So I've been doing a lot of research on various rods. NRX, Xtasy, Xtreme X2, P5, and those Steez AGS rods.

I want the best casting distance and sensitivity I can get possible. Like if I was fishing in a Walmart pond and then feel a shopping cart at the bottom with my bait, I want to be like: "Why is there a Target cart down there? That's a few streets down from here..." 😂

I plan to use this rod for moderate to heavy grass situations with swim jigs, grass/flipping jigs, chatterbaits (hopping/yo-yoing them usually), and some VERY light punching situations. I am a BANK fisherman. I do not own a boat. I would prefer to keep rod length at or below 7'5 but above 7'.

Some stand outs in the mentioned models include: P5 Daemos, Steez AGS Power Pitch, Steez AGS heavy cover special, NRX 873, NRX 894, NRX 844, Xtasy 744, Xtreme 7'4 XH.

I absolutely love the idea of having an NRX, but I know the 873 might not have enough power for what I want and I've heard the 894 is extremely tip heavy. Although, I'd most likely pair it with a daiwa mangetsu (7.8 oz) or a shimano Bantam (7.6 oz) to counter it if I did.

(Although the true dream would be to pair one of these rods with a metanium)

I have heard a lot of conflicting things about all these rods. Either they're tip-heavy, not "nrx sensitive", guides are fragile (AGS), warranty isn't the best, ect.

I know there will never be a "perfect" option, but when I'm looking at spending a pretty penny on my first ever high end set up, I want to try to make sure the rod I get has the least amount of negatives as possible

Ok, let’s buckle up. I fish a lot from the bank and own or have owned the Steez Extra Heavy special, 873, 844, Legend Elite 7’4” heavy.

The one you want is the 873.

The Heavy Cover Special starts being functional at 5/8ths weight plus trailer. It’s as sensitive as my NRX rods, but is too powerful for anything beyond punching, large jigs and big ole frogs.

894 is too fast for anything outside strictly bottom contact jigs or t rigs.

844 isn’t what I’d use for what you mention. It’s not as sensitive and kinda feels out of place to me. I use my 843 on every outing. Sold my 844 within a month.

The 7’4” is what I’d consider the second best choice. From my experience with the legend elite model it has a hard time under half a once with casting. Otherwise it’s great.

873 will cover everything you want and balances well. I’ll let others chime in if they know more about the other models.

What rods are you comparing it to as your baseline and what are you using now for that purpose? That will help calibrate what you like. Also, what weight baits? A 3/8 and a 3/4 need different rods ideally.

Cool. I can chime in. Ive fished a few of these options.

The rod your want is the NRX 873.

The 894 is very stiff and won’t do well on basically any cast and wind technique. It’s super sensitive and powerful. Half oz jig is ideal and balances really nice on a bantam A. 894 Will never balance on a metanium.

The Daemos is not very sensitive. I’ve fished the USA destroyer, not the P5. So you may have to look to see if P5 became more sensitive. It’s great for single hook moving bait like swim jig and spinner bait. The rod feels very light and great bend for cast and keeping fish pin. It’s not great for chatter bait, it’s not as sensitive as my glass rod.

If it’s your first high dollar, I don’t know if Megabass is the way to go unless you buy new to get that warranty.

If sensitive rod is what you need, go NRX. You can get one for 400 on the forums or used with great warranty.

a good second is maybe the xtasy. It’s always well balanced and Dobyns always has great tip for moving bait and you can get one for a good deal on used market. You can slap the metanium on it and the balance will be awesome. The replacement/warranty will also be pretty good even after the gsm situation.

1 hour ago, TNBankFishing said:

Ok, let’s buckle up. I fish a lot from the bank and own or have owned the Steez Extra Heavy special, 873, 844, Legend Elite 7’4” heavy.

The one you want is the 873.

