Overview
Voted Overall Best of Show & Best of Show in the Freshwater Rod Category at the 2010 ICAST Show.
Not just a little bit lighter here or a little bit lighter there - the new G. Loomis NRX Casting Rods offer the best at every level in terms of graphite, resins, and components. Top-of-the-line from top-to-bottom - you’ve never felt rods with this much life. The NRX construction method is completely unique in rod manufacturing - allowing G.Loomis to make the NRX Casting Rods at least 15% lighter than similar GLX rods, and up to 20% stronger and more impact resistant as well. By utilizing stiffer, lighter and higher density carbon married with Nano Silica resin systems, the NRX rods can be lighter - yet more durable, extremely sensitive - and yet stiffer. Light ‘ticks’ turn into thumps, and anglers can easily feel the difference between their lure dragging across silt, gravel and ridges - even at 60-feet.
All NRX rods also feature G.Loomis’ unique Hybrid Guide System, which combines the strategic placement of both Fuji titanium-framed SIC and REC Recoil black ion-coated, nickel-titanium Guides from the stripper to the tip. The stiffer Fuji Guides, closest to the reel seat, offer more sensitivity transfer to the anglers, along with moving weight back to butt section and helping to balance out the rod, while the REC Guides are extremely small and lightweight, so as not to impede casting and retrieving performance. An exclusive, proprietary Skeletonized Reel Seat also keeps the angler’s finger truly in contact with the blank, while providing a sturdy, ergonomic base for the reel. Manufactured in the USA, like all G.Loomis rods, the G.Loomis NRX Casting Rods provide anglers with the most dynamic, lightweight and sensitive rods G. Loomis has ever created.
Previous Feedback
Comments: Extremely light - sensitive & strong.. all things an angler would want in a high class & quality rod.. to make this one of if not the lightest rod on the market they really stripped everything down that's not needed.. so no eye candy here.. I can easily see why these rods have been so popular over a decade.. would be nice though for the money being paid that Gloomis would upgrade to Torzite guides.. I've really no cons to
Speak of with this rod.. every review you read no matter where posted is very true.. I've also the GLX series .. While it's a great rod as well.. but if your in a situation where you can only have one.. put in the extra $100 and go NRX.. the upgrade is worthy..
From: Dean: Las Vegas, NV 1/6/21
Comments: You wont find a more sensitive all around rod on the market than the NRX. Currently own 2 the 853 JWR and the 873 CRR and I could not be happier. I can even feel a bite on complete slack line with this rod something I cant with a different brand.
From: Hunter - Douglasville, GA 8/16/20
Comments: I literally just left the lake and the first thing I want to do is write this review on how amazing this rod is. I am just speechless on how sensitive this thing is. The whole time I was fishing my new NRX 802 I was thinking about how I can afford another one. before I purchased the rod I did my reaseach and read reviews where people say stuff like "You can feel the fish breath on the bait" I previously would laugh at that but now that I own one I know exactly what that person meant. You can not find a better jig rod. My destroyer FMJ rod will be sitting in the rod locker from now on.
From: Joel R: Langhorne PA 5/17/19
Comments: This rod is sensitive and feels like a high end rod but the paint starts chipping on the reel seat after a few months of use and the coating is coming off the blank near the hook keeper. My St.Croix don't have these problem and they have many seasons on them and still look new and are just as sensitive for half the price. I wouldn't mind the sticker price if they held up for more than a few years and kept there value.SIDE NOTE. the resale on these rods is crazy they loose there value the minute you buy it. I have purchased a couple used between $250-$300 in new condition that is where they should be priced. NOT 500+
From: DAVID: Vermont 11/24/18
Comments: The NRX rods are the best rods I have ever had my hands on. The complaints about the 854C being too light might be legitimate but the rod is still awesome and serves a purpose. For me the 854C is ideal for 3/8 oz Swim jigs, 3/16 - 3/8oz texas rigged creature baits and it's a very good jig skipping rod. If you're fishing jigs 1/2 - 3/4oz in any kind of deeper water the 894c is the rod. The 894 is much more powerful than the 854. I'll be adding another 854C and another 852S (the best spinning rod ever IMO) to the arsenal this winter.
