In addition to Spiral X the company told us the new proprietary "multi-taper" design reinforces potential stress points within the blank while reducing unnecessary graphite material. The company stated that they didn't even have the equipment to accomplish this new design and had to custom manufacture a new rolling table to make multi-taper construction a reality. How this all actually translates to performance and handling we won't be able to comment on until we actually fish one of the new rods but I was very excited to learn that the company has decided to stick with the hybrid guide train on the new lineup.

The NRX+ rods will make use of a combination of Fuji SIC stripper guides and ultra-lite Recoil guides. Similar to the Conquest rods the new NRX+ will make use of custom CI4+ reel seats and there will be a combination of both split grip and solid grip models, depending on the rod configuration and application.

David Brinkeroff, G. Loomis Production Manager noted that the new NRX+ rods offer numerous ergonomic improvements over the original and in addition to pairing either solid or cork grip handles for optimal weight and balance the new reel seat design is designed to "improve hooking power and reduce forearm fatigue." The grips make use of premium cork and are finished with cork composite on the ends for additional durability at the contact points, and give the rods a clean overall look. In many ways the new NRX+ look very similar to the Conquest rods but with a un-sanded black blank to minimize any unnecessary weight, and improve overall sensitivity.

If you remember the Conquest launch one of the interesting things about the series was that it was the first officially jointly branded Shimano and G.Loomis offering as it was born from significant contributions from both teams. The manufacturing of Conquest is also unique in that the blanks were rolled in the Shimano factory using the company's proprietary Spiral X process combined with Hi-Power X technology. Once these blanks were completed they were then sent to the G.Loomis facility in Woodland, Washington to be hand finished into the final rods.

Three and a half years later and the new NRX+ blanks will now be completely American made as they will be rolled with Spiral X in the company's own Woodland Washington factory.

This in itself demonstrates just how much the company's core technologies are now perpetuating throughout the company's local manufacturing and overall offerings. Could we see Spiral X in future even more affordable G.Loomis offerings? Pretty likely.

In total there will be a complete lineup of 28 new NRX+ rods (16 casting and 12 spinning), and all will feature technique specific actions and powers that will be recognizable to G.Loomis fans, and span the gamut of bass fishing applications, and not only are the beloved Mag Bass actions covered there are even new technique specific models covering techniques including NED rigs and bladed jigs.

The new NRX+ rods are starting to hit dealers now and will retail from $595 to $625 dollars depending on the model and configuration. The company has already rolled out a product page with the information covering each of the new rods.

There will be multiple grip configurations that are optimized to each rod's intended application and with balance in mind. In addition to the exciting updates to the blank design the NRX+ ergonomic grip and reel seat designs and configurations really help modernize the series

The rod I'm probably most excited about personally is the new 822S DSR as the current drop shot rod is my go-to stick for finesse fishing. Just the thought of a rod with even slightly improved performance and handling would move this one high up on my review priorities. The fact that the NRX+ NED rod (821S) is being built with a 1 power is enough to get light line enthusiasts excited. Together the 821S and 822S look like pure finesse weapons!

Plus or Minus? When I examine the new NRX+ specifications and lineup I am thrilled that the company went in a somewhat evolutionary approach. Let's face it, there has been a lot to love about the original NRX Series. It really pushed the envelope not only for the G.Loomis brand, but across the entire industry, when it came to maximum sensitivity and the unique feel and handling that a hybrid guide train delivers. To throw all that out the window with this redesign would have been tragic.

The company seems to have approached the update with a respect for what the original series offered, and what it represents to bass anglers, and is seeking to leverage the latest in modern materials, in-house technologies, and the latest manufacturing processes to improve upon on the original, and all while staying within the lane cosmetically. 

The team took much of what anglers like about the more expensive Conquest Series and have brought it down to NRX, and the combination of Spiral X technology, CI4+ reel seats, and the hybrid Fuji and Recoil guide train should make for a very uniquely refined fishing tool.

The original NRX did a great job being the extension of the angler, forming a seamless bond between user and the lure, and NRX+ is designed to further boost that connection.

It is only fitting that 2021 mark the start for the redefined NRX+ line. Will this new NRX stand live up to the legacy of the original? Can this new series hold the torch for another decade? Only time will tell, but I for one am extremely excited to see, and feel, just how the new NRX+ rods stack up! If they are lighter, more balanced, and even just slightly more sensitive, these plusses will already make them worth the price of admission for performance oriented and enthusiast anglers.

Looking for the G.Loomis NRX+ rods?

They are available for order now at Tackle Warehouse