I have been looking at upgrading my spinning rod recently and decided to go in to a local store today to see if I would like the feel of a split handle grip that I see on all the higher end rods. While in there, I saw a G Loomis NRX 822S SYR rod on clearance for $325. It was the only one they had left. Was originaly only looking to spend around $200 but this looks like a good deal. I fish weightless soft plastics 90% of the time (Fat Ikas, Senkos, Kreature Baits, Space Monkeys, Rage Shads, Flukes, etc.) This rod is designed for shakey heads though. Will this rod be good for fishing weightless soft plastics as well as what it was designed for? Or should I be looking at other rods? May grab it after work tomorrow. Also, what does Mag-Med mean as opposed to Medium with G Loomis? Thanks in advance.

Jay

Ideally the NRX 852s is the most appropriate model for the type of fishing you do. I haven't tried the 822s shaky head rod, but I use the NRX 852s for weightless plastics and I'm really impressed. I hope someone on this forum can give you an opinion on how they compare. BTW mag medium is a 2.5 power rod , between a 2 power and a 3 power.

Will it fish weightless plastics? Yes. Is it perfect? Not really. But it'll fish a shakey better than anything you've ever had your mitts on.

Having a hard time making a decision. Would an Avid (which is much cheaper)geared towards weightless soft plastics be a better rod than this one for me? Maybe I could just start putting all my plastics on shakey heads Hard deal to pass up but it isn't exactly what I was looking for.

Having a hard time making a decision. Would an Avid (which is much cheaper)geared towards weightless soft plastics be a better rod than this one for me? Maybe I could just start putting all my plastics on shakey heads Hard deal to pass up but it isn't exactly what I was looking for.

In all reality, yes, the Avid AVS68MXF is a better choice for weightless plastics and the like. It's a pleasant rod to fish, by all accounts. My singular complaint with my Avid is that with my bear-paw hands, I sit on the threads of the uplock at a goofy angle that sometimes bothers me. Like I said, it's my singular complaint.

O.K. I found a Dobyns Champion Spinning Rod 683SF on sale for $145. This is much cheaper than $325. Think I'm gonna have to pass on the NRX and go with the Dobyns.

O.K. I found a Dobyns Champion Spinning Rod 683SF on sale for $145. This is much cheaper than $325. Think I'm gonna have to pass on the NRX and go with the Dobyns.

That's a great rod for a great deal. I use mine for the exact uses you are talking about. Occasionally I wish I had bought the 703. Someday maybe I'll have both.

A Mag Med lies between Med and Med-Hvy all of which are subjective terms and relate only to that line of rods. I agree that the Avid is a better choice for the specific use you mentioned. As I posted in another thread recently my advice is to resist buying tackle that isn't what you want just because it's on sale at a good deal. All too often you end up with money tied up in stuff you don't use, or forcing yourself to use something just because you spent money on it.

Thanks for all the advice guys. I went ahead and bought the Dobyns today. Cost me $143.99 with free shipping. Figured this is the better rod for my style of fishing and is a lot better on my wallet. If anyone is interested in the G Loomis, PM me and I will tell you where I found it. Now it is time to upgrade my reel. Currently have a Pflueger Supreme 8035 which I have been very happy with. Would like to down size a little. Holds 200 Yards of 8lb. test. Plan on trying 12lb. Nanofil soon. To expensive to be putting that much line on the reel. The Supreme XT looks nice in the 30 size. Anyone know if this will match up nice with my Dobyns? Has some blue on it which will look nice with rod I think.

The Supreme XT doesn't have any blue on it. It's kind of a metallic charcoal color with gold trim. The Patriarch comes in a nice shade of blue, but it's about $50 more than the XT.

Regardless, the XT is a sweet reel. Very light, butter smooth, with a strong, smooth drag. The only real downside (IMO) is the stupid EVA knob. I just don't like the shape and texture of it, so mine has been relegated to a rod that sees less use than my primary spinning rig.

The Supreme XT doesn't have any blue on it. It's kind of a metallic charcoal color with gold trim. The Patriarch comes in a nice shade of blue, but it's about $50 more than the XT.

Regardless, the XT is a sweet reel. Very light, butter smooth, with a strong, smooth drag. The only real downside (IMO) is the stupid EVA knob. I just don't like the shape and texture of it, so mine has been relegated to a rod that sees less use than my primary spinning rig.

The writing on it looks blue to me. Think it may just be a bad pic of it I'm looking at. Patriarch looks nice. Worth the extra $50 though? Looks like same knob. Could always try to find it on sale. Any other reel recomendations for this rod $200 or below?

Shimano Sustain FE2500 which is on clearance in many retailers in that price range.

find you a Daiwa Fuego 2000 on the Bay for about 140... or the TD-A 2000 on TW for 99.99 is a very nice reel and a steal at that price.