Anyone have these two and compare them?  Is that 2" difference really worth it.  I've owned a BCR854 for several years and familiar with it but I'm wanting to see if the little length would be benificial in hooksetting. I dont want to jump past 7'3" because of length.  I also want to double up and use this rod for smaller swimbaits.

I also own a BCR855.  If I make the jump to 7'3" should I get the 875 also?

From a practical applications point of view, 2" on a 7' rod won't do much of anything to your hooksets.  However, the blank might feel different (action).  

The biggest difference between those two rods is the handle length.  The BCR 874 is a "carolina rig" rod with an extended handle for two handed leverage casting.  There isn't going to be a HUGE difference between the two hooksetting or otherwise.  I like the 874 for football jigs in deep, open water - but the 854 and 855 also work very well.  All three will work fine for smaller single hook type swimbaits, but I don't like the BCR's for treble hook type swimbaits.

Like Brozefly said, the 874 adds an extra 1 or 1.5" to the trigger handle.  Due to this; I think it is one of the better balancing BCR's in that power range, and I bought mine for pitching as well.  2" at the tip will add extra distance on your pitches.  

i have been thinking about 855 rod .well this and the 875.i want it for flipping and some punching mats.i dont want a 7'6 or bigger rod would these work?would the 875 have too soft of a tip?it says its a carolina rig rod.or do i need to get a flipping stick.please let me know,id like to order one as soon as i can:)

dont mean to steal your post:)sorry