal series. Love these blanks. Have built Med through XH casting and put these rods to work. Their high modulous series are the Eternity line. Just as good if not better than any Loomis ever made. Light as a feather, crisp, and strong.

I put carbon fiber grips and Fugi KR concept guides on all my builds. The sensitivity through the Carbon grips makes cork or EVA obsolete. It's practically like holding the blank. Transfer of vibration is ludicrous.

Rainshadow with Fuji carbon SiC guides and a Fuji seat outta do it. Better, for less money.

Definitely...some awesome blanks out there.

Batson blanks are the only blanks being built in the U.S. great blanks I have built a lot of them. But remember MHX is one hell of a blank, they just came out with a new series pro elite very good blanks but little pricey.

Oh really,where are G.Loomis blanks made, how about Northfork Composites or Lamiglass, oh yes, some St.Croix as well. There are several fly rod blanks rolled in the U.S. also. Last I heard, a portion of Batson blanks were rolled in China too.
As far as the OP question, I have my serious doubts as to building a better rod than NRX

I could be wrong but think the NRX is still built in the north west.

You would be correct Chet, as are several others.

You are both wrong. Assembled yes, everything else from China

Batson are made in north west U.S. Some in China but the last I heard they brought it back. People don�t understand these blanks are made in China some completely built in China guides and all. And now come back to the U. S. Manufacturing plants to be shipped out to dealers. All I can say if you want blanks you better buy now prices are going up tariffs.

Pretty sure rogue is still built in Oregon. Designed for salmon but they have a few bass blanks. Actually strongest blank I've ever fished with. My swimbait and frog rods are rogue

Just get yourself some Power Tackle Rods and be done with it!