The Heavy Cover Special starts being functional at 5/8ths weight plus trailer. It’s as sensitive as my NRX rods, but is too powerful for anything beyond punching, large jigs and big ole frogs.

894 is too fast for anything outside strictly bottom contact jigs or t rigs.

844 isn’t what I’d use for what you mention. It’s not as sensitive and kinda feels out of place to me. I use my 843 on every outing. Sold my 844 within a month.

The 7’4” is what I’d consider the second best choice. From my experience with the legend elite model it has a hard time under half a once with casting. Otherwise it’s great.

873 will cover everything you want and balances well. I’ll let others chime in if they know more about the other models.

Wow, thank you so much for your insight and for taking the time to write all that! It helped a bunch with really breaking down all the specifics of each rod. I appreciate it!

Although do you think the 873 will have the right power to fish in weeds? The lake I fish has some thick weeds in the shallows (not matted, but just thick under water).

29 minutes ago, casts_by_fly said:

What rods are you comparing it to as your baseline and what are you using now for that purpose? That will help calibrate what you like. Also, what weight baits? A 3/8 and a 3/4 need different rods ideally.

So I only have one baitcasting combo right now. It's a daiwa coastal 150 on an Abu Garcia vengeance pro series. I absolutely love it, but it's not by any means a highly sensitive rod, but it was, for a time the most sensitive rod (in general) I had before I got a daiwa tatula xt spinning rod. Right now, that's my most sensitive. Most of that had to do with the fact that it was the only one-piece rod I had. All my other spinning rods are very low budget, two-piece rods

I've fished lakes with my vengeance, and I can feel blue gill nibbling on the little kickers on a rage bug when I'm Texas rigging at times.

Which is good, but I'm looking for something where I can feel a bass bite a bait when there's slack or on the drop and I know I'm missing those.

There was one time I caught a fish hopping a bladed jig and I didn't know I had the bass until it was pulling my line tight. It just felt like I was in mush until the mush was moving lol.

As for what weights I'll be using, I'm mainly using 3/8 and 1/2 oz jigs/chatterbaits, but I do have one singular 3/4 oz grass jig. Used it once on my vengeance and it's definitely too much for it, but it "worked" if that makes sense, haha. I just had to lob or pitch it.

6 minutes ago, TimTheGearNerd said:

Cool. I can chime in. Ive fished a few of these options.

The rod your want is the NRX 873.

The 894 is very stiff and won’t do well on basically any cast and wind technique. It’s super sensitive and powerful. Half oz jig is ideal and balances really nice on a bantam A. 894 Will never balance on a metanium.

The Daemos is not very sensitive. I’ve fished the USA destroyer, not the P5. So you may have to look to see if P5 became more sensitive. It’s great for single hook moving bait like swim jig and spinner bait. The rod feels very light and great bend for cast and keeping fish pin. It’s not great for chatter bait, it’s not as sensitive as my glass rod.

If it’s your first high dollar, I don’t know if Megabass is the way to go unless you buy new to get that warranty.

If sensitive rod is what you need, go NRX. You can get one for 400 on the forums or used with great warranty.

a good second is maybe the xtasy. It’s always well balanced and Dobyns always has great tip for moving bait and you can get one for a good deal on used market. You can slap the metanium on it and the balance will be awesome. The replacement/warranty will also be pretty good even after the gsm situation.

Awesome!! That's 2 for the 873 in only 3 comments, haha.

Thank you for all the great information!

Although I am still worried about the 873's ability in thick grass (again, not matted, just under the water)

I appreciate all the great info on the rods mentioned!

I am surprised though on the comments with the P5. I've heard they are very sensitive. I know Matt from Tactical Bassin raves about it being a fantastic bladed jig rod thats extremely sensitive. And I've heard others say it's pretty sensitive as well. Not NRX sensitive of course, but I've heard it's up there in sensitivity.

1 hour ago, Rocky998 said:

Wow, thank you so much for your insight and for taking the time to write all that! It helped a bunch with really breaking down all the specifics of each rod. I appreciate it!

