What the Finesse: A Different Character, the NRX Drop Shot Rod (continued)

In hand all of the NRX rods in the series feel pretty lightweight but the minute you start pressing on the tips it is clear that these rods are not just a higher modulus line above GLX, but something completely different. At first they actually didn’t feel as crisp as some of the GLX rods and appeared more flexible, this immediately made us somewhat skeptical about how well the rods would actually fish.

Fig 1: This chart illustrates the deflection characteristics of the NRX822S (red curve) as compared to that of two, high other sticks from G.Loomis. We found the NRX822SDSR flexes with a light load and is lighter than many other rods we have tested but still has plenty of backbone

As expected with a split grip rod the NRX Drop Shot rod is a little more tip heavy than the other GLX rods with a balancing torque of 0.19 versus the 0.15 on the comparison rods. Also as expected the tip on this rod is pretty lively and is designed to move with very little weight on the end of the line, something that you definitely want in a quality drop shot to properly impart action on the bait with even the most subtle action imparted on the blank.

The rod is more flexible than we expected, would it still be sensitive?

What was very impressive was the balance of weight versus power on the NRX822S DSR, the rod weighed in at a very light 3.6oz. and yet was able to handle the entire load in our lab tests with no issue. Had G.Loomis really created a lighter yet more durable rod? The lab tests backed up this claim but I wanted to see exactly how this translated to actual performance in the field.

I preferred fishing with 4 and 6lb. fluorocarbon line

Real World Test: We have been testing a number of the NRX rods over the last four months and have found each of the rods to be quite unique from one another when it comes to character.  So in keeping with our finesse theme this year we had to come out with a review of the NRX drop shot review first. For these tests we fished a variety of Northern California Lakes including Clear Lake, Lake Sonoma, and Lake Berryessa, targeting everything from Smallies and Spots to Largemouth.

The rod balanced out well once a reel is strapped on

I employed a variety of different lines but primarily used 4 and 6lb. test fluorocarbon lines from Sunline, Seaguar, and Toray. While the rod is primarily designed for the drop shot technique I also employed it for a number of other finesse baits including fishing shakey head worms and tubes.

Casting with this rod is simple and straightforward