Looking at 2 different deals (Got lucky on the Derby last weekend..) an NRX 853C for $425 or a Conquest similar rod action/power wise for $500?  Wondering what would be the better deal of if the NRX in new or next to new condition could be had for less than that anywhere?

Depends on multiple things. First thing is COVID has all retailers dismantled. I wouldn't look elsewhere as it may sell out and you be out of luck. Most dealers are very low on inventory. Depends on application to pick the rods. If bottom contact, NRX hands down! I find the NRX to be more sensitive however the conquest MBR tapers balance better and I prefer it's guide train and handle. If I were buying for moving baits, I would go Conquest but overall sensitivity for bottom contact NRX.

Also consider the NRX will potentially be revamped so I would personally wait. I highly recommend a Megabass Destroyer, St Croix Legend Elite or X instead until G Loomis drops a new rod. 

Thanks.  I’d be pitching jigs mostly.

1 hour ago, Stephen B said:

Also consider the NRX will potentially be revamped so I would personally wait. I highly recommend a Megabass Destroyer, St Croix Legend Elite or X instead until G Loomis drops a new rod. 

When is the new NRX coming out?

1 hour ago, Stephen B said:

Also consider the NRX will potentially be revamped so I would personally wait. I highly recommend a Megabass Destroyer, St Croix Legend Elite or X instead until G Loomis drops a new rod. 

It will be revamped, but it's not going to be some earthshattering new technology, and you're also not going to buy it for $425. The NRX is still the standard for sensitivity and for that price you're not going to get more performance from any other product that's currently on the market. 

That is a good deal for the NRX.  I wouldn't hesitate.  Great rod. 

I have both and the Conquest is far more versatile and I don’t see guys that are using it as a jig rod complaining about sensitivity.  I like the NRX for my lighter presentations but I am talking 2 powers.  I think the question is whether you like the MBR flex.  I didn’t think I did, but get far more fish in the boat with it. Sensitivity is in the hands of the beholder.

The conquest will fish heavier so keep that in mind when considering techniques.  Also consider the line you use.  My braided conquest fish far different the my FC. 

i would buy the Conquest 

Boy o' boy, I researched this to the Nth degree as I was recently in the market for an upgrade to my GLX.

 

Long story short, it looks like the NRX is still the "go-to" for sensitivity and manufacturing quality. For the price difference, there were more folks saying that the NRX was just as good if not better than the Conquest and that the price for the Conquest wasn't warranted.

 

I just got my 803S yesterday and will have the chance to put it out on the water tomorrow.

You never know if a new model really is a better deal until it is released.  The '16 glx saw a price increase even though they swapped the titanium guide frames for stainless.  I dont think they thought anyone would notice because the overall rod weight is down.  If the new nrx has torzites or sic's, I'll like it better.

The NRX may have a great blank and have the reputation and hype as being the standard for sensitivity that all others are compared to, but the rest of it is very outdated. It's over 10 years old now, doesn't balance very good, and I've never heard of them being said to have good quality control. There is no guarantee that the new NRX will be good or even when it's going to be released.

 

The Conquest is just as light, more powerful, better looking, balances great, has Titanium Torzite Guides, and good quality control on the builds. As far as sensitivity goes, if there is a difference, we're talking about splitting hairs and it's not going to make much of a difference. The Conquest can do so much more, but the tip is fast enough and it is definitely powerful enough to fish a jig with. Holding a Conquest feels great, and casting one feels even better, they cast so smooth and quietly. I have an Xtasy with Torzite guides and my Conquest cast a lot better due to the Spiral and High Power X wrapping that reduces blank twist. I'm by far no rod expert, but I can definitely tell the difference.

 

I would also choose a St.Croix Legend Xtreme, Megabass Destroyer P5, and maybe even a Poision Adrena over an NRX. I think people put too much stock in splitting hairs over sensitivity and there are other important factors that make a good rod. A lot of it is subjective and depends on the places you fish and I could say if you want a rod that is sensitive as hell, but made out of crap components, then buy the $40 Lew's Hank Parker Speed Stick from Walmart.

People like kayaking_kev have a ton of experience when it comes to this stuff. I don't have the opportunity to really mess around with this stuff where I live and have to get my info from others.

 

That being said, I got to use my NRX over the weekend and - at least to me - it was pretty amazing. Not sure what I would have gotten for an extra $150 or whatever it was to go with the Conquest but I'm definitely happy with my purchase and this rod will stick with me for a while.

 

I have a feeling whatever you get you'll probably be happy with.

Ended up getting a nearly new Conquest 843C.  Good deal in same price as you...really liking the versatility and I previously had an IMX 843 so I’m familiar with that action.  I think a lot of times, being familiar with a rod or rod action and knowing how the bait feels on that rod can overcome any sensitivity obstacles.

6 hours ago, ACGOG said:

People like kayaking_kev have a ton of experience when it comes to this stuff. I don't have the opportunity to really mess around with this stuff where I live and have to get my info from others.

 

That being said, I got to use my NRX over the weekend and - at least to me - it was pretty amazing. Not sure what I would have gotten for an extra $150 or whatever it was to go with the Conquest but I'm definitely happy with my purchase and this rod will stick with me for a while.

 

I have a feeling whatever you get you'll probably be happy with.

They're all great rods, can't really go wrong with any high end rod or whatever rod that fits your needs for that matter. It's really all about personal preference and whatever makes you happy, whether it's a $50 rod or a $700 rod. Sometimes the only rod I will take with me will be my Ugly Stik GX2 and I've caught more fish by far with it than any other rod I've owned.

24 minutes ago, mheichelbech said:

Ended up getting a nearly new Conquest 843C.  Good deal in same price as you...really liking the versatility and I previously had an IMX 843 so I’m familiar with that action.  I think a lot of times, being familiar with a rod or rod action and knowing how the bait feels on that rod can overcome any sensitivity obstacles.

Sweet, where did you find one at, if you don't mind sharing?

100% correct in staying a rod is much more than sensitivity. Handle length, balance, sensitivity, etc all create the perfect rod.  In my hands the NRX is more sensitive but Conquest is a cleaner build. A lot of what you said is right on point but I don't think I would say the NRX is outdated in regards to technology. I agree it needs to address the balance and change the guide train but titanium framed SIC and recoil are not outdated just not most peoples preference. I think that's what you mean in that it needs an update but by no means outdated in terms of technology compared to other rods.