Although do you think the 873 will have the right power to fish in weeds? The lake I fish has some thick weeds in the shallows (not matted, but just thick under water).

So I only have one baitcasting combo right now. It's a daiwa coastal 150 on an Abu Garcia vengeance pro series. I absolutely love it, but it's not by any means a highly sensitive rod, but it was, for a time the most sensitive rod (in general) I had before I got a daiwa tatula xt spinning rod. Right now, that's my most sensitive. Most of that had to do with the fact that it was the only one-piece rod I had. All my other spinning rods are very low budget, two-piece rods

I've fished lakes with my vengeance, and I can feel blue gill nibbling on the little kickers on a rage bug when I'm Texas rigging at times.

Which is good, but I'm looking for something where I can feel a bass bite a bait when there's slack or on the drop and I know I'm missing those.

There was one time I caught a fish hopping a bladed jig and I didn't know I had the bass until it was pulling my line tight. It just felt like I was in mush until the mush was moving lol.

As for what weights I'll be using, I'm mainly using 3/8 and 1/2 oz jigs/chatterbaits, but I do have one singular 3/4 oz grass jig. Used it once on my vengeance and it's definitely too much for it, but it "worked" if that makes sense, haha. I just had to lob or pitch it.

Awesome!! That's 2 for the 873 in only 3 comments, haha.

Thank you for all the great information!

Although I am still worried about the 873's ability in thick grass (again, not matted, just under the water)

I appreciate all the great info on the rods mentioned!

I am surprised though on the comments with the P5. I've heard they are very sensitive. I know Matt from Tactical Bassin raves about it being a fantastic bladed jig rod thats extremely sensitive. And I've heard others say it's pretty sensitive as well. Not NRX sensitive of course, but I've heard it's up there in sensitivity.

The 873 fishes like a 3.5 power. It’s more than enough for thick veggies. I use mine from the bank and kayak all over the TVA system in Tennessee and it’s flawless.

If you’re moving up to a punching plastic with over a once weight it’s not perfect fit but it can handle it in a pinch.

The Daemos is a more of a moving bait rod, nowhere near the power to throw big bottom contacts in thick cover.

I second not going MB as your first spend. They are great multipurpose rods but you’re asking for a primarily jig and worm stick with swim jig and chatter flexibility.

2 hours ago, TNBankFishing said:

The 873 fishes like a 3.5 power. It’s more than enough for thick veggies. I use mine from the bank and kayak all over the TVA system in Tennessee and it’s flawless.

That's great to hear, then! Thank you!

2 hours ago, TNBankFishing said:

If you’re moving up to a punching plastic with over a once weight it’s not perfect fit but it can handle it in a pinch.

Well that's good to hear! I might use it (VERY sparingly) for that purpose.

Maybe later down the line I'll get that heavy cover steez rod for frogging and punching.

2 hours ago, TNBankFishing said:

The Daemos is a more of a moving bait rod, nowhere near the power to throw big bottom contacts in thick cover.

Yeah, that makes sense and it would definitely be more for chatterbaits/single hook baits.

2 hours ago, TNBankFishing said:

I second not going MB as your first spend. They are great multipurpose rods but you’re asking for a primarily jig and worm stick with swim jig and chatter flexibility.

Good to know! Thank you, again!

I'll think about this for a couple weeks before pulling the trigger completely on a such a large purchase, but I'll definitely update the thread on what u settle on!

Also, should I do 40lb sufix 832 to sufix 17lb advance mono, or do 50lb sufix 832 to sufix 20lb advance mono?

This would go on a metanium most likely for this rod and it's uses

Just bought a AGS Utility Player and will be using it very similar to you, but in a kayak.

Will see swim jigs the majority of the time.

Give me two weeks and I’ll let you know my thoughts.

Edge Silver Widow MBR 736.

