I’m looking to grab another couple NRX+ as well as get some insight on my current setups. Right now I’ve got 3 high end rods:

-NRX+ 873 CRR

-NRX+ 842s SJR

-St. Croix Legend Extreme 7’ 1” MHXF

I just picked up the Nrx’s and have had the Croix for about a year. Right now the 873 has a 1/2oz pitchin jig on it and that’s all I’ve thrown so far. The 842s was actually sent to me wrong (it was supposed to be a 822s DSR) but I decided to keep it after seeing a couple posts saying it’s very versatile. So far I’ve only been using it to cast and drag nose hooked dropshots (don’t vertical fish at all) and it’s been working pretty well. My croix has been sitting on the deck most of the time since I bought it as I fell in love with dropshotting but I’ve been trying to expand my arsenal on the water. 
 

My two questions are:

-what are your guys’ favorite things to throw on those 3 rods. I want to try out everyone’s favorites and see how I like it

-I’m looking for two more NRX+ rods. One spinning and one casting. For casting I’ve been looking at the 852/853. I don’t have a need for anything heavier than the 873 as there’s not a lot of heavy cover on my home lakes. I’ll just get a expride pinching rig later down the line to just have in the locker for other locations. For spinning I’ve been looking at either 852/872/822dsr. I for sure will 100% of the time have a dropshot tied on so I’m wondering if I just leave that on the 842 or get one of those other options for Nose hooked casting and dragging dropshots.

 

I do occasionally Texas rig my dropshots, but rarely. NRX+/other expride level or better rod recommendations that are extremely versatile would be appreciated as well!

Thanks! First time posting on the website. All of you have been an extremely valuable resource in the past to me!
 

Of the ones listed I only have 842S favorite uses are Texas rigged dropshot(can do exposed hook also if needed) with Missile Magic worm, Neko rigging 4" Senkos, and shallow cranking with shadrap 5/frittside Jr.  I have a 854C that may be similar to your 873C that I use for dragging or pitching TX rigged 10" worms and creatures along with 1/2 oz jigs.

873 - 1/2 to 3/4 buzz baits. Try it before you bash the idea. I’ve also thrown heavier spinner baits on it with good success. 
 

For the two other rods I’d personally suggest an 893 because it’s fantastic for pitching lighter weighted bottom contact and can throw some light single hook moving baits moderately well. 
 

872s or 852s. They are the golden standard for Loomis spinning rods for a reason and I never leave home without my 853. 
 

I don’t drop shot with Loomis rods. I don’t like the dsr models and the other tapers don’t really fit for me. Outside Loomis for DS I use a St. Croix legend elite 7mlf, and the Steez AGS “the one”. Some folks swear by the 6’10 mlxf Croix sticks but I felt like it never had the right tip to backbone for me. 
 

Versatile rods in the NRX line will be the MBRs. Truly versatile lines are most likely to be found in the megabass world though. Where MB may not have the absolute upper tier sensitivity they more than make up for it with a number of models being fantastic Swiss Army knives. 

I only have two NRX+ rods.

 

The 873 CRR and the 852S.

 

I bought the 873 for mostly jigs and worms, so far I've only used it for jigs. I NEED to get some 10" worms.

 

I bought the 852S mostly for Neko rigs but also wacky.

 

To be honest, I'm a little disappointed in the casting.

 

Maybe I'm just too picky.

 

 

Mbr843/903- spinnerbaits, chatterbaits, swim jig, crankbaits, traps, paddletails, spooks...nearly everything.