From: Rick McFaul: Maryland 11/20/18
Comments: Dont try these, WARNING, it will ruin you and make you not want to pick up any other rod. I own the 852,843,853,854,804,894,895 and the 822dsr paired with stradic Ci4+. Best rods ever! I have them paired with met mgls and the 852 is paired with a aldabaran. All i can say is wow! Light, super sensitive, and every bite will feel like being struck by lightning. Awesome rods! Sure other companies make good rods but the NRX is on its own level. Thanks G.loomis. NRX4LIFE!
From: Tim: MegaBassTards: Eau Claire,WI 8/21/18
Comments: Bought a 854C JWR and it's not a very good rod IMO. Blank is a little too brittle feeling, hooksets are wimpy without braid, and the handle is too short. Bought this for jigs and I agree with the guy below saying he lost fish due to lack of power. This rod for jerkbaits, phenomenal. Sensitivity? Unreal, but I dont like it enough to keep it. Traded for a Daiwa Steez 7' 1" Heavy jig rod, much better for my style of fishing. Loads perfect with 20lb flouro and feels much more powerful when casting, ripping jigs out of grass and when fighting fish. NRX rods are good, but should be about $40-$80 less depending on the model and I just think they're overrated overall. I wont be buying another G.Loomis product
From: Lex: MN 7/28/18
Comments: Terrible quality control. Pick one up, put your cheek to the handle and look down the guides. Chances are the guide and the blank itself are both crooked.
From: Adam: Tallahassee, FL 4/15/18
Comments: I own the 854 7'1 Heavy and havent had any problems at all getting good hooksets! By far my favorite fishing rod i own! Its perfect for T-rigs and jigs up to 1/2 oz! Plan on buying some more in the future!
From: Tyler: Baltimore, Maryland 2/8/18
Comments: Awesome rod! Paired with a Steez and is my second favorite combo. Worth it? Why does everyone ask that? I catch fish using my kids $10 Zebco. Pure luxury. Some people buy expensive pictures to put on a wall. If you can, then do it.
From: Derick - California 11/19/17
Comments: 893c JWR is a great Senko and all around jig rod. It is light, sensitive, and has a great tip that makes it an incredibly versatile stick. I would buy other NRX's if the price was lower. Seems like a Legit $300 rod to me. Too bad it is twice that...
From: Unknown 10/31/17
Comments: I have 901S paired pfluger patriarch, 852C paired with Aldenaran 50, 853C paired Revo MGXtreme2. All I can say is " High Performance". Super light super sensitive makes all my "other rods ESX and IMX" feel like pool cues. It's true NRXs ruined me too, just can't use any other Rod!!!!
From: Young - Denver, CO 5/12/17
Comments: I have the exact same set up as the review below me. 894c 7'5" heavy with an aldebaran 50 hg. It gets a ton of use for me. I use it for jigs, Texas rigs, 6" senkos, frogging, flipping and pitching and it gets the job done. The most sensitive stick I've ever owned and extremely powerful. Might have to pick up another
From: Pat 4/2/17
Comments: I bought a 894 c and paired it with a aldebaran and all I can say is wow! I have been swimming jigs with it and even throwing keitech fat impacts 5 inch swimbaits on it and it has performed flawless. These rods are very expensive but they are on a different level than other rods. I have a 854c on the way and will pair it with a aldebaran more than likely. Is it worth 500 bucks ? I will let you be the judge of that but I will say this its a very good experience to fish with one of these , when a fish hits it sends a shock wave up thur your hand.
From: Scott N.C 3/28/17
Comments: The NRX 854 C JWR "power" is greatly exagerated in the description. Beautifully made as all of the NRX rods, but so wimpy that I dumped it on Ebay after losing dozens of fish in tourneys during the first three months of use.
From: Don: Dover, NH 1/2/17
Comments: after buying an 893, I was unable to comprehend how light, strong & sensitive these rods are. I believe these rods give me that slight advantage, in the winter, when I am hunting for Spotted bass in 60 foot water. Bites shoot up like shock waves up to my reel seat. The performance of these rods speak for themselves. You will not be disappointed.