First of all, there's no magic in any of them. I can say that because I get to fish a lot of rods. I'm not a Mega bass guy so I'll pass on those.

The NRX 844 would be the best if you want a more versatile action. jigs,worms big spinnerbaits and walking baits. The 893 is my personal fave but it's going to top out about 1/2 oz. It also makes a nice spinnerbait rod though.

Personally I use a Steeze AGS universal light for finesse jigs and Shakey heads and it also is good for jerkbaits and poppers ect.

For bigger jigs and worms I use the AGS BC2 .

I haven't priced one lately but there's no chance I'd pay $700 for one knowing I can catch the same fish on a Tatula elite or Fenwick elite/world class ect.

You may want to keep an eye on Kistler . Trey runs some great sales . I picked up a Z bone a KLX and 4 Heliums over the winter at 50% off.

10 hours ago, HawkeyeSmallie said:

Just bought a AGS Utility Player and will be using it very similar to you, but in a kayak.

Will see swim jigs the majority of the time.

Give me two weeks and I’ll let you know my thoughts.

Oh, awesome!! That was another rod I was looking at!

I'll definitely keep an eye out for your opinion on the rod after you've had some time with it!

7 hours ago, Columbia Craw said:

Edge Silver Widow MBR 736.

Those rods did interest me at one point, but I've heard they lack quality. I haven't heard too many good things about these rods except for a few people saying they love them here and there.

2 hours ago, rangerjockey said:

First of all, there's no magic in any of them.

Yeah, I know. Just trging to get the closest to magic as I can loll

2 hours ago, rangerjockey said:

I can say that because I get to fish a lot of rods. I'm not a Mega bass guy so I'll pass on those.

The NRX 844 would be the best if you want a more versatile action. jigs,worms big spinnerbaits and walking baits.

The current rod I have now will turn into my larger topwater rod/straight retrieve bladed jig/spinnerbait presentation.

TNBank convinced me it wouldn't be the best since it's not as sensitive and was out of place compared to the others mentioned.

2 hours ago, rangerjockey said:

The 893 is my personal fave but it's going to top out about 1/2 oz. It also makes a nice spinnerbait rod though.

Personally I use a Steeze AGS universal light for finesse jigs and Shakey heads and it also is good for jerkbaits and poppers ect.

For bigger jigs and worms I use the AGS BC2 .

I haven't priced one lately but there's no chance I'd pay $700 for one knowing I can catch the same fish on a Tatula elite or Fenwick elite/world class ect.

You may want to keep an eye on Kistler . Trey runs some great sales . I picked up a Z bone a KLX and 4 Heliums over the winter at 50% off.

I've seen those Z Bone rods. I've heard great things about those. But they're completely out of stock on their site for casting and spinning. I don't know when or if they'll be back in stock and I don't know how long I want to be waiting for that

11 hours ago, Rocky998 said:

That's great to hear, then! Thank you!

Well that's good to hear! I might use it (VERY sparingly) for that purpose.

Maybe later down the line I'll get that heavy cover steez rod for frogging and punching.

Yeah, that makes sense and it would definitely be more for chatterbaits/single hook baits.

Good to know! Thank you, again!

I'll think about this for a couple weeks before pulling the trigger completely on a such a large purchase, but I'll definitely update the thread on what u settle on!

Also, should I do 40lb sufix 832 to sufix 17lb advance mono, or do 50lb sufix 832 to sufix 20lb advance mono?

This would go on a metanium most likely for this rod and it's uses

Line choice is yours and personal preference will play a huge role. I use 15-20lb straight flouro on my 873 with a healthy backing of cheap mono. I prefer not using braid to leader on casting gear because I don’t feel it makes enough difference with the heavy line and power style of fishing I do.

If you have more reels than rods, it’s a lot easier to slap a different reel on the rod to change its line characteristics than to deal with a hundred different leaders. Use 15lb mono on one reel for moving bait applications and straight braid for the bottom contact stuff. It’s what I did as I grew my rod collection.

