Centrarchidae

I ended up going with the Expride and paired it with a Stradic Ci4+ 2500, but it was also another 5 days just to pick between that and the Daiwa Ballistic LT. It’ll arrive on Monday and think she’s going to love it. I will, however, buy the Orochi Leviathan for myself this summer.

@Hooliganthanks for the insight! St. Croix is releasing the new Legend Extreme soon. I might hold out just to see how it turns out. I haven’t owned a St. Croix before so I can’t say much other than I hear a lot of good things. Right now, I’m leaning towards the Expride only because I can get a better deal on it, but I’m a sucker for the aesthetics of the Orochi. I might just skip the surprise and make my wife pick one, or buy them both haha

@BrianNJ31 I was just looking at the new Zodias and it seems awesome. I definitely want to get one for myself, but as for my wife she just doesn’t like it. She is a big cork fan. @Dens228 I haven’t really seen an unhappy Megabass owner. I think if this is the route I take it’ll be a great rod. I will soon buy a Leviathan but first I need to figure out this spinning setup.

Hey guys, you helped me make a decision about a rod for myself a couple months back and I love it. Now I’m getting a new rod for my wife as a gift before our Lake Powell trip. It’s a toss up between two spinning rods: The Shimano Expride 7’ Medium or the Megabass Orochi XX Shakyhead. She throws a lot of T-rigs, and bottom contact techniques, like jigs and shakyheads, but every so often she enjoys throwing Neds. Sensitivity is very important. What’s your experience with these rods?

I appreciate everyone who responded and gave me feedback. I ended up buying the Xtasy 754. I took it out yesterday and it is sweet! I’ll probably buy an NRX during summer to give it a try, but overall I have no regrets about this purchase. It’s incredibly sensitive and is one awesome jig rod.

It’s like you read my mind. You know exactly where I’m coming from here. You’re 100% right when you say there is just an itch to try the NRX. There is so much hype about how sensitive it is, who doesn’t want to try it? However, I’ve heard the same issues about them. Since so many are being sold why would G-Loomis ever update it, despite it needing an update? The Xtasy I have now is an amazing rod. It has a JDM look to it, and reminds me of MegaBass aesthetics. When you get in that upper echelon of rods I believe it should look good, too! The NRX is very Plain Jane. It is the girl in your college science class that catches your eye, because she is smart, but you’re nervous to ask her out because she’s a solid 5-6. The Xtasy is the 10 in the class that is funny and everyone wants to date, but they’re hesitant because she just transferred from the rival school. I don’t even know if that made sense, but as I write this at 5:00am it seems funny to me. Sensitivity is such a subjective term. I watched a review the other day were the guy said his Expride was just as sensitive as a his NRX. Could it be? Maybe, but I have a hard time believing that. The Expride is a great rod, but as sensitive as the supposedly most sensitive bass rod, ever? Mmm... We need someone to invent a machine that can quantify rod sensitivity. Ha! Xtasy is wicked sensitive. I feel the fish look at my lure! I just can’t imagine the NRX being night and day more sensitive. The Xtasy I have flat out performs and it’s sensitivity is off the charts. It looks fantastic: it really is a beautiful rod IMO. The kicker I guess here is Gary Dobyn’s customer service. It can’t be beat. I sent G-Loomis an email asking them about their rods and got a generic email back that was along the lines of “that is a great rod. You’ll love it.” When I sent Dobyn’s an email asking a bunch of questions Gary called me and we chatted for about an hour about fishing and hobbies. Very, very cool guy and you can just tell he is passionate about fishing. Well, I think I’ll get a casting Xtasy. It performs like a work horse, is incredibly sensitive, and the aesthetics are in a class of their own. Oh, and it balances phenomenally (right at the locking nut). I just can’t see any negatives. Thanks for helping me make up my mind! Also, thanks for the heads up! I also dabbled with the Conquest. What are the reasons you like the NRX > Xtasy, and what makes the Conquest king?

But how much more sensitive? I guess that’s the million dollar question. Is it splitting hairs to you, or is it night and day?

Hello everyone! New to the forum as a member, but been a lurker for a little while now. I am currently wanting to get some advice on what my next purchase should be. I own the Dobyn's Xtasy DRX 742SF and love it! Not one complaint about it, but I am now wanting a casting setup. I am going to be picking up another high end rod for bottom contact, and it will be paired with a Shimano Metanium DC. I am going to use it for 1/2oz to 3/4oz jigs + trailer, smaller swimbaits, T-rigs, etc. Occasionally I'll even throw the Z-Man Giant TRD with their Mag Shroomz Head that will weigh around 1oz. Jigs are definitely the main purpose, though. I am considering getting another Xtasy, the DRX 755C, or venture out and try the NRX 894C. I know the 894C is rated up to 3/4oz, but I'm discouraged to move up to the 895C, because I hear how tip heavy it is. I have also heard the 894C can handle up to 1oz lures fairly well. A Dobyn's Champion Extreme DX 744C split grip is also on the board, but I am really focusing on the Xtasy or NRX. What are the opinions out there? Has anyone tried either, or both of these specific models? If you were in my boat (pun intended), what would you do? Thanks everyone!