G Loomis rod ???

[PINEKNOT]

I am wanting to pick up a new rod and wanted some advice on the right choice. My budget limits me to the IMX price range, so that is the starting point. I am wanting a 7ft to 7ft plus rod for flipping and pitching jigs up to 1/2 oz, and primarily Texas rigged craws and creatures, probably with Power Pro 40# braid. I currently have a GL3 844 MBR that I just picked up to designate for throwing frogs. I also have an IMX MBR 843 that I use for everything at times. All my other rods are shorter than 7 ft. The rods I have been considering in the IMX line are the MBR 844, 854 JWR and 894 JWR. I am leaning towards the JWR rods because I will be chunking bottom contact jigs and T-rigs. Is the longer 894 better for pitching, or would the 854 be adequate? Any advice?

Thanks guys!!

[Hennessy]

If your budget is $300 & it has to be a loomis, there's NO way I'd spend it on a imx! Tackle Trap recently had '16 glx "rep samples" for $315, I think the glx 894 is sold out. I'd say that's your best option in that price range with loomis. But to be honest with those weight ranges & what you want to fish, the nrx 873ccr is spot on! For a rep sample it is about $100 from your price range.

[jtgibso1]

I'd advise you contact Gary at the Tackle Trap and get his help on picking one up (user name is bronzefly on here). He'll make you a square deal and offer some great hands on experience with whichever rod you're looking to buy. He answered dozens of questions from me when i was narrowing down the selection on 2 nrx rods i picked up from him. Great price and great service, i'd definitely start there if i were you.

[DavidSA]

I would recommend you get your hands on any 894 and mount a reel about the weight you plan to use on it to get a feel for the rod. Guys are spot on when they recommend talking to bronzefly.

Once upon a time loomis made very little longer then 7ft and my boat would not store a rod longer then 7ft. In these days I had like 4 MBR844 GLX models. They worked fine and were the reference in 2007. As I started fishing Florida more and more in 2010, I found I needed longer rods even if they did not fit in the rod locker. In 2014, I was down to the last 844 when Bronzefly sold me my first NRX894.

Fishing a 894 side by side with a 844glx in Florida for the first week, I would have sworn the 894 tip more forgiving. When I got home I measured deflection with a 1.5oz punching weight and found the 844 more forgiving. Somehow the longer rods present lures with more tip yet are more powerful in absolute terms. The 894nrx has become my favorite for all things plastics that don't involve punching. It got so bad that I had to sell my 803 rods because I liked the 7'5 length so much.
I would think a rep sample in a 894glx the way for you to go but I have not fished that rod.

A little about how I fish. For starters, I have a counterbalance on my NRX894 and I use 6oz reels. 30# PP braid is my norm. In fact, I believe I get bit more with it then 40# braid. I can't see that sht though and that is the downside; neither can the fish. Typically in Florida on a 894 I'm throwing a 5 inch senko or a 3/8oz ish total weight t-rig. I'm throwing this rig into the next county with a high end reel and the light weight allows for a nice slow fall. When I'm on the Ohio river fishing for nothing I pitch rougly 5/16th ounce rigs into laydowns with the 894. Lets me present the lure like I had a 2 power rod but when I get bit I can set a hook.

What I like about the 894 line other then length is the ability to present a light lure into the nasty with grace and accuracy. Oh, and I can throw a 3/4oz jig and trailer on this thing without a hiccup.

[IlliniDawg01]

Seems like a good deal:

http://forums.tackletour.com/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=72745

DaveJ

[johnnybassboat]

Lots of great advice here. If I was you I would call Tackle Trap and talk to Gary. He will treat ya right and answer all your questions. I would look for a GLX or NRX rep sample. The 894 would be my choice. I used mine this weekend to throw a Owner 1/2 oz tungsten wobble head with a Strikeking DB structure bug. The smallmouth were all over it. That NRX 894 is a great rod, lots of tip but also lots of backbone. The GLX in a new series but should be very nice. Shop for a deal and enjoy.

[PINEKNOT]

Thanks guys. You got me looking for a GLX rod now, LoL. Is there much difference between a 894C JWR vs a 894C FPR?

[DavidSA]

Thanks guys. You got me looking for a GLX rod now, LoL. Is there much difference between a 894C JWR vs a 894C FPR?

massive difference. the fpr is a flipping stick and far stouter. go with the JWR for sure.

[bigfruits]

GLX for sure. dip into the kid's college fund if necessary.

[John G]

Buy used in excellent condition. You might be very surprised at what you can get if you place a WTB add in the TT Classifieds.

[PINEKNOT]

Well, I ended up returning a couple of GL3 rods in exchange for a GLX 894C JWR and I also picked up a GLX 853C JWR demo from the Tackle Trap. I have IMX MBR rods in 782, 783, 843 and 844, so I have a pretty good arsenal now. What would make a better hollow body frog rod, the MBR 844 or the 894 JWR? Thanks for all the advice.

[DavidSA]

I'm not sure I have a big preference between the 844 and 894 for a frog. The fact that my 894 always has a plastic tied on would likely force me to the 844.

[j2015]

buy used from the classified section here, I have purchased many "used" rods that look and function brand new...save a lot of $$ and the loomis warranty will still apply