UmairF

The 7’3 XH is my frog rod. I will say it doesn’t do too well with the lighter frogs like the kaera but will def do the job. Doubles as a great single hook big swimbait rod too from what I’ve heard. For pitching jigs and texas rigs into grass I picked up a Steez AGS BC2 so I’m looking forward to using it next season. Also, I think I’m in a similar situation as you with the additional spinning rod. I asked a similar question here: Thinking my next move is going to be a P5 Windbuster. Best rod out of the ones I had mentioned for soft and hard baits. Plus I’m really starting to get into the free rig after having some success with it last year…

In water deeper than 15 ft, it’s either mush bottom, sparse grass, or gravel bottom depending on the season and how much the grass has grown. I got to feel The One in hand at the fishing expo a couple weeks ago. Was comparing the bend to the NRX+ 872s and they’re different rods to me. I think The One is more comparable to the 902S which I ended up trading away since I didn’t care for it much but I heard that The One can do a lot more like you’re saying. As a Co-Angler, the versatility of The One sounds really appealing. I was debating between the 842 and 803 for shallow water applications like docks and sparse pads. Ended up going for the 803 since I figured I can probably put that through heavier stuff with that 3 power, and make even more precise pitches with the shorter length. How would you compare the 842 to the Windbuster? Seems like they handle the same spectrum of baits that you listed. I’ve thought about the Windbuster so many times. I like how the secondary actions of the P5s are when a fish is on. Something you don’t feel in a store handling the rod in hand. Anything in the 7’4/7’3ish length and under feels a lot easier to imagine myself liking. Don’t really use anything longer than that regularly. Okay so based off what you guys have said, I think I might be leaning towards the windbuster at the moment. Are there other comparable rods? Was thinking the 872S would be comparable but not sure if it’s as versatile as the windbuster. Also, anyone have any input on the X10 Medusa? I know it’s primarily a minnow/scoping rod which I don’t really throw but not sure if it’s a technique I need to add to my arsenal. Was thinking I can have that technique ready in situations where my boater is zoning in on a specific depth range at a slow pace offshore and I can follow up with it behind them. Don’t really run into that situation often though. Are any of my current setups able to handle mid strolling? If not, would the windbuster be able to? Thinking the Addermine I currently have might be able to fill that gap, maybe not the best but just enough, without having to think about the X10 Medusa. Thanks, Umair

Debating on whether or not to add an additional spinning rod to my lineup. I am a finesse fisherman primarily so I spend a lot of time with my spinning gear. Debating between the following: -NRX+ 872S JWR -Daiwa Steez AGS 7’6 The One -P5 Windbuster -X10 Medusa Here’s what I currently own: -NRX+ 803S JWR paired with a Twin Power FE 3000 (shallow water finesse) -NRX+ 852S paired with a Vanford A 3000 (overall versatile rod) -P5 Addermine paired with a Daiwa Exist LT 3000 (dropshots and ned rigs) I fish in primarily in S.E Wisconsin and the Madison chain during the tournament season. Fishing as a co-angler and we fish a lot of weedlines, docks, and offshore occasionally. Don’t know if the 3 rods I listed on top would be beneficial or not to have. Not saying I need to bring all of them at once, but I do feel like I’m missing a spinning rod dedicated for deeper water applications. What do you guys think? Any other suggestions in that price range? Thanks, Umair

Yeah unfortunately the water is still hard where I’m at. I will end up posting a more detailed review after getting some solid time on the water with it maybe at the end of this year, just so that I can give an accurate description of how it performs after a season of use.

Any info on this rod? What do you use it for? Thinking of grabbing one for dock skipping/pitching into pads with soft plastics. That way I don’t have to constantly re tie my 852S. I like having multiple spinning rods out so I can switch on the fly. I fish behind people a lot so really just looking for a 1-2 punch. My go-tos in shallow water are wackys and shakeyheads. I already have the 852 which is phenomenal at both. Was thinking of either grabbing another 852, 803, or the 872 in the NRX+ line. Not sure which would be the best option/most versatile. I originally was leaning towards the 872 but then heard about the 803. 872 would probably help me in deeper water applications more than the 803 but the 803 seems like it would dominate with the 852 alongside. What do you guys think? Also, it has been a challenge finding the 803 used. If you know anyone selling this in good condition please let me know!

