Help! NRX 842S SJR and NRX 852S JWR

[GRH]

I searched for information about the NRX 842S SJR and NRX 852S JWR. Lots of information about the 852S, but not much about the 842S SJR. I'm happy with my casting rods, but need a good all-purpose NRX spinning rod that will be used with my Sustains. I have the GLX 783S JWR and St. Croix LES66MF, LES66MLF but need help with an NRX all-purpose spinning rod now.

NRX 842S SJR and NRX 852S JWR have specifications that are similar except for 1-inch length and fast versus extra-fast actions. Is this how they actually fish... similar, but the 842S SJR being slightly slower in the tip section? Since I am wanting to have an all-purpose rod I would think the 842S would be a little better, but the 852S seems to be much more popular. I will be using it mostly for 1-4lb LMB, SMB and crappie in open water. Occasionally drop-shot, but mostly 1/8-3/8oz. spoons and in-line spinners, 3/8oz. spinnerbait/chatterbait, and 1/8-3/8oz. Jigs (occasionally 1/2oz).

I would like to order one or the other today before leaving on a trip tomorrow.

Thanks

[Phippy]

I've owned/fished both but sold the 853 and have 2 842. The latter has a slower taper with less backbone for sure. I mostly use mine for drop shot, finesse jigs and tubes. Definitely no way 1/2oz anything maybe with the 852. The rest you mention shouldn't be a issue though I've never tried chatter/spinnerbaits with mine that's for casting. I think for those 3/8oz anything baits you'll want the 853 IMO. Both are terrific rods for sure.

[GRH]

Thanks, I really appreciate the helpful information. Prior to your answer I talked to Loomis via phone about the backbone difference and they tried to convince me they are the same strength - the only difference being the tip section. I got the feeling he was reading from a script and not actually fished or have any hands-on experience with the two rods.

Is it true that the NRX 852S JWR has a more subtle taper than most extra-fast tips and doesn't have a hinge action going from tip to backbone? I really like Fast actions better than extra-fast, but am also leery of the softer backbone on the NRX 842S SJR. However, if the NRX 852S JWR taper is smooth, kinda like in-between an extra-fast and fast that will steer me toward the NRX 852S JWR.

Thanks again for the help.

[stingray23]

I own an 842S SJR NRX. Its my first NRX so I dont have a comparison for you between the 2 models. I use it primarily for weightless flukes, tubes, grubs and such. The tip is soft, but that aids in casting and action. It is rated as fast but I notice a slight delay before it gets to the back bone and then its fast and strong. I like it a lot. I paired it with a '14 Shimano Stella with 8lb Tatsu line. I am also looking to get an 852 in the future. Its the other rod I am interested in how it compares to the 842.

[Phippy]

IMO, there's no question once you get past both tapers the 852 still has more backbone mid blank down. Of course it's been over a year since I've fished the 852 and pushing 50 in a few years.

[GRH]

I'm sooo confused.

I'll bet if I were asking about a casting rods there would be dozens of replys. OK, right or wrong I'm going with the NRX 852S JWR... and keeping my fingers crossed. Sure wish there was someplace around here that stocks NRXs so I could get my hands on the two!

[romans]

I cannot comment on the 842 NRX. I can comment on the 852S NRX and BSR852GLX. If you could find out if the 842 NRX spin and 842 NRX cast were the same blank then I could tell you more about the NRX 842S SJR. So you know the 852S is clearly an XF. It does have a smoother transition than the BSR series. I believe neither would do you well for 1/2oz baits and 3/8oz spinnerbaits will be wishful thinking. If you intend to go beyond the weight ratings then a I would think a fast taper would be more forgiving as opposed to a XF taper. Don't get me wrong the 852S is an awesome stick and worse case scenario I am sure you will find something to do with it. A fast taper will always be more versatile.

[GRH]

I have until tomorrow morning before leaving on my trip to make a final decision. Anymore words of wisdom to help me decide before then will be greatly appreciated!

[Phippy]

I have until tomorrow morning before leaving on my trip to make a final decision. Anymore words of wisdom to help me decide before then will be greatly appreciated!

Yup, buy the 842s for everything under 3/8oz and 843c for the rest.

[trent_s]

I have until tomorrow morning before leaving on my trip to make a final decision. Anymore words of wisdom to help me decide before then will be greatly appreciated!

The 852s is the best all around spinning rod I have ever seen. And that says a lot b/c the old SJ 842 was a special stick, I had two customs built on it.
I use my 852s for everything from shakyhead, 1/4 oz jigs, tubes, grubs, senkos (the perfect weightless senko spinning rod), and it can dropshot in a pinch. If dropshot is your go-to tactic get the 42, if it's only part of what you do...then the 852s is the best rod I've ever had in hand.

Hope that helps.

[GRH]

The 852s is the best all around spinning rod I have ever seen. And that says a lot b/c the old SJ 842 was a special stick, I had two customs built on it.
I use my 852s for everything from shakyhead, 1/4 oz jigs, tubes, grubs, senkos (the perfect weightless senko spinning rod), and it can dropshot in a pinch. If dropshot is your go-to tactic get the 42, if it's only part of what you do...then the 852s is the best rod I've ever had in hand.

Hope that helps.

I changed my decision from the NRX 852S JWR to the NRX 842S SJR late last night, now I'm on the fence again.

OK, here is what I believe is the overriding factor - what will it mostly be used for? Since I would say 75% will be moving baits, i.e. 1/8-3/8oz. spoons and in-line spinners, 3/8oz. spinnerbait/chatterbait, and 1/8-3/8oz. swim & bottom Jigs (occasionally 1/2oz) and 25% bottom contact/drop-shot the best would be the NRX 842S SJR with it's fast taper. However, it concerns me when some say it's backbone is softer than the NRX 852S JWR, also the NRX 852S JWR is unbelievably more popular and there must be a reason for it! Why no love for the NRX 842S SJR? How well would the NRX 852S JWR handle the moving baits I listed? That is what I don't know. If only one can be chosen for my 75%/25% scenario, which one?

I still have 5 hours to go before leaving and the final decision must be made!

Thanks again.

[GRH]

Decision made!

As much as I would like to join the herd, I'm giving my allegiance to the the small but happy band of NRX 842S SJR rebels.

Thanks to those who have given suggestions.

[trent_s]

Decision made!

As much as I would like to join the herd, I'm giving my allegiance to the the small but happy band of NRX 842S SJR rebels.

Thanks to those who have given suggestions.

Let us know how it goes. I've got my sites on this rod as an exposed hook tube jig/grub rod, and drophot stuff. I'll be curious to hear on this. Don't think you can go wrong with either...But I think 1/2 ounce may be a lot of weight on any rod under MH power rating.

[hobobob]

Decision made!

As much as I would like to join the herd, I'm giving my allegiance to the the small but happy band of NRX 842S SJR rebels.

Thanks to those who have given suggestions.

The rebel force is growing, I have a 842 sjr on the way, It will be a while before that rod touch water, have those pesky crappie to deal with in the mean time ice or not.

[romans]

I don't think it is a lack of love for the 842 as much as the 842 hasn't been around near as long as the 852S