From: Brian: CA 12/4/15
Comments: I used alot of G Loomis products in the past, but because of sponsor obligations I have not used them in several years. I just purchased the NRX 853C and it is SICK! It is a joy to fish with and the sensitivity is amazing. Just fished a tournament at Okeechobee and it was one of my primary weapons. I fished a medium size swimbait and it handled it just fine for the type of cover I was fishing. It was also great for pitching a jig or worm. I also have a NRX spinning rod 7'1" and it is also a great rod. A lot of people complain about the price but these rods are all made by hand and are unmatched in the quality control. Check out the videos of the GLoomis factory tour on how they are made and all the work that goes into the process and you will see why you pay a premium price for them.
From: Bill: Homosassa, FL 7/27/15
Comments: Received the 853CJWR as a father's day present from my son, and wow,this is the best rod on the planet,period. Saying it is light does not do it justice, and the sensitivity is so good you can actually feel the worm being sucked into the mouth of the bass. I was a G-Loomis fan before, now there is no other rod for me.
From: Jamie: Roanoke, VA 1/25/15
Comments: I recently received my Gloomis NRX843c MBR. Wow!!! I have a new favorite rod! Great action, power, and I love the blue color. My other NRX is a green 822DSR. There is not a better rod than an NRX. I will be getting another 843 MBR. Just an all around great rod.
From: Jrob: Texas, USA
Comments: Like most reviews, I find the sensitivity of the NRX rods second to none. Like many of the reviews, I also had reel seat lock nut problems. It took some persistence and requesting to speak with a supervisor, but Loomis sent me a prepaid shipping label and rectified the problem, by replacing the rod, immediately. I was not able to convince them to replace the $200.00 reel that fell to the bottom of Lake Fork, but overall, I am satisfied with their customer service.
From: Matt: Dayton, OH, US
Comments: I own the 854 and 873 rods and love them both. They are great pitching stick's, use them for pitching plastics and jigs in and into the cover. The 873 handles up to 3/4oz weighted baits well while the 854 is better for smaller jigs and baits. Light, powerful, no complaints. Next is the 893
From: Mike: Ontario, Canada
Comments: a strike feels like a bolt of lightning from below. im just blown away by the sensitivity/lightness of this rod. I almost feel bad for the other guys who don't have one of these....almost
From: Jeroo: IN
Comments: One of the best rods i have ever used! I can feel everything with the rod, even when a little fish that i dont want to set the hook on grabs my jig i can just shake him loose. I bought one and now i have 4 all from tackle warehouse!!!
From: Derick: Brigham City, UT
Comments: These NRX are really lightweight sensitive rods but I am on my 5th NRX rod and EVERY rod I have fished with the lockdown nut has separated to where my reel will not stay on the rod. It is really puzzling WHY the Loomis company can not get this HORRIBLE reel seat design changed. The Loomis/Shimano company has a much better designed reel seat on the new Shimano Cruical rods or even the plain ECS seat on the Loomis rods. This will officially retire me on using the NRX rods in the future. I thought spending $500 on a rod that the rod would last but this one only made it two trips. I hope this review will make it on the Tackle Warehouse website so customers know to beware of this major problem with these NRX rods. I hope the Loomis company reads this and change the horrible design of these reel seats.
From: Ray: Weaverville, NC
Comments: This is a really nice rod. I have the 7'5"MH and it works great for many different baits. It is very light to hold all day, you will not think you are holding a 7'5" this rod is so light in weight. My ONLY complaint is, I WISH LOOMIS WOULD GET RID OF THE CORK LOCKDOWN NUT! It would be a much better feel if my finger could sit on the blank in front of the reel, instead of the cork foregrip lockdown nut. LOOMIS, PLEASE PLEASE re-design this and take off the cork lockdown. Thank you....
From: Jordan: Asheville, NC
Comments: I really like the NRX rods. I own the 7'3MH & 7'1H. Both are used for pitching jig's and plastics. They are the lightest most sensitive rods I've ever used. 5/5 On these!