I did and it feels great in hand! Not sure I’d pay full retail for it though (not that I’d ever recommend anyone buying things full retail). I posted a video on my initial impressions of it if you guys are interested: Daiwa Steez A II Unboxing – Is This $700 Reel Worth It?! https://youtu.be/X6bFiJFuqfM

Interesting! So the 803 is obviously more powerful than the 852 but when you say it flicks better for skipping, do you mean the tip section is a little softer than the 852? Sorry about the confusion. What were your intended uses for the 802? Would you be happier with an 803 based off of @FishTank response?

I didn’t even consider the 803 at first. Don’t have any experience with that one either. What are the differences between the 782SJR, 802JWR, and 803JWR? I’m assuming the JWRs are gonna be very similar to the 852 I own but just shorter? Have no idea how the 782SJR would feel. Between the 802 and 803 which applications shine best for each rod? I’m really only trying to haul at MOST 3-4lbers out of shallow water like docks or pads up here in WI. My 852 would be my main do-it-all spinning rod shallow and deep. Wanted something I could permanently keep a weighted 5” wacky senko or neko rig on for docks. The 852 could compliment it in the shallow water applications like if I’m skipping a senko with one rod and wanted to start dragging a shakey head behind the boat without wasting time I could swap right over to the 852. Thanks, Umair

I think I already have the addermine to cover for the ML applications. Was primarily looking for a shorter dock skipping rod. I guess I could narrow it down to the 802S JWR, 842S SJR, and the 843S SJR in the NRX+ line. Not sure what the difference is between the JWR and SJR at those shorter lengths. Had a 902S SJR for deeper water applications but was way too noodley for me.

Any suggestions/insight here? Currently own the NRX+ 852S and absolutely love it. If I grab another I’d like something shorter, but not opposed to another 852. Mainly throw weighted wackys and 3/16 shakey heads, but want to expand into other finesse techniques this season. Other than the 852, I own a P5 Addermine. Want to add a third to complete the lineup. I do fish a good amount of docks throughout the year but open to longer rods for free rig/more open water techniques. Only would like to hear suggestions from the NRX+, Megabass, Daiwa, and higher end JDM lines. Thanks!

So I’m thinking, I could go with something that has a pedal drives, but maybe it would be smarter for me to invest in something I can utilize long-term. So maybe find a decent sub $700 paddle inflatable kayak that has the option to add a trolling motor with spot lock, as well as some additional electronics. That way, whenever I’m ready to upgrade to a hard-shell yak or even maybe a small boat, I already have the trolling motor and possibly some electronics so that my initial investment now can be repurposed in the future. Any suggestions?

I commented this on another older post but figured I’d make this a separate post since it’s a little more detailed: Looking for a high-end inflatable kayak. Been trying to figure out ways to get off the shore on my own but lack storage options. Otherwise I’d consider a hard-shell old town pdl or even a jon boat. Just started digging down this rabbit hole but have a couple questions: - Can I stand and fish? - Compatible pedal drives - Can I add basic electronics? - Who are the Shimano/Daiwas of the inflatable kayak industry? - Anything I should know that I wouldn’t find online before buying one? Willing to get an inflatable with the bells and whistles since I probably won’t be having much of a storage solution other than the trunk of my SUV for a while lol. Thanks! Umair

Looking for a high-end inflatable kayak. Been trying to figure out ways to get off the shore on my own but lack storage options. Otherwise I’d consider a hard-shell old town pdl or even a jon boat. Just started digging down this rabbit hole but have a couple questions: - Can I stand and fish? - Compatible pedal drives - Can I add basic electronics? - Who are the Shimano/Daiwas of the inflatable kayak industry? - Anything I should know that I wouldn’t find online before buying one? Willing to get an inflatable with the bells and whistles since I probably won’t be having much of a storage solution other than the trunk of my SUV for a while lol. Thanks! Umair

