Rodney Smith

Here are the balance points with the Antares and Metanium.

I know. That was surprising. I think the difference is an 1.5 ounces, but they both balance almost in the same place. Just in front of the foregrip. I had the Antares on my old 873 to help with balance. You don’t need a heavier reel to balance the new 873. I will be interested to see if that is true on the new NRX+ 894c...

Ok. I can give a brief assessment. I got my new NRX+ 873CRR last night. I took it out to a local community dock for a little testing. It was paired with an Antares and spooled up with Hitena 43lb Supercast braid. Here are my initial observations: Fit and Finish: Better than the old NRX. The new design is classy, conservative design. The guide wraps are better, but still not perfect. is only a little blue for those who didn't care for the baby blue threads. The cork is much better (like a Conquest). It is high grade cork that is beautiful and soft. Comfort: I wasn't thrilled with the old reel seat because the exposed reel seat was a bit uncomfortable. The new reel seat is much more comfortable. It is similar to what it found on the Conquest. Balance: Better. It balances right in front of the fore grip with an Antares or Metanium MGL B. The rod weighs 4.2 ounces. Sensitivity: Insanely sensitive, but so was my old 873CRR. When you get to that level, I honest can't tell any difference. Cast-ability: Very good. I can't do a side by side comparison with the old rod, but I was throwing a 1/2 Spotsticker casting jig a long ways. Even though it has Spiral X, I would say the difference in casting distance will not be significant. The recoil guides don't bother me. I tie a FG knot and the braid was not noisy coming through the guides. Fishability: I was only able to fish for 15-20 minutes, but did catch a couple of angry 2-3 lbs spots. The rod was responsive on the hook set and drove the hooks home easily. I think the Spiral X technology makes for a fun fight and will probably translate into a few less lost fish. Dislikes: I don't like the placement of the hook keeper. It isn't a deal breaker, but I don't understand the placement. Overall, I am extremely pleased. My next purchase will be a 872s.

What are your thoughts on the 873CRR as a “do it all rod”? I know the MBR tapers are great for versatility, but what about the 873CRR? I have had a 873 and I know it a great bottom contact rod. I’m actually considering getting 2 and using the second one and using it as my all purpose rod for T-rigs, swim jigs, wobble heads, spinnerbaits, underspins, dark sleepers, etc. Am I crazy?

I have that rod and love it. I am mainly throwing 6 inch Magdrafts, Gantarel Jr’s and other 1-1.5 swimbaits. It is perfect for that technique. It only weighs 4.5 ounces and balances well with a Bantam. I haven’t thrown a frog yet, but it seems to handle anything 1/2 and up. I plan to use it for some ledge fishing in the summer. Preacher jigs, heavier scrounger, etc. 1/14 ounce spoons. It is becoming one of my favorite rods and I’m looking for excuses to use it. Very versatile.

I fished the 6 inch Magdraft (pre-rigged version with the magnet) this weekend. Looks awesome on Chris Zaldain's videos and my buddies at the tackle shop rave about it. For me, about every third cast it wouldn't swim straight. Naturally, it is on the times you make that pinpoint cast. The magnet isn't doesn't hold it in the center all the time. I was constantly haven't to fiddle with it. Anyone else have this experience? Should I just switch to the Freestyle version and rig it with a Flashy Swimmer.

Is the 7 ft ML Zodias a decent drop shot rod?

I haven’t them long enough to make a judgement. I was hoping to hear from someone with some on the water experience with both. I am not keeping them both because I picked up a good used NRX 873c to be used as my jig and worm rod (was using the 7’2 H for that). I was hoping to hear from some Adrena owners who have fished both for a while and could give me an informed opinion. I know I could put in the time and fish them both and figure it out on my own. I just wanted somebody else’s 2 cents worth.

I haven’t them long enough to make a judgement. I was hoping to hear from someone with some on the water experience with both.

I have a 7’3 MH and a 7’2 H. The applications for this rod are wobble heads, flashy swimmers, spinnerbaits, dark sleepers, chatterbaits,etc. Most are around the 1/2 ounce range. Which one should I keep for those applications?

CFSDoc, So how does the Adrena 7’2 H compare to the X Bites with jigs?

Shimano Exsence. It is getting a 2021 refresh. Incredible reel.

As a follow up, I ended up getting a JDM Metanium. That was my first direct from Japan purchase. So far I like the smaller spool for small to medium cranks. Casts great. I’m able to set my brakes to 2 off, 2 off, 2 on outer brake and fire away. I have seen complaints on the smaller handle on the JDM’s. So far it doesn’t bother me.

To clarify my question, if both the 70 and 100 size reels make the the same 40 yard cast, will the IPT be less on the smaller spool?

I have several Metanium 2020’s (USDM). I just ordered a JDM version with a 70 size spool. I have one Antares that has a 70 size spool. It casts further than anything I own. I use braid that is .009 in diameter. My question is, what happens to IPT with the 70 size spool compared to the larger size? Perhaps WRB can weigh in...

Does anyone have any feedback on whether this would make a good jig rod? I’m particular interested in hearing how this compares to other high end offerings like NRX, Megabass, etc.

My favorite topwater rod is a Poison Adrena 6’11 M+.

I am thinking of upgrading a Chronarch MGL to a new Metanium 150B to throw cranks (use Bantam for deep cranks). Will the Metanium out cast the Chronarch with crank baits? I use 20 lb braid to leader.

WRB is the expert on this topic and I listen to everything he says on hair jigs. All the way down to his preferred 7/16 size. I had Brian’s Custom Tackle make me up some custom jigs. Brian was a great guy to deal with. https://www.brianscustomtackle.com/craw-jigs

I have the Rustrictor thin box. Would I still need the silica packs? After reading this post and analyzing my boxes, I ordered 4 more Rustrictor thins. Most of my standard size boxes have too much wasted space. The thinner boxes give you more slots and just less depth.

I just got one of these to use as my jerk bait box. It got me thinking that maybe I ought to get some more for other techniques. I’m interested in hearing what anyone else uses them for.

It looks like COVID has pushed the release of those rods until next year. I expect they would release them around the Bassmaster Classic.

I have the Poison Adrena and have had many of the NRX models that have been mentioned. If you are wanting NRX sensitivity and an action similar to the Adrena, I would consider the NRX 873CRR. The tip is softer and would work well with your Keitech’s. The new NRX’s are around the corner. I would try to find a used 873CRR. Good luck!

I fished with the 7’3 MH a little this weekend. The moderate fast tip is going to pretty much make it a moving bait rod, isn’t it?

I just got a new Adrena 6'11 M+ and a 7'3 MH. I was blown away by how light they are and well they balance. I use a NRX 894C as my jig rod. I am wondering how big the drop off would be in sensitivity from the NRX to an Adrena 7'2 H. Thoughts? Preferably from someone who has used both.