It is time to step it up and look at one of the nicest rods I have ever had the pleasure of putting my hands on – The G Loomis NRX Saltwater Inshore spinning rod.
Let me just say right off the bat that I like a good deal with most things in life, and it is not every day that I go out and drop a little over $600 for a fishing rod, so I borrowed this one from a friend who has a slightly larger disposable income account than I do. Thank you, Mr. X!
The G Loomis brand, started by legendary rod maker Gary Loomis, has produced world-class rods for decades.
While Gary is no longer the company owner (sold to Shimano in 1997), the high-quality design and manufacturing continue to this day in the US in Woodland, WA, where all of the rods are handmade, hence the higher price point.
I’ll get into the specifics of the rod in a minute, but let me say that I consider myself a good fisherman. I can honestly say that there is a difference between the G Loomis NRX and its less expensive counterpart, the G Loomis E6X.
I am trying to determine if I think it is worth spending nearly 4x what the G Loomis E6X runs. For those of you who have a mid-range budget and are looking to get an excellent rod at a medium price point, you can not go wrong with the G Loomis E6X rod.
Features
These G Loomis NRX rods are packed with technology that is sure to wow the most experienced angler. The “X” in the NRX and other G Loomis rods stands for technology.
The NRX comes in nine unique models specifically designed for the inshore saltwater fisherman, ranging from 6’8″ to 7’8″ overall length with both fast and extra-fast actions and power ranges from medium-light to medium-heavy.
For the serious inshore fisherman or woman seeking an extremely lightweight and well-balanced rod that is strong and can deliver incredible sensitivity to “feel the bite,” this is your rod.
When you have one of these beauties in your hands, it is almost as though you can see what is going on under the surface of the water, as there is so much sensitivity that flows through the line, Fuji K Frame SIC guides and rod blank right into your hands.
NRX rod blank
The rod blank used for the NRX is the flagship for G Loomis and is composed of nothing but the finest materials at a cost that is reported to be 3x that of the materials used in its other rods, like the E6X.
The rod blank is a combination of graphite, carbon, and 3M matrix resin that is processed uniquely, producing an extremely sensitive foundation for this excellent rod. The resin is the glue that holds all the material together and is extremely important in a high-end rod like this.
Anglers will notice what I believe is an unparalleled strength-to-weight ratio, along with one of the most sensitive and lightweight rod blanks.
Split cork handle
The G Loomis NRX Inshore Saltwater series rods feature a split cork handle in 3 variations that provide the proper balance and the needed strength and durability for all of your inshore fishing action.
The butt is composed of a composite cork that is of a slightly higher density that is comfortable when placed against the mid-section when fighting a larger fish.
Reel seat
The G Loomis NRX has a unique reel seat that allows the cork handle to fit snuggly against the bottom side of your reel, which transmits the feel of the fish and/or lure extremely well.
3 Handle Choices
Guide components
The NRX incorporates an interesting combination of guides. The NRX Inshore Rods use Fuji SIC K-frame stripper guides on the lower portion of the rod and nickel-titanium RECOIL guides on the top section to reduce weight and increase the recovery rate.
The combination of these two guides is perfect for a braided line. The RECOIL guides offer incredible sensitivity that transmits even the lightest nibble through the rods blank – letting you know there is action on the other end.
Features at a Glance
- Carbon fiber and graphite rod blank
- 3 M Matrix resin
- Fuji SIC K frame guides & G Loomis RECOIL guides
- G Loomis reel seat
- Premium split