I just bought an NRX 802S JWR. I then noticed the lure weight to be 1/8 - 1/4. I mainly want to use it for senkos which doing some research are about 3/8. Has anyone been in the same boat as me? Is this rod going to be able to handle throwing senkos?

not the best choice but it will handle them. 4" better than 5". i love that rod with a small light reel.

 

exchange the rod for the NRX 852s if you can. 

NRX rods are extremely strong.  I think it would be perfect with the right reel and line.

I am going to use 8lb line with a 2500 ci4+. I got trigger happy and saw a medium 6'8" rod.

youre going to be fine with the 802. it wont be ideal for casting a 5" senko but it will be great for working the bait. I use mine mostly for shakey head, DS and small weightless plastics.

I would call G Loomis and ask them

Unlike many companies, IMO, Loomis isn't conservative about the top end lure rating of their rods. I would guess that 5" senko will feel a little heavy on that rod when you're casting. It probably won't be a huge deal, though.

 

If it helps, I often use the NRX 872 for 4" senkos, and it handles them perfectly.

I cannot get my head around how Loomis rates their rods.  I have two from the same series, a CR721 IMX and a CR723 IMX and they both seem to cast best right around 3/8oz.  The Light rod does not cast well near it's lower end and the Medium Heavy seems over-powered with a total lure weight over 1/2oz.  One of them is going to end up as my senko rod, I just can't decide which.