New2bcbass... for me the rod serves as a "mag" finesse casting rod. I have over 2 dozen rods, most of which like the 742 are very technique, or weight range oriented. I can throw 1/8 oz weight plus hook and plastic or 1/4 oz jig or Texas rig plus plastic, but it tends to be a bit out of the rods comfort range and my intended needs for it. I do feel that about that 3/16 to 5/16 oz range is the sweet spot for the rod with likely diminishing returns once you deviate much in either direction. I believe the rod rates up to 5/8 oz but I wouldn't fish anything close to that on it. I would cap it at 3/8 oz and bump up a power for 3/8 on up.

As far as the sensitivity compariosn to an NRX I don't think its fair to compare rods that differ by $200. However the dx series is quite sensitive in its price range. I have zero issues ever detecting bites with it. The NRX is essentially a top 5 rod line for sensitivity in the eyes of many, with only a few custom builds and JDM rods competing on the same playing field.

For baits up to a 1/4 oz or so this would be a very good rod in the extreme lineup. It is only availiabe in a full handle so if you want a split grip you are in tough place between the 702 and 743. The 702 won't be as effective for weightless baits and jigs where a bit more power is needed for hooksets. It would serve well for drop shots and other finesse rigs. The 743 wouldn't be much of a finesse rod or drop shot rod but would be the rod for weightless plastics and light jigs and Texas rigs. The 742 is the perfect combination of the two.

New2bcbass... for me the rod serves as a "mag" finesse casting rod. I have over 2 dozen rods, most of which like the 742 are very technique, or weight range oriented. I can throw 1/8 oz weight plus hook and plastic or 1/4 oz jig or Texas rig plus plastic, but it tends to be a bit out of the rods comfort range and my intended needs for it. I do feel that about that 3/16 to 5/16 oz range is the sweet spot for the rod with likely diminishing returns once you deviate much in either direction. I believe the rod rates up to 5/8 oz but I wouldn't fish anything close to that on it. I would cap it at 3/8 oz and bump up a power for 3/8 on up.

 

Thanks.  I've been learning lately that a rod's listed range isn't necessarily the last word when it comes to actual use.  I have a rod rated 3/8 to 1-1/4 oz. that I wouldn't throw anything less than 1/2 oz. on, and that weight is really too light.  I don't plan on using anything less than 5/8 oz. on this rod.