LegendaryBassin

Depends on multiple things. First thing is COVID has all retailers dismantled. I wouldn't look elsewhere as it may sell out and you be out of luck. Most dealers are very low on inventory. Depends on application to pick the rods. If bottom contact, NRX hands down! I find the NRX to be more sensitive however the conquest MBR tapers balance better and I prefer it's guide train and handle. If I were buying for moving baits, I would go Conquest but overall sensitivity for bottom contact NRX.

Doesn't mean it will be released this year coming up. It could be 2+ years away. Product testing can go on for years. The NRX revamp makes a lot of since though. Also have heard that the will release a NRX new series and keep the old series as well. The old model has bad balance and not a fan of the recoil guides. I expect a NRX (with the same blank) full cork handle with about a 1/2-3/4 inch longer handle for better balance and FUJI Titanium Torzites. It wouldn't be smart to move away from the blank IMO.

There has been rumors for a long time, no telling when they will replace them. I have been told 3M sold the rights to the resin used in the blanks to Abu Garcia so the blank will never be the same. That blank is legendary

I only fished one model and there are always stars within a series. Can't go wrong either way but I would go with the St Croix due to warranty and Fuji Torzite/Titanium guides over Kigan. ALX makes a good rod, very balanced, overall good company. Can't go wrong with these two companies ever.

St Croixs SCV blank is superior. ALX rods are a nice rod but the St Croix warranty is superior as well

I would say its not quite a Legend X but comparable with the Legend Tournament

While the Expride and Poison are great rods in their own right and IMO a better value, they aren't a NRX. But why is it still the topic of all conversation about sensitivity? There is a simple answer, it is the standard. There are definitely rods that are awesome and can compete but NRX is still the standard. That blank is electric

Warranty is valid through all authorized dealers as long as you buy new

Yes the Legend Tournament is a better blank (SCIV) versus the Avid is SCIII. Also the Legend Tournament has a better guide train. If possible, go with the Legend Tournament

Go to your local tackle shop and let them guide you to a reel they recommend

Not a fan of Dobyns or Powell for bottom contact. There rods aren't sensitive at all but make great moving bait rods

Daiwa doesn't have authorized warranty centers for rods, only reels. A guide repair (for the most part) is a simple job and wouldn't prevent them from warrantying the rod, for the most part.

DVT is absolutely correct. Lure rating is an arbitrary number to ball park the lure rating to prevent for overloading the blank on a cast. I have a Dobyns rods rated weigh higher than anything I would ever throw on it, whereas G Loomis is usually on the lower end of the lure rating spectrum. Just be cautious and use good judgment. Don't try a throw a 1 oz jig on a ML spinning rod lol

Regarding mechanical functionality you are right but reels have drastically changed in materials utilized and round reels vs low profile.

id opt for 15

There are so many advantages to utilizing braid to leader. But I only see the benefits in spinning applications. I don't like it with casting

People love that Big Game. I personally tried it once and it's no longer invited to come hang out with my reels lol. Unfriended it. When I fish mono, I used Stren Original or Trilene XL but rarely use mono. The only braided lines I use are 832, Power Pro V2, or Smackdown. Invizx is good line. Certain fluorocarbon line makes it unbearable under certain conditions. I have great success with mine but with all things will have positives and negatives

For around your budget, Fuego LT and NASCI. The BG isn't a bad option either. Just not a fan of the weight of the NASCI and BG. I prefer the Fuego LT myself.

Read my original post. I clearly break down my analysis of the rods. He even mentions he may need both in the post. So I provided my analysis on both rods to help him decide.

It's probably best to just ignore your comments. I recommended both rods as it's the 893 can't handle 1/2-3/4 oz jigs, but the 893 would be better at the weightless senko and smaller jigs. Never said he had to buy either, it's a recommendation as the techniques he's looking to accomplish would be best served by 2 rods.

While the 894C and 854C are a JWR taper, they are excellent swim jig and utility rods as well. The 853/893 power make excellent rods but a 3/8 oz jig and trailer is a sweet spot. 1/2 ounce I prefer the 873 CRR or the 854/894. Not all the 3 powers in the NRX lineup are created equal the 873 has noticeable more power than the other 3 powers. Honestly, I think I would recommend a 893 and 894 and call it lol. Both rods to cover the weightless senkos and smaller jigs and the 894 to cover the 1/2-3/4 oz

65 lb braid is the way to go. No need for the mono

You won't be disappointed either way. Great reels

Not going to happen... sounds like you bumped your head lol

Exactly what I was thinking!