Guys,

 

I'm about to pull the trigger on a new NRX+ Spinning Rod.  I want something that is very versatile.  It will be used for walleye and bass fishing mainly.  I have several baitcasters for the larger lures but liked the MF of the 842.  I'm normally a SC guy and a 7' MF is kind of considered the swiss army knife of spinning rods.  Is this true with the NRX?  I called G. Loomis and the recommended the 852 MXF instead but I would think the F would be more versatile?  For bass fishing I would be using weightless senkos (wacky style) and inline Mepps spinner bucktails. 

I would get the 902S for all purpose use. 
I love 7'5 and 7'6 rods. 

I have the 901S in the IMX pro version, it is an amazing rod for all things small.

 

for more general use the 902 would be amazing. the Loomis SJR tapers are so versatile. 

31 minutes ago, Hulkster said:

I would get the 902S for all purpose use. 
I love 7'5 and 7'6 rods. 

I have the 901S in the IMX pro version, it is an amazing rod for all things small.

 

for more general use the 902 would be amazing. the Loomis SJR tapers are so versatile. 

@Hulkster, I'm looking for a 7'-7'1 rod.  The 7'5 and 7'6 are just too tall for me to comfortably transport in my smaller car but thanks for the information.

Then definitely the SJR842. I used to own the GL3 version of this rod paired with a 3000 size Sustain and it was fantastic. 

5 minutes ago, Hulkster said:

Then definitely the SJR842. I used to own the GL3 version of this rod paired with a 3000 size Sustain and it was fantastic. 

From reviews I'm torn between the 842S SJR and the 852 JWR.  What you you get?

I’d not get the 852s as it’s really a bottom contact only rod. Think shakyheads and finesse jigs. Good weightless senko rod. I own the 852 and have used the 872. 872 is more versatile. In that price range I’d look strongly at a P5 or Steez. 

I have the NRX+ 842S SJR and I just picked up the 872S (fished it twice so far). I can tell you the 872S is a stouter rod, while the 842S is soft.  Also, the 842S lure rating is about right and 872S is not close. The 872 is more like an 1/8oz - 3/8oz jig plus trailer. 

 

For the baits you are looking at... I think a 5in Senko will top out or might even be too heavy for the 842. A 4in senko would be fine. Also for an 1/8oz Mepps, the 842 would work as well.  For me, my dedicated 5in Senko rod is the 803S NRX (previous version). I tend to fish senkos in close quarters and I like skipping them under docs. The shorter length and extra power does it for me with the 803 but the 872 would be my second choice. 

842S will be your favorite spinner. Buy it! Best all purpose rod GL makes. 

13 minutes ago, thunderblack said:

842S will be your favorite spinner. Buy it! Best all purpose rod GL makes. 

Thanks @thunderblack.  I'm only concerned that I've heard that the 852S JWR is GL's best all purpose rod???  At the price GL is asking I do not want buyers remorse.

852S is a great weightless plastic rod and does other things well but 842S is what you want if you are looking for versatile. 842 does spinners, small cranks, small lipless, drop shot, neds, senko, topwater, you name it. Let others chime in but this has been my experience. I use to own (2) 842S rods because they are that good. 

@thunderblack, thanks do much!  You and @FishTank have been a huge help!

2 hours ago, thunderblack said:

852S is a great weightless plastic rod and does other things well but 842S is what you want if you are looking for versatile. 842 does spinners, small cranks, small lipless, drop shot, neds, senko, topwater, you name it. Let others chime in but this has been my experience. I use to own (2) 842S rods because they are that good. 

Agree with @thunderblack 100% my 842S are conquests but close enough comparison.  If your fishing wacky senkos, shaky head, fluke only go with 852s.  You add any trebles hooks or lighter baits to the mix get the 842S. 

 

Not a fan of 902S/872S myself sold them both eventually and ended up with a 2nd 852S and couldn't be happier.  872S is only 2 inches longer but I was much more comfortable with the shorter rod(852S) the way I fish and 902S was just to soft.

For a walleye and bass rod I'm taking a 852s.  Just remember too the 852 will be more sensitive than the 842