From: Mike: Oshawa, Ontario, Canada
Comments: I currently own 22 G Loomis rods4 of which are GLX and 3I that are the NRX. Have not had a problem with any of them. I have been bass fishing since 1974 and have seen all kind of rods. I even had some of the first Lews with the slip in eyes. Most of todays fishermen ha r never seen such a thing. G Loomis rods4 rods are by far the best I have ever fished with. G Loomis also has the best warranty around. The NRX in my opinion is slightly more sensitive than the GLX and also lighter. I like mine PERIOD.
From: Bill: Leesburg, GA
Comments: Have the 893C and had the reel seat break on a hookset. Landed the fish, but had to spend $10 sending it back for warranty replacement. I might put a drop or two of 5 minute epoxy on the reel seat where it connects to the rod to avoid my others from doing the same. Had a Core 50MG on the rod, and I think my lure was heavier than my rod/reel!
From: Brad: Louisville, KY
Comments: The glue issue has not been corrected. Two failed reel seats in Fall 2011 - both rods purchased in 2011. Between my fishing partner and I, we have had a total of FIVE nrx reel seats fail on us (all five had glue let loose, causing reels to fall)
From: Steve: Hamilton, Ont, Canada
Comments: I have one other NRX rod (Purchased new) and just got my 2nd last month from TWH, It was a repair rod but still cost me $350 and after 3 trips it is on it's way back to Loomis for repair again because the glue on the lock down broke free and the reel fell off! This is 854 7' 1" H. The other has held up so far and I have never had much problem from any of my other Loomis rods in the past. I have no idea how TWH ships these rods so cheap? It cost me $42 to send it back for repair! Totally frustrating to spend that kind of money on something to fail after 3 trips.
From: Dave: Mtn. Home, AR
Comments: I love the NRX series of rods. My NRX is the 854 7'1H and wow is this a strong rod. Pitch a 1/2oz or smaller jig in around open water and your set...works well in scattered weeds too but for clear shoreline dock pitching this rod is the one you need. It's soo light you will feel the difference...wish I needed to crawl jigs on bottom because u can feel everything with these rods.
From: Mike: ON, Canada
Comments: Great rods. Very sensitive. I have had the same problem on two separate rods. Both purchased in 2010. The front reel seat nut adhesive has failed. I think (hope) this problem has been fixed on the latest productions. One has been replaced unde warranty and I am now returning the second rod for warranty replacement.
From: Don: Katy, TX
Comments: I've used G Loomis, primarily GLX rods for years and they are excellent. I've found the NRX a step up in sensitivity over the GLX. I've got Z-Bone LE's, Cumulus', Steez', Champion Ext. II's, etc., & I'm happy with each of these rods. If forced to choose one line of rods I would pick the NRX. I find it's appearance the least attractive of all those mentioned but I find myself picking up an NRX most often on the water.
From: Randy: Oxford, AL
Comments: If you fish tournaments like I do, these rods pay for themselves. I got mine with no blemishes, the glue and cork and the blank were flawless. If your not feeling everything on this rod, your not doing it right!
From: Matt: Iowa
Comments: bought an 854c in late april.. i've had to have it replaced 3 times.. twice for the threaded part of the reel seat coming loose and sliding up the blank and once for a broken micro guide that didn't have the the feet far enough under the wrapping to provide enough support.. i ended up going back to the glx bcr854c.. the performance for this rod at a 500 dollar price point was nothing short of heartbreak... sensitivity will only take you so far..some of the biggest fish i've ever caught were on a "hunch" not a tap tap... try again
From: Andrew: Indianapolis, IN
Comments: I bought the 852 model and can only compare it to the two GLXs that I own (803 & 802).The NRX does seem a little more sensetive.As far as weight cant tell much difference just holding them.Both models are great rods just as the crankbait series is.Along with those three rods I also keep a Powell Max on the casting deck and to tell the truth I cant tell that much difference although these are American Made which is great you can buy 3 Powells for 1 of these.All are again GREAT rods and a pleasure to fish with
From: T: AL
Comments: The best bass fishing rod i have ever owned!!! Its more sensitive than any rod I have ever owned as well. Very strong and durable rod. I wish I had twenty more of them.
