NRX+ 854 vs 894

[Drakestar]

Does anybody have a good comparison between the 7'1" and 7'5" JWR models? I've never fished the heavy-power NRX rods, all my NRX experience is in finesse (and I have 3 and 5-power GLX rods). I seem to remember that on the pre-+ models, the longer rods were considered better/more sensitive than the shorter version. Is that true or a wrong impression? Is it true for the NRX+ as well?

[godshippy]

That's what I found from my research--everyone says to skip the 854 and go with the 894 because it's a true 1/2 oz jig rod and feels more sensitive.

[Drakestar]

That's what I found from my research--everyone says to skip the 854 and go with the 894 because it's a true 1/2 oz jig rod and feels more sensitive.

That's what I'm exploring, options for a 1/2oz jig rod. But because I'm fishing from a kayak, I'd like to keep it around 7'1".

I still love using my oldish USDM Destroyer FMJ but wouldn't mind an upgrade. I might be the only person who dislikes that they made the P5 version of the FMJ longer (so I don't consider that an option yet). The Steez BC2 is 7'5", as well. There's a 7'2" Dobyns Xtasy but I don't consider than an FMJ upgrade. So...

The 854 sounds like a good match, but I want to make sure it isn't a dud (relatively speaking, at least).

[_diggy_]

That's what I found from my research--everyone says to skip the 854 and go with the 894 because it's a true 1/2 oz jig rod and feels more sensitive.

That's what I'm exploring, options for a 1/2oz jig rod. But because I'm fishing from a kayak, I'd like to keep it around 7'1".

I still love using my oldish USDM Destroyer FMJ but wouldn't mind an upgrade. I might be the only person who dislikes that they made the P5 version of the FMJ longer (so I don't consider that an option yet). The Steez BC2 is 7'5", as well. There's a 7'2" Dobyns Xtasy but I don't consider than an FMJ upgrade. So...

The 854 sounds like a good match, but I want to make sure it isn't a dud (relatively speaking, at least).

What about a 873crr?

http://www.tackletour.net/viewtopic.php?f=46&t=89220

[CGrinder]

Probably going to be hard to upgrade an OG FMJ if you want to stay at 7'1. There's always the 844 in the NRX+ if you dig the MBR taper.

[Drakestar]

Probably going to be hard to upgrade an OG FMJ if you want to stay at 7'1. There's always the 844 in the NRX+ if you dig the MBR taper.

I might need to consider the 844. Another way I could phrase the question is this: is the 854 truly a dud or just not quite as good as the other NRX+s? Would the 854 be an upgrade over the USDM FMJ?

What about a 873crr?

http://www.tackletour.net/viewtopic.php?f=46&t=89220

I'd looked at that rod, but it's 7'3" as well.

[_diggy_]

Can't do the extra 2 inches?

:Giggity:

[godshippy]

A lot of people have said the 854 just isn't as powerful, and that you should go with the 873CRR.

That being said--if you already have the OG FMJ...it really will be hard pressed to find an upgrade. I have an Xtasy and I feel like it's a very sensitive rod. It's not NRX sensitive but it's pretty close IMO--probably as good as the FMJ, which like you said isn't going to be an upgrade.

There is the Steez 7'2" Heavy--I think it's called the Power Pitch. Lots of really good reviews and it can do a 1/2 oz jig.

[Drakestar]

Thanks. I have an Xtasy 754 that I like as more of an allrounder (that can also throw jigs) - it's kind of my indication for the jig rod length I want to have on a kayak. (I don't mind it, but I'd rather fish it standing up. Same for jigging with my 7'3" Trika). Power Pitch might be an option that I'll check out, and maybe the 844 MBR.

[Senko_My_Battleship]

Don’t sleep on that 7’2” Heavy Steez. Picked one up, one of my very favorite rods and it’s pretty similar to the 873. Bonus points it’s that it’s also stupid versatile, great for kayak.

[fishonsc]

The 844 mbr and the Power Pitch are very similar. Both have there strengths. The 844 mbr is more sensitive and a little stouter. The Power Pitch is better at pitching and balances better. It has a nice tip on it but not as sensitive. It's close to the NRX+. The PP makes a nice frog rod to. I like the MBR for jig fishing and the PP for t-rigs. They are both used everytime I go fishing.

[Drakestar]

Thanks again!

I might just try out the 844 MBR or 854. The 873 keeps coming up in conversations, the 894 is getting great reviews... but I'm getting too many almost-vertical jig bites near the kayak to try a longer rod (when a fish strikes right in front but in 18 feet of water you're basically high-sticking, which leads to a bad hookset at best and is dangerous to the tip at worst).

I usually have an FMJ (football jig) and a GLX 855 JWR (combined frog/pitching-into-tules rod) rigged up. I'm thinking the Power Pitch is a bit too close to the 855, I should go for an actual FMJ replacement.

[godshippy]

The new FMJ is supposed to be great. I had one delivered and it felt just right, but had to return because it arrived with a broken guide and just never reordered another one.

The new FMJ is definitely faster than the NRX+ 873CRR, which is something that I liked about it.

[Drakestar]

I got an 854 that The Hookup Tackle was selling in their pre-owned rod sale. Former showroom model, I think, supposedly never fished, and it looks new. Took it on a couple of trips and I’m happy with the purchase, but I’m not over the moon with excitement. Bite detection is great and I was able to control and handle a 5-pounder with ease. But I’m having a surprisingly hard time detecting and staying connected to bottom. I’m fishing 1/2 and 5/8oz jigs a bunch in 15-22 feet of water (with a total weight of 0.8-1oz depending on jig and trailer), and my FMJ (the pre-P5 black & gold model) has done well in those situations. With the 854, I have to pay more attention to not lift my jig off the ground.

Maybe it’s me, maybe the 854 has a heavier tip than the FMJ. Maybe it’s just another example of how the FMJ was a standout in the USDM Destroyer lineup. I’ll keep fishing the 854 and try to dial it in; at $435, that rod was a steal no matter what.