Based off what I’ve heard it’s a great chuck and wind reel for 3/8+oz baits. A lot of the time you’ll be adding a trailer on the back of your lure which increases it to the ideal weight everyone’s been saying

Especially after spending all that dough! 🤑

Funny you mention the 794.5 AR. Have it paired with a Lexa 300 and man do I dislike that reel! Planned on using it for glidebaits/swimbaits but it’s one CLUNKY piece of machinery. After reading a couple responses, I might just sell the lexa and use the steez w/16lb fluoro for magdraft/slower swimbaits (when it’s not paired with my P5 Daemos) and my curado 150XG mgl w/50lb braid (when it’s not paired with my 7’3 XH Expride B.) to fluoro leader for glides.

Good idea. Was originally thinking 20lb fluoro but that’s gonna be too much. I think a happy medium to start with for me might be 16lb. I end up retying a good amount throughout the day so my leader ends up getting a little short. Plus P5 guides are a little tiny for my liking when it comes to leader knots. I only tie the FG but get a little worried sometimes. Will probably run 30-40lb samurai braid to a 14-16lb leader

I mainly throw 3/8 oz chatterbaits 1/2 oz very rarely. Usually ripping through sparse grass. Sounds like the Daemos/Steez A II is gonna be my power-fishing bread and butter this spring! What size line do you recommend? Still debating between braid and fluoro. Braid to leader would be a possibility too. I just end up retying a good amount with all the zebra mussels.

Just ordered this reel and was looking to get some more user-info on it. Got it in the 6.3:1 gear ratio paired with a P5 Daemos mainly for chatterbaits. Anyone got a review? Thanks, Umair

This is great! Yeah the rod I have is a lot more spongey than I thought it would be. I started shifting away completely from Dobyn’s because I’ve tried a lot of different models and it’s just not for me. Very good quality rods and I see why people like them. I just prefer my NRX+, P5s, and Steez rods. Not that I want to spend an exorbitant amount of money on a rod I use maybe 10% of the season at the moment lol. I have a 7’3 XH Expride B. Wondering if I could just sell the 794.5 AR and use the Expride instead for the same baits. It’s my frogging rod and has a Curado MGL 150 with 65lb braid on there, but I can always bump down to 50lb braid and just add the FC leader whenever I’m throwing the bigger baits on it. What do you guys think? If I sell the Champ XP and the Lexa the bait monkey is telling me to grab a 6.3:1 Steez A2 for chatterbaits 😳…

Yeah you’re absolutely right about the leader knots. I only tie the FG and I tried 50 and 65lb braid to 20-25lb fluoro. Even with larger guides it’s scary casting these baits out lol. I think I’m going to stick with straight 20lb fc sniper.

I only have a handful of “big baits” that I throw. Don’t throw the chad shad as often but that’s at the higher end weight-wise: - 6” magdraft/freestyle with beast hook - Gantarel Jr. - DRT TK - Spro KGB Chad Shad - Osakana Slide 170

What size braid to fluoro leader do you use? I think the rod I’m using is fine but the issue is with my reel and line choice. Still not sure if I can use the metanium dc 100. Thinking maybe 20lb straight fluoro? Although, I might be able to get more line capacity with braid… What size braid to fluoro leader do you use? I think the rod I’m using is fine but the issue is with my reel and line choice. Still not sure if I can use the metanium dc 100. Thinking maybe 20lb straight fluoro? Although, I might be able to get more line capacity with braid… ^Sorry it copied my post twice lol

Is it coming out this year? I didn’t see it on their new for 2025 post yesterday Also, would it be alright for me to use a 100 sized reel? I have a Shimano metanium dc 100 that I can use too.

What’s a good reel to throw anything from a magdraft to a KGB Chad Shad that I can also put on other rods for regular bass fishing techniques? Currently have a Daiwa Lexa 300 2023 but it’s too heavy/bulky for me I hate fishing with it. Would pair with a Dobyn’s Champ XP 794.5 AR (although I don’t really care for dobyns rods anymore). Only looking for Shimano and Daiwa reels at any price point. Reels released 2022 or recent would be preferred. Also, any line recommendations? Thanks!