I was checking out the GLX 894 as a Weightless Senko and ika rod. Has anybody actually fished with this is? I like the length for it but I it might be a little bit too firm to cast these Baits?

You'll get some opinions once the mods move this to the rod and reel section of the forum, I'm sure. That rod is above my pay scale, so I don't have an opinion...

For weightless senkos I'd go with either the 852 or 853. Unless you're talking 6-7" senkos with jungle/beast hooks. For 5" senkos I use the 852S.

46 minutes ago, JohnFromLisbon said:

For weightless senkos I'd go with either the 852 or 853. Unless you're talking 6-7" senkos with jungle/beast hooks. For 5" senkos I use the 852S.

Agreed. The 894 is better for 3/8-3/4 oz jigs.

893 would fit the bill from what I’ve researched. Weightless 5” senkos, 1/4oz Trigs, etc. 
 

Just pulled the trigger on my first Loomis stick and it’s an 893 so I’ll try to remember to update this with initial impressions. 

I fish weightless 5” senkos on the nrx 894c with a lews pro-ti.   Casts great & really drives the hook home.  Also the extra power helps fishing in thick weeds

I’m not as familiar with the GLX but I would choose the 3 power.  I use an NRX 893 for those applications.  IMO the NRX 893 & 873 CRR are the 2 best G Loomis casting rods in their lineup.

Agree with the 893 or even 852 if you fish open water. 894 is a great jig rod, but unless you're fishing heavy cover it would be overkill.

It's doable for both but the senko might give you some headaches depending on the reel.  The fat ika won't be an issue.  A 3 power would be better for a Senko. 

After getting the new NRX+ 893 out for a couple trips I have a few thoughts. 
 

Total time on the water with it in hand is ~6 hours. 
 

Pros: Light, sensitive, handles 1/4 to 3/8ths fantasticly. Fishes smaller than 7’5”, which makes you feel more confident with pitching and moving around in a kayak or on the bank. Pitches well, doesn’t cast distance great but is alright. The rod sticks to its guns and is an amazing bottom contact stick. 

 

Cons: Value isn’t there. Yes it’s 0.1% more sensitive in my hands compared to my xbites or BC2, but not enough to warrant the price. A rough feel in hand compared to my St. Croix Legend Elite/X is more telling. The NRX is just a bit more sharp, but I can still feel all of the same bottom composition using the same line. I don’t think you’ll see a huge difference in bite detection between the 4 rods. The cork is absolutely terrible. I cannot accept a rod with an MSRP over $600 has that much filler. 
 

Neither pro or con:

Solid lifetime warranty with a no ask expiditor replacement. While some folks really dig the warranty if a rod lasts more than 3 years of heavy tourney fishing I call it a win. Others feel differently. 

Ergonomics are fine, handle shape is good and the light weight means being just a bit tip heavy doesn’t matter.

 

Finding discounts is more difficult than MB or Daiwa, but doable. 

 

Final thoughts:

Finally decided to see what all the fuss is about with Loomis sticks. I really wanted to try a NRX+ for bottom contact, and they do live up the hype. If you’re on the fence and can swing the cost, do it. I love trying gear and don’t expect any rod to be “the best”, and I’m happy when I find stuff that’s fun to fish with. Don’t expect it to blow your skirt up if you’ve used other high end gear, and you’ll be super happy. I don’t think I’ll need another light jig/t rig rod for the next decade. 
 

Cost breakdown of gear I mentioned and what I paid:

Xbites - Bought with 20% discount $400. 

Steez BC2 - Bought with 25% discount $412. 
Legend X MHF - Bought on %25 discount $337. 

Legend Elite MF - Bought on %25 discount $330. 

Nrx+ 893 - Bought with %20 discount $500. 
 

All rods are fished with a 20 JDM Met with braid to flouro leader.