Best $500 Spinning rod for bottom contact techniques

[jerkbait22]

I've been enjoying some good finesse fishing lately. I recently helped out a colleague and in return he offered to purchase whatever fishing rod I wanted. My first thought was to get an NRX (would be my first G Loomis) but there are so many good rods out there, for fear of missing out, I figured I'd consult this forum first.

I currently have a Megabass Orochi XXX Jade Python which I like and use for most finesse spinning techniques. It's around a ML action so looking to get something more in the medium power to compliment my arsenal. I want to use the rod for bottom contact techniques like shakey head, hula grubs, tubes, neko rig and swimbaits like Keitech ez shiner and fat impact 3.8/4.3. I'll be using 6-8lb test fluoro.

First consideration was the Loomis NRX 7'1" Medium 852S JWR. Anything else I should be considering? What say you tackletour?

[GOOD YEAR 71]

I'm going to suggest you look hard at the Steez SVF AGS

[cndbasshunter]

Hard pressed to find a more sensitive rod than the nrx852S. I've owned higher end megabass, xx drop shot and shakey head, 7ml AGS, legend elite, etc.

[bigfruits]

852s no doubt

[Lucky Craft Man]

Either the NRX 852S JWR or the NRX 872S JWR. Both rods are great, with the 872s giving you a little more "tip".

[TravisNY]

Either the NRX 852S JWR or the NRX 872S JWR. Both rods are great, with the 872s giving you a little more "tip".

Saved me some typing. Many end up with both. I did.
Though for paddle tails in the suggested range not dragged but UP the 902 is $. At least for brown bass in my hand.

Happy shopping sir.

[cndbasshunter]

Either the NRX 852S JWR or the NRX 872S JWR. Both rods are great, with the 872s giving you a little more "tip".

Agreed. Both are killer rods.

[timsford]

Personally if i was planning on spending that kind of money id be looking at a custom as well.

[BRONZEBACK32]

I love the 852 so much I have it in spinning and baitcasting.

Its one sweet blank IMO.

But also take a look at the GLX 842, its also amazing....

[bronzefly]

Either the NRX 852S JWR or the NRX 872S JWR. Both rods are great, with the 872s giving you a little more "tip".

I'd agree with this 100% - both of these rods are outstanding and available through The Tackle Trap for under the $500 mark with the Tackle Tour discounts available. I'm excited to get my hands on some of the new Shimano/Loomis Conquest rods this fall to see how they compare to similar NRX rods.

[jerkbait22]

Either the NRX 852S JWR or the NRX 872S JWR. Both rods are great, with the 872s giving you a little more "tip".

Thanks for the feedback guys. A few people mentioned the 872S will give you more "tip". What exactly is meant by that? Do you mean a stiffer tip or more parabolic tip? Or something else entirely?

[jerkbait22]

Either the NRX 852S JWR or the NRX 872S JWR. Both rods are great, with the 872s giving you a little more "tip".

I'd agree with this 100% - both of these rods are outstanding and available through The Tackle Trap for under the $500 mark with the Tackle Tour discounts available. I'm excited to get my hands on some of the new Shimano/Loomis Conquest rods this fall to see how they compare to similar NRX rods.

Thanks for the heads up Gary. I'll send my colleague over to TT when it's time to make the purchase

[TravisNY]

Either the NRX 852S JWR or the NRX 872S JWR. Both rods are great, with the 872s giving you a little more "tip".

Thanks for the feedback guys. A few people mentioned the 872S will give you more "tip". What exactly is meant by that? Do you mean a stiffer tip or more parabolic tip? Or something else entirely?

Slightly more bend under load given the additional few inches of length. You can't go wrong with either.

[jerkbait22]

Either the NRX 852S JWR or the NRX 872S JWR. Both rods are great, with the 872s giving you a little more "tip".

Thanks for the feedback guys. A few people mentioned the 872S will give you more "tip". What exactly is meant by that? Do you mean a stiffer tip or more parabolic tip? Or something else entirely?

Slightly more bend under load given the additional few inches of length. You can't go wrong with either.

Thanks Travis. I'm fishing on a kayak so I don't really like anything too long, I'll stick with the 852S for that reason.

[TravisNY]

Either the NRX 852S JWR or the NRX 872S JWR. Both rods are great, with the 872s giving you a little more "tip".

Thanks for the feedback guys. A few people mentioned the 872S will give you more "tip". What exactly is meant by that? Do you mean a stiffer tip or more parabolic tip? Or something else entirely?

Slightly more bend under load given the additional few inches of length. You can't go wrong with either.

Thanks Travis. I'm fishing on a kayak so I don't really like anything too long, I'll stick with the 852S for that reason.

Understood entirely sir. I fish the 852,872,901 and 902 out of my Jackson Big Tuna multiple days a week when simply not on foot chasing big river smallies but I completely understand comfort level. You'll be pleased with your choice. Well done.