3 hours ago, rangerjockey said:

First of all, there's no magic in any of them. I can say that because I get to fish a lot of rods. I'm not a Mega bass guy so I'll pass on those.

The NRX 844 would be the best if you want a more versatile action. jigs,worms big spinnerbaits and walking baits. The 893 is my personal fave but it's going to top out about 1/2 oz. It also makes a nice spinnerbait rod though.

Personally I use a Steeze AGS universal light for finesse jigs and Shakey heads and it also is good for jerkbaits and poppers ect.

For bigger jigs and worms I use the AGS BC2 .

I haven't priced one lately but there's no chance I'd pay $700 for one knowing I can catch the same fish on a Tatula elite or Fenwick elite/world class ect.

You may want to keep an eye on Kistler . Trey runs some great sales . I picked up a Z bone a KLX and 4 Heliums over the winter at 50% off.

I have a Kistler Helium TCJ (Texas rig/Carolina rig/Jigs MH/F and it is perfect for what OP is looking for.

I’m a big fan of kistler as well they’re very much alive due to unsanded blank.

I’ve had chromium and KLX

The best values I’d say are used Dobyns can be had for deep depreciations. Kistler runs crazy deals on the site so sign up for email. Also great value.

If you’re waiting search forums and used for NRX, you might find a good deal. But new you may call a shop asking for a discount.

You’ll see folks recommend NRX because it’s truly different from all the rods I’ve tried regarding bottoms contact. If you like it, you’ve got the market leader already no need to upgrade later unless you just like trying new gear. Resell value is always pretty good as well.

Sensitivity is not a deal breaker and subjective. Not going to eliminate the times where a fish pick up bait and you don’t notice. The NrX feels different in a good way.

For line even if you have grass I’d go 40 braids and 17 flouro, you’ll get more distance from bank. Maybe even consider 30 braids and 14 flouro

7 hours ago, TNBankFishing said:

Line choice is yours and personal preference will play a huge role. I use 15-20lb straight flouro on my 873 with a healthy backing of cheap mono. I prefer not using braid to leader on casting gear because I don’t feel it makes enough difference with the heavy line and power style of fishing I do.

If you have more reels than rods, it’s a lot easier to slap a different reel on the rod to change its line characteristics than to deal with a hundred different leaders. Use 15lb mono on one reel for moving bait applications and straight braid for the bottom contact stuff. It’s what I did as I grew my rod collection.

I love braid because I can cast further and get more sensitivity.

For me it goes: 10lb mono backing, braided line, and then a mono leader if necessary.

And no, I dont really have any other reels laying around to use besides an old daiwa lexa 100h. I loved it for when I had it, but my coastal is so much better and lighter, lol.

7 hours ago, BrianMDTX said:

I have a Kistler Helium TCJ (Texas rig/Carolina rig/Jigs MH/F and it is perfect for what OP is looking for.

Are the helium's nrx sensitive?

5 hours ago, TimTheGearNerd said:

I’m a big fan of kistler as well they’re very much alive due to unsanded blank.

I’ve had chromium and KLX

The best values I’d say are used Dobyns can be had for deep depreciations. Kistler runs crazy deals on the site so sign up for email. Also great value.

If you’re waiting search forums and used for NRX, you might find a good deal. But new you may call a shop asking for a discount.

You’ll see folks recommend NRX because it’s truly different from all the rods I’ve tried regarding bottoms contact. If you like it, you’ve got the market leader already no need to upgrade later unless you just like trying new gear. Resell value is always pretty good as well.

Sensitivity is not a deal breaker and subjective. Not going to eliminate the times where a fish pick up bait and you don’t notice. The NrX feels different in a good way.

