Which NRX is closest to a DX744?

[lape0019]

Hey Guys,

I am getting ready to purchase two rods in the next few weeks. I am all but certain I am going with a Champion 764CBRM and a DX744.

But lately, the NRX bug has bitten me pretty bad and I am thinking that if the price is right, I may end up with my first (and probably only) NRX.

I held the 894 and the DX744 together in the store, they feel really close to each other so I started doing some research. I also held the 893 and that felt a touch too light compared to the DX744.

Primary use for this rod will be 1/4 to 3/8oz texas rigs.

Here are the specs:
DX 744 - 10-20lb, 1/4-1oz, Heavy Fast
NRX 894 -14-20lb, 5/16 - 3/4oz Heavy Fast
NRX 895 -17-25lb, 1/4 - 1oz Ex-Heavy Fast

I already have a DX743 and a DX745 so if I go the NRX route, I don't want to buy a similar rod to one of these. As you can see, the lure ratings of the 895 and the DX744 match perfectly, but other than that, there is nothing that really aligns. I know that an ex-heavy in an NRX can be exactly the same as a Heavy in another brand. As such, I am turning to you in the hopes that someone here has used both.

I would love to hear the answers to this question. And if I have missed a rod within the NRX that is more like a 744, please feel free to add it.

Thanks,

Adam

[Hennessy]

I replaced my dx744 with the nrx 873crr. I replaced my dx745 with the nrx894. I was told by Gary at the tackle trap that the 895 was a beast of a rod, more so for some type of punching. I throw 3/8 Carolina rigs & 1/2 jigs on the 873crr & 3/4 fb jigs on the 894. I haven't touched a 893 but with the 873 being close to the dx744, I'd say it would be too light also. If rod length is not a issue & your going to use it for close quarters & not long distance casting, the nrx 854c might be a option also

[trent_s]

893 and 853 are probably the closest (maybe slightly lighter powered), but are lighter tipped but much faster overall. The 854 is close a little more power, the 894 and 873 are both a noticeable step up in power. I actually think the 873 feels more powerful than the 894, even though it's not, it's just really stiff tipped.

[njbasscat]

For the weights you list, I would choose the 893. It's faster than the DX743 and feels more powerful because of this. If this makes any sense, the 893 in regards to power fishes like a 743 1/2 and the 894 like a 744 1/2 in my hands. The 893 has more of the "it" factor and if I was only going to get one NRX, this is the one I would choose.

[DavidSA]

I was able to handle the DX745 two weekends ago and I own the NRX894. They seemed comparable. Most guys post they fish relatively light weights on the 744 so I would think it most similar to 893.

My personal opinion is that lure weight is just one element of picking the right rod. I look at line weight I need to use as well which reflects the cover that I am fishing. I use 16# and stronger FC on the 894's. I use 15# FC to 12# FC on my 3 power NRX rods. Times exist when I am tossing very light plastics with the 894 into heavy cover with 20# FC. This works great with the right reel and the rod will load down to its lower weight very well. Is a super light lure optimal on an 894? NO is the answer but if you are tossing it into heavy grass with big bass then the answer is YES.

[lape0019]

I originally bought the DX743 for Texas rigs but even with 1/4oz weight and a plastic, the rod felt over loaded on the cast. This rod will now be used primarily for weightless senkos I think.

I guess I have a few other rods to check out tomorrow.

Keep the info coming guys!

Thanks!

Adam

[reelfish]

I have 2 - NRX894's, but for the weights up to 3/8 it is the 893.

[Chode]

I have 2 - NRX894's, but for the weights up to 3/8 it is the 893.

what's ur top end lure weight on that 894? also, can would u be able to tell me the actual balancing point and what kind of reel do u have mounted? thx

[lape0019]

I have 2 - NRX894's, but for the weights up to 3/8 it is the 893.

Is that with or without plastic? The weights I have posted are only for the actual bullet style weight and do not include the plastic bait.

[spencerinstl]

I have 2 - NRX894's, but for the weights up to 3/8 it is the 893.

Is that with or without plastic? The weights I have posted are only for the actual bullet style weight and do not include the plastic bait.

I fish a 3/8 oz jig plus plastic on the NRX 893 with no problem. Unless you are fishing heavy cover or heavy grass/millfoil etc, the 893 will be perfect. Or fishing a 3/8 oz jig with a stout hook.

[johnnybassboat]

I use my NRX 893 for t-rigs in the 1/4 and 5/16 sizes. I dont fish a lot of 3/8 t-rigs but think it might be ok for that too. I throw mostly 3/8, 1/2, and 5/8 jigs with my NRX873. If you are the kind of guy who likes a stiffer rod you may be ok with a NRX894. I have even thrown t-rigs down to 1/8 with my NRX893, so I know these rods will perform with light weights. More food for thought.

[rich in co]

My 894 arrived thrusday and got to play with it today, and compared to my DX 744 it handels the weights pretty much them same I dont throw 1oz. To me the tip on the NRX felt just slightly stiffer which I like and its more senstive thyan the DX, they both hadles the baits on the cast very well.

Outside of the NRX being more senstive and lighter they both hadled the baits to close to call, and i like the NRX more she is staying in the stable

Rich

[lape0019]

Thanks for the replies guys. I will take all of this into consideration.

The reels are coming first.

[StarTzar]

I'd go with the 893.

[lape0019]

Well,

I went to the tackle shop again last night and took a look at the 893 along with the 743 and 744.

You guys are right, The 893 with its extra fast tip feels a whole lot stiffer than the DX 743.

I haven't bough the rod yet but because of the guidance here as well as an offline chat with Startzar and comments from the owner and one of his pro staff, I have decided to go with the 893.

I have read so many reviews stating that if you are buying 1 NRX, the 893 is the one to go with. Now I just have to figure out what line is going to be used...