Looking for a new drop shot/ Ned rod. I currently have a Kistler helium 7' ml but it feels butt heavy to me with a Shimano Stradic 2500. I know the NRX is a gold standard in spinning set ups but I'm also really interested in the Shimano expride 7'2" ml. I know they are two different price points....is the NRX really that much better?

i cant help you with the nrx but i have the expride b 72ml. its agreat dropshot rod. soft tip but gets into a solid backbone pretty quick. in sure the nrx is better but i feel like you reach a point of diminishing returns. like im sure the nrx is better but twice as good? idk 

I have an NRX(not plus) 822SYR and an Expride B 6'10" ML. While the NRX is slightly more sensitive than the Expride (mostly feel the sensitivity advantage in 30+ feet depths), I prefer the overall feel of the Expride. I use them both equally. I throw a shaky head on the Expride mostly and DS on the NRX. I LOVE the Expride line! I have 4 and want more. I have the spinning rod mentioned and plan to get a 7'2" ML. Also think I want the 7'2" ML casting. I have 2 - 6'10" B's; a M & M/H and a 7'2" M. I LOVE their 6'10" casting rods! The Medium is truly the best jerkbait rod I have ever used and probably the rod that is in my hand the most. The 6'10" M & M/H are ultra versatile and I would not mind another.

I prefer the shorter handle and thinner/lighter blank of the 6'10" vs. 7'2". The 7'2" has a 2.5" longer handle than the 6'10" and the tip gain is only 1.5".

For Ned's , I use the 7ft spinning Expride B Light, I have the 7'2 ML as well, I feel that the the ML in the B series is a little overpowered for super light stuff. Not to put a monkey wrench in your post, you may want to consider the 7ft ML Daiwa Rebellion,  it's outstanding for Neds and DS.

NRX and expride rods are awesome in both price points. I really enjoy the expride rods. I fished the expride 7' light + a few outings and it was awesome. I would personally go with a new legend tourney in 6'-10" ML or the 6"-10" ML in expride and get a sweet reel but that's all personal preference. NRX rods are great too but their pricing is getting crazy.