For line even if you have grass I’d go 40 braids and 17 flouro, you’ll get more distance from bank. Maybe even consider 30 braids and 14 flouro

Right now I'm really just going in-between either getting a st croix xtreme 7'4, or going with an NRX. Because the Xtremes, at least from what I've heard, match the NRX's sensitivity. I'm just wondering if that's true and if the 7'4 will cast a 3/8 oz jig.

They have AGS guides and they also seem better balanced. On paper, it seems better than an NRX, but I know that changes on the water at times

Appreciate the tip on the line! I might go with 40lb braid to a 6ft(ish) 17lb mono leader then. That will hopefully help with casting distance while keeping a good strength for heavy vegetation

1 hour ago, Rocky998 said:

Are the helium's nrx sensitive?

I can’t truly answer that, as I’ve never fished an NRX. Considering the gulf in price, I’d say probably not. But it’s easily the most sensitive rod I’ve ever used and I have zero complaints about it whatsoever.

1 hour ago, Rocky998 said:

I love braid because I can cast further and get more sensitivity.

For me it goes: 10lb mono backing, braided line, and then a mono leader if necessary.

And no, I dont really have any other reels laying around to use besides an old daiwa lexa 100h. I loved it for when I had it, but my coastal is so much better and lighter, lol.

Are the helium's nrx sensitive?

Right now I'm really just going in-between either getting a st croix xtreme 7'4, or going with an NRX. Because the Xtremes, at least from what I've heard, match the NRX's sensitivity. I'm just wondering if that's true and if the 7'4 will cast a 3/8 oz jig.

They have AGS guides and they also seem better balanced. On paper, it seems better than an NRX, but I know that changes on the water at times

Appreciate the tip on the line! I might go with 40lb braid to a 6ft(ish) 17lb mono leader then. That will hopefully help with casting distance while keeping a good strength for heavy vegetation

The Helium is very close to NRX. It's a better build for sure as the NRX looks like it should cost $89.99.

The Helium and zbone share the same blank now with difference being in the guide train,

1 hour ago, Rocky998 said:

I love braid because I can cast further and get more sensitivity.

For me it goes: 10lb mono backing, braided line, and then a mono leader if necessary.

And no, I dont really have any other reels laying around to use besides an old daiwa lexa 100h. I loved it for when I had it, but my coastal is so much better and lighter, lol.

Are the helium's nrx sensitive?

Right now I'm really just going in-between either getting a st croix xtreme 7'4, or going with an NRX. Because the Xtremes, at least from what I've heard, match the NRX's sensitivity. I'm just wondering if that's true and if the 7'4 will cast a 3/8 oz jig.

They have AGS guides and they also seem better balanced. On paper, it seems better than an NRX, but I know that changes on the water at times

Appreciate the tip on the line! I might go with 40lb braid to a 6ft(ish) 17lb mono leader then. That will hopefully help with casting distance while keeping a good strength for heavy vegetation

The heliums are not NRX sensitive, but you need to jump up to Xtasy/Xtreme/SteezAGS level. Then again the diminishing returns over $300 is stark. The 7’4” will have a hard time casting a small 3/8th once jig without a substantial trailer. The Xtreme also has a slightly more moderate action than the elite/X2 but it’s splitting hairs.

48 minutes ago, BrianMDTX said:

I can’t truly answer that, as I’ve never fished an NRX. Considering the gulf in price, I’d say probably not. But it’s easily the most sensitive rod I’ve ever used and I have zero complaints about it whatsoever.

That's fair. Thank you for the honesty!

I might actually get that rod as an upgrade for my coastal down the line. It says it's for red drum and bass which is exactly what I'm targeting with my daiwa coastal. Plus the blue accents will look 🔥 with the reel. Adding it to my list lol.

24 minutes ago, rangerjockey said:

The Helium is very close to NRX. It's a better build for sure as the NRX looks like it should cost $89.99.

The Helium and zbone share the same blank now with difference being in the guide train,

That's awesome to hear! Yeah, I might not use it for the purposes listed here, really, but I'm definitely going to look into getting that rod for my current casting setup down the line.

