Price and Applications: The BJR is somewhat of a unique rod in the NRX+ lineup because it is so application specific, but it is also an ideal showcase for the hybrid guide system. While the system is still a little polarizing, even ten years later, I personally absolutely love the combination of Fuji Titanium SiC and Nickel Titanium Recoil guides. This is what gives the NRX Series rods such a unique character and helps reduce weight and gives these rods their light handling characteristics.

The Conquest and NRX+ look and perform very similar. In some respects the NRX+ is the more intriguing series with the latest materials, more technique specific models, and all combined with the hybrid gear-train

 
While the NRX+ Bladed Jig serves as an excellent appetizer for what the new series is capable of, I think we are all really interested to see how a spinning rod like the 822S DSR compares side by side with the previous generation, especially considering how revered the original is. That said it is very exciting to see how G.Loomis has branched out with this new line, and the fact that they are not just making updated versions of proven actions but tackling new applications head on like NED and bladed jig fishing is exciting.

While the Bladed Jig rod is an interesting look into a technique specific rod it will be interesting to see how Mag Bass rods like the 843C Wolbugger is fishing stack up to legacy favorites

The 883 BJR retails for $625 dollars which is a lot to invest in a rod of any kind, but par for the course when you get to the enthusiast NRX and Conquest level rods. The Conquest is still the halo series for G.Loomis but based on what I’ve seen from the BJR rod I think that the NRX+ line is the one to get. Not only do the NRX+ rods feature Spiral X but they also make use of the company’s latest resin technology which helps create a lighter more crisp feeling rods. So, unless you absolutely are set on Torzite guides, the proven hybrid drivetrain and wide range of technique specific models in the new lineup give NRX+ the edge, especially when you consider price. On the plus side that $625 dollar price tag does come with a Limited Lifetime Warranty and qualifies for the company’s “no questions asked” Xpeditor Service no-fault replacement program which provides a same-model replacement for a fair price. I know anglers that have used this service to salvage rods that lost their tips to car doors.

The NRX+ BJR excels at fishing bladed jigs of all sizes including the new Z-Man Chatterbait MiniMax
 

So, who should get the BJR rod? Anglers that make fishing bladed jigs part of their preferred everyday techniques and are looking for an ultra-sensitive, highly responsive, and incredibly fun rod to fish. This is a rod for the bladed jig enthusiast, the angler that wants to delve deep into this application, and though this is a technique specific model I found it good for several other techniques as well. In addition to bladed jigs the BJR is a great swim jig, underspin, and can even throw light spinnerbaits in a pinch. 
 

Ratings: (We've re-calibrated our ratings standard for 2008 and have included a key at the bottom of the following matrix as a guide):

Pluses and Minuses: