The new G.Loomis
NRX+ rods are now
available and
positioned directly
below the Conquest
Series
Impressions:
For many anglers,
the original NRX
Series is the
benchmark for what
anglers expect in a
light
ultra-sensitive rod,
and even though it
has been a full
decade since the
initial launch they
continue to be a
favorite in many
angler’s arsenals.
This season G.Loomis
took the challenge
of reimagining the
NRX line, and
similar to what they
did on the fly side
last season,
introduced the
evolution of the
conventional series
with matching “NRX+”
technologies and
branding.
NRX+ clearly pays
homage to the
original series with
signature design
elements and
continued use of a
hybrid Fuji and
RECOIL guide-train,
but now adds
multi-taper design
and Spiral X
graphite
construction which
helps modernize the
series and brings it
right up to the
border of Conquest
territory.
The NRX+ rods merge
Spiral X
construction with a
new GL8 resin to
create a lighter,
more crisp, feeling
rod
There is a total of
twenty-eight rods in
the new NRX+ lineup,
and many are updates
of venerable Mag
Bass actions, while
some now address new
applications that
have become only
more popular over
the last ten years.
Examples of these
technique specific
rods include the
NRX+ Spin Jig, Ned
Rig, and Bladed Jig
rods.
The first NRX+ rod
we are taking a
closer look at is
the technique
specific Bladed Jig
Rod
We will be looking
at the Mag Bass and
Jig and Worm casting
rods in future
reviews but the
first NRX+ rod that
we were able to get
our hands on was the
Bladed Jig Rod. This
is a very unique
application for the
new NRX+ series and
an interesting
showcase for the
rod’s new blank
design, as many
anglers prefer a
softer more moderate
and forgiving blank
for fishing bladed
jigs, and glass is
even a popular blank
material for this
application.
Check out that clean
wrap
When it comes to
design the BJR, and
other NRX+ rods,
follow the original
NRX formula pretty
closely. The grips
are still cork, and
the blanks are dark,
and raw, in
appearance without a
layer of gloss
beyond the lower
branded section of
the rod. Use of blue
threading gives the
NRX+ rods a direct
tie to the original,
and I’m happy to
report that the
threading on all the
rods this time
around is excellent.
There is no
noticeable thread
gapping on this rod
whatsoever.
Many of the NRX+ Mag
Bass rods feature a
single solid cork
grip but the BJR has
a familiar split
grip
There are both full
and split grip
models but the
ergonomics on the
new rods looks
fresh, and much more
modern. Custom
Shimano style CI4+
reel seats are now
employed on the
rods, and the cork
grips are sculpted
more aggressively
and finished with
composite cork for
an overall more
refined look. If
anything, the new
rods look cleaner
than the originals
with the blue
highlights
implemented on just
the lower portion of
the rods, versus
extending all the
way up through each
of the guides.
Overall the new rods
look very premium
and do not deviate
very much from what
makes G.Loomis rods
instantly
recognizable.
The cork grips are
finished with
composite cork