May I ask why you think the build for the NRX rods looks like it should only be 89?

2 hours ago, TNBankFishing said:

The heliums are not NRX sensitive, but you need to jump up to Xtasy/Xtreme/SteezAGS level. Then again the diminishing returns over $300 is stark. The 7’4” will have a hard time casting a small 3/8th once jig without a substantial trailer. The Xtreme also has a slightly more moderate action than the elite/X2 but it’s splitting hairs.

Oop, sorry, didn't see this when I replied before. Thank you! I really appreciate that info. Alright. The 873 will most likely be my rod. ALTHOUGH, I did see that kistler has a custom rod section where i can build my own online and they make it. Is that a good choice?

Is the KCTX their most sensitive blank? I ask because it's the most expensive option. That might be what the Z bone uses, then? Not sure though. If that is as sensitive or, better yet, more sensitive than the NRX, I might just get a custom rod by them.

9 minutes ago, Rocky998 said:

Oop, sorry, didn't see this when I replied before. Thank you! I really appreciate that info. Alright. The 873 will most likely be my rod. ALTHOUGH, I did see that kistler has a custom rod section where i can build my own online and they make it. Is that a good choice?

Is the KCTX their most sensitive blank? I ask because it's the most expensive option. That might be what the Z bone uses, then? Not sure though. If that is as sensitive or, better yet, more sensitive than the NRX, I might just get a custom rod by them.

Their blanks used to be excellent. Now I’m not sure. Lots of middling reviews recently.

One of my main Texas Rig rods is also a Helium. 7 MH/XF. It's the previous model built on the NFC blanks. Not sure how the new model compares, but that thing is insanely sensitive. It also only weighs 4.11 oz. Awesome rod.

I would suggest looking into a custom rod. At least talk to a local rod builder or call up site sponsor DVT before pulling the trigger. A good custom rod builder should be able to get you a rod that will do what you want, and look exactly how you want it to.

Im braid to leader on most of my baitcasters to help counter the sharp rocks I regularly fish. Its my opinion that SUPER sensitive rods are overkill with braid. A quality "sensitive" rod matched with a quality fast sinking floro leader, and good slack line management should have you feeling everything and missing very few strikes. This is what my time on the water has taught me for how I fish, YMMV

I can't imagine needing more than 40lb 832 and that's mostly for line management. If you're using leader you will likely never come close to failing 30lb 832, and anything sharp enough to cut 30lb will probably cut 50lb just as easily. Again this is more of my opinion, YMMV

11 hours ago, Rocky998 said:

That's fair. Thank you for the honesty!

I might actually get that rod as an upgrade for my coastal down the line. It says it's for red drum and bass which is exactly what I'm targeting with my daiwa coastal. Plus the blue accents will look 🔥 with the reel. Adding it to my list lol.

That's awesome to hear! Yeah, I might not use it for the purposes listed here, really, but I'm definitely going to look into getting that rod for my current casting setup down the line.

May I ask why you think the build for the NRX rods looks like it should only be 89?

Any questions you have about Kistler call the shop and talk to Trey or Ruben and get answers. Trey is one of the genuinely nice guys in the business.

As to the NRX vs Steeze hold them side by side and you will see the difference in build . Doesn't mean one will catch any more fish but NRX is no Picasso and I've fished them since they were introduced.

By the way, what rod are you fishing now ?

I throw 100% of my 3/8 and 1/2oz jigs and swim jigs on a Megabass Destroyer FMJ. It is sensitive and powerful while still having the tip to skip and pitch Texas rigs in and around grass and pads. It might be my favorite rod I own and I have a Curado MGL on it with 17lb fluorocarbon. It's the rod I've come to judge a jig rod by. My son has a Shimano Expride, I believe, 7'3" MHF that he throws jigs on that he loves also.