GLoomis NRX 802s versus 803s (not NRX+).

[tracker01]

I’m looking at these two rods and need some guidance. The bass I normally catch are around 2-4 lbs. Shimano Vanford 2500, Burkley 8lb mono. The rod will be a dedicated bottom finesse rod. TRD’s, 2 3/4 “ tubes, 4” Senko’s, etc. I believe one is a Med. and the other a MH. Spec’s on the rod lean towards the 802s though the 803s seam’s to give a little more wiggle room. If you have or had either one of these rods I would like your review.
Thank you.

[SteveSchmelzle]

I own the 802s, 803s, and 804s (xmr).

There is a noticeable difference in strength between all 3.

if you are fishing open water, which it sounds like you are, the 802 will be fine. I would suggest if you are fishing near docks, thicker weed, etc, the 803 would be where I would go.

The 803 is somewhat of a disappointment. Not heavy enough to throw senkos in thicker cover (which is why I went with the 804 after breaking the 803 pulling too hard), but it's a bit too heavy for open water applications like you suggest.

The size of the bass won't dictate what rod you need, but the type of cover you fish in will.

[tracker01]

I own the 802s, 803s, and 804s (xmr).

There is a noticeable difference in strength between all 3.

if you are fishing open water, which it sounds like you are, the 802 will be fine. I would suggest if you are fishing near docks, thicker weed, etc, the 803 would be where I would go.

The 803 is somewhat of a disappointment. Not heavy enough to throw senkos in thicker cover (which is why I went with the 804 after breaking the 803 pulling too hard), but it's a bit too heavy for open water applications like you suggest.

The size of the bass won't dictate what rod you need, but the type of cover you fish in will.

Thanks for your input. Mainly fishing open water for “smallmouth bass.

[SteveSchmelzle]

I own the 802s, 803s, and 804s (xmr).

There is a noticeable difference in strength between all 3.

if you are fishing open water, which it sounds like you are, the 802 will be fine. I would suggest if you are fishing near docks, thicker weed, etc, the 803 would be where I would go.

The 803 is somewhat of a disappointment. Not heavy enough to throw senkos in thicker cover (which is why I went with the 804 after breaking the 803 pulling too hard), but it's a bit too heavy for open water applications like you suggest.

The size of the bass won't dictate what rod you need, but the type of cover you fish in will.

Thanks for your input. Mainly fishing open water for “smallmouth bass.

yep. I do that a ton on Lake Erie.

Definitely go with the 802

[TravisNY]

On the Susqy - 803.

You’ll get owned on the 802 in Susqy current and it’s not a rod I would have within 50 miles of Erie. Just me.

Regarding the 802 - What I passed on last year or the year to you about it. Unless using all but the lightest lead plus small lighter (less salt) offerings. I wouldn’t throw 1/8 oz plus offering on it. 4” Senko would be my max on it but prefer way more length for such but I know you prefer that 6’6” - 6’8” at most range.

There aren’t many of the Loomis spins I haven’t fished but they’re now long gone. Going purely off memory.

[tracker01]

I own the 802s, 803s, and 804s (xmr).

There is a noticeable difference in strength between all 3.

if you are fishing open water, which it sounds like you are, the 802 will be fine. I would suggest if you are fishing near docks, thicker weed, etc, the 803 would be where I would go.

The 803 is somewhat of a disappointment. Not heavy enough to throw senkos in thicker cover (which is why I went with the 804 after breaking the 803 pulling too hard), but it's a bit too heavy for open water applications like you suggest.

The size of the bass won't dictate what rod you need, but the type of cover you fish in will.

Thanks for your input. Mainly fishing open water for “smallmouth bass.

yep. I do that a ton on Lake Erie.

Definitely go with the 802

Do you notice any line noise going through the guide train?

[SteveSchmelzle]

well, I use 20lbs or 30lbs braid on all my NRX's (casting or spinning). I think I may have gotten used to any adverse noise.

so i would say I don't notice it, but that doesn't mean it doesn't exist.

[tracker01]

well, I use 20lbs or 30lbs braid on all my NRX's (casting or spinning). I think I may have gotten used to any adverse noise.

so i would say I don't notice it, but that doesn't mean it doesn't exist.

My problem is that I read too many reviews. I really appreciate your input as well as others.

[tracker01]

I have a NRX 802s coming today.
Thanks for the reviews.