From: Brian: Akron, OH
Comments: The screw down reel seat came apart because its in two separate pieces and fixed by glue, it happened to my NRX csating rod and was quite shocked, but the blank is truly astonishing sensitive
From: Raymond: South Africa
Comments: Those NRX rods that are badly made and bent are fake copies, The chinese copy everything these days thats top line and priced it was only a matter of time before they found these, Shimano would not let them out of the workshop to be sold like that ,[Shimano owns Gloomis now] They are not stupid and take pride in these rods, Only buy one from a genuine loomis dealer or ask.. if buying online about the rod first and make sure its straight and all and check out there feedback and how many there sold if on Ebay , Pay by Paypal that way if its fake any loomis dealer with sign something to verify its fakeness and Paypal will refund you and cancel the seller from further transactions they make. Easy. Its worth getting one because once you handle a real NRX"S your fishing life is changed forever and thats a BIG understatment.
From: Mick: Australia
Comments: This is the greatest fishing rod on the market. The ONLY way to describe fishing this rod would be for one to imagine that they are in the water and actually feeling the bottom. Wake up, you are holding an NRX. I would recommend this rod to anyone.
From: John: Amory, MS
Comments: Rod is unbelievably sensitive. I really like the combo of recoil guides at the top (they are micro guide size) and SiC guides for the lower half of the rod. Super lightweight and a joy to fish with. You will feel everything that the lure comes in contact with. It isn't cheap, but a great, great rod.
From: Jacob: Atlanta, GA
Comments: I think the NRX is a great rod except for the lockdown nut design. I only used the rod 7'1"H twice and my reel fell off the rod, while casting, because the lockdown nut broke while casting. Very poor design, on a great rod. I hope that they will change this problem because I had to replace mine after only two times on the water. I sold my replacement because I didn't want to have to have that problem again. I will buy another NRX only if the lockdown nut is redesigned.
From: Charles: Asheville, NC
Comments: Let me start by saying Tackle Warehouse delivered as promised my new G Loomis NRX 873C CRR 7'3" in two days for only $5 extra shipping. I guess like a car assembly line, lemons do happen, reading online about some peoples issues mine arrived sight unseen in perfect condition. No blemishes, bubbles in the varnish or handle problems, unlike like previous IMX rods this one is straight as an arrow and has loads of guides -12 guides in all. They are noisy too but you get used to it. I have always liked G Loomis and own many IMX fly rods but afters years of buying blanks on line and receiving more than 50% of my order with curved, bent blanks, however you want to call it, very few straight without curvature issues I stopped buying them. I can't say that it feels lighter then GLX because if they are I couldn't tell by holding them side by side, so if they are lighter the actual difference is moot. Sensitivity - now your talking because without a doubt they are the most sensitive rods I have ever fished with. I fished with a guide and friend over the last couple of days and blew them away. I have increased my catch rate by more then double what I have always done in the past. My guide said look at Lonnie, he out fishing us now since he bought that new rod, I might have to go to the bank and open a second mortgage to buy a rod now after seeing him fish with his (True story). Bottom line if you value quality and take your fishing seriously as I do this new rod by G Loomis will help you put more fish in the boat and a smile on your face, absolutely priceless!
From: Lon: Bogalusa, LA
Comments: the rod was weak, it broke when i set hook on a 5lbs catfish. there were air bubbles in the glue. not as sensitive as my other shimano rods. And also just way overpriced.
From: Aljay: Green Bay, WI
Comments: All my rods are G-loomis, I have GLX's, crankbait series, swimbait, spinning rods, and etc. I can honestly say that my NRX 854 is the SICKEST rod I have ever fished with. Definitely worth the money.
From: Cody: Lawrenceburg, TN
Comments: Just got the 993.. All I can say is it blows the GLX outta the water. Dont know how it is possible but it is lighter and more sensitive than the GLX. A great big worm and jig rod.
From: James: Orange, CA