Has anyone tried this rod? I’ve been using the NRX+ 844c MBR and wondering if this would be an upgrade for bladed jigs? 

Never fished with it but always thought the lure rating was way too light for CBs. It maxes out at 5/8. A 3/8oz + trailer alone will surpass that top end. It may just be mis-rated though. Like I said, I've never fished one

I know it's been a while, don't know if you've picked one up by now. Just like you I've been fishing them on the NRX+ 844C MBR and after getting a bunch of new chatterbaits in the last 3 weeks... I ordered the 873C BJR, it's on the way. Actually it should have been delivered today. I have my first trip of the year next weekend so I'll let you know how it fares compared to the 844.

If the BJR doesn't get here in time someone in that delivery company and I are going to have words.

883 bjr is my least favourite nrx plus model I own... Feels over loaded with a 1/2 Oz bladed jig N trailer... It's now delegated to spinnerbait duty... I prefer my expride b 7'2 MH glass for chatterbaits...

@MRQturbo that's why I went with the GLX instead. According to one of their pros the NRX+ is on the lighter end of the spectrum while the GLX is more towards the heavy side, even though they're rated the same.

As lovely as high end loomis rods are, there are outstanding bladed jig rods that are half the price or less.

I have the 883 BJR NRX+ and love this rod. It is overkill in the sensitivity department but for a 3/8 or 1/2 oz bladed jig its awesome. As stated above you can overload it with a 1/2 oz but you need a heavy trailer to do it (like a 5.5in Spunk Shad or maybe a 4.8 Fat Impact). I use mine for spinnerbaits and some topwater as well.

@GardenStateFishin just got the 873C BJR today, paired it to a Bantam spooled with 30lb braid, planning on tying a 15-17lb mono leader for 3/8 and 1/2oz bladed jigs with 4.5 and 5.5" trailers.

I'll let you know on Friday.

A bit off topic, I currently use a 7' st croix avidx med/fast for squarebills and mid-divers like the dt-6/8, and with the 873bjr being seemingly a little light in the power department could this actually make for a good cranking rod? Is there a bit of moderation in the taper or is it closer to a traditional fast action?Wondering how soft that tip is.

So... Little update:

Action-wise it's exactly what I was looking for. I don't really think the 5/8oz top end rating is correct as it fishes the bladed jig better than the 843C MBR and that one tops out at 3/4oz. Loads a little deeper than an MBR and while the tip allows you to impart action, after you hook them it loads up like a more moderate rod and handles the fish brilliantly. Kind of like how the 6'10" medium has a fast enough tip to impart action on jerkbaits but also loads up nicely to help keep fish pinned on treble hooks. Also, at 7'3" it's the perfect length for me.

Compared to the "heavy" 844C MBR it loads deeper especially when ripping the bait from grass. Unfortunately I had to switch back to the 844 after 30 minutes or so because, well...

When just grabbing the bait to place it in the hook keeper, barely pulling on the line, it snapped between the second and third guides. Let's see how Shimano Europe handles my warranty claim, first time I've ever had to go through them.

But during those first 30 minutes it was great. I didn't get the chance to fish spinnerbaits on it, for now the 844 is my favorite spinnerbait rod. For the smaller 3/8oz chatterbaits with smaller trailers I went with the 843C MBR and it was great, fished them better than the 844 does with the heavier ones if that makes sense.