How does the nrx 854 jwr power compare to an expride 7’2” mh or a champion xp 734? To me those to rods feel like what I think of as a medium heavy but in different actions and both r rated to up to 1oz. The loomis ratings have me a little confused with the 854 heavy rating up to 3/4 oz.

Hey I know its been over a year but if you’re still looking for feedback on this I own all 3 rods you listed and fish them often!

 

NRX+ 854 JWR:

rated as a 7’1 heavy but I treat it more like a MH+. Sensitivity is unmatched. Use it for 3/8-1/2 bottom contact lures (mainly jigs) exclusively. Great dock skipping rod because it’s 7’1. I feel like its a little too crisp to drag a football jig with though however, it can definitely do it. Much better to hop things off the bottom with small precise movements. I definitely feel like I know exactly how high up my lure is popping up off the bottom. Need some more time with this rod but if Im feeing the bottom or need precise movements, this is the one! Paired this with the new zillion.

 

Expride 7’2 MH B:

My go-to do everything rod. You can literally do almost anything with this one. The balance and sensitivity is amazing at the price point as well would’t go further than this one if you just want an all-around rod. I’m used to shimano power ratings but acknowledge that shimano is a little stiffer than most rod brands. Slightly more give than the nrx+ 854 but leads to a solid backbone. Im not saying that this is spongey at all though! It’s fractionally softer than the 854. I go to this rod when I dont have a dedicated technique-specific rod for something. Have this paired with the new zillion as well.

 

Dobyn’s 734 Champion XP Split Grip:

This rod surprised me and I actually don’t like this rod for everything as I do the expride above. That being said, in my opinion this is a PHENOMENAL moving bait rod. It’s my designated chatterbait rod. I was a little confused when I first got the rod since everyone raves this rod to be an all around rod but for me, I just find it a little more spongey. Maybe it’s just because I’m used to the stiffer shimano ratings. I fish in mainly grass fisheries and love ripping chatterbaits through the grass. This rod has just enough backbone to rip through all that and enough give that you can feel the fish sucking in the chatterbait. I havent lost a fish once I have it hooked on this one for my moving baits becaused slight bend keeps em pinned. Great to sling 3/8 and 1/2 ounce lures plus trailers on. I get kind of fatigued if I have it in my hands for over an hour since I have it paired with a metanuim dc which is a little heavier than my other reels. Perfect setup for those longer casts to cover water with and find fish.

 

Hope this helped! These are just my opinions on each of those rods but I feel that each has their place in my arsenal. Let me know what your experience has been with any of these rods if you’ve fished them! Open to trying new things on these rods too.