Hey guys... Just picked up my first nrx. A slight used 852s from eBay. I plan to use it mostly for shaky heads. Will have a 3/16 head on it 80% of the time. Planning to spool with either 12 or 15 pound braid tied to an 8lb leader.

Now trying to find a reel. Thinking of a 2500 stradic ci4. Any others to look at?

Also what other uses do you use your 852s for?

i have a 2500 ci4+ and it balances nicely on the 852s. i hold the rod by the foregrip, above the reel seat.

 

i use it for shakey, dropshot (dont do it enough to justify a dropshot rod), 3/16oz jigs with small trailers, senkos, weightless soft plastics.

IMO you can't go wrong with a Stradic CI4+.  I'm comparing apples to oranges here, but I have a CI4+ 3000 (same frame as 2500 just slightly bigger spool) on a GLX 821s and the balance is perfect for me.  Like I said, apples to oranges because my rod is 3" shorter so take my opinion FWIW...

You can use that combo for any finesse soft plastic rig;

Split shot / Mojo rig

Slip shot /finesse C-rig

Drop shot

Nail head.

1/8 oz dart head w finesse worm.

1/8 oz wacky jig

1/8 oz spider jig

1/8 oz shaky jig

Etc, etc.

Tom

* 1/8 oz or less, use 6 lb leader.

I've got that exact set up with 8# Tatsu work well in many finesse situations. My problem is that I'm too busy throwing hollow body frogs and heavier jigs and It see very little use.

That rod works for everything and gets praise as the favorite NRX spinning rod offered. My vote is the ci4+

I have the casting version (same blank) and love it for 3/16 shakey heads or t-rigs. Great rod for 3/16-1/4 oz finesse jigs or swim jigs. I have used it for small top waters, jerk baits, and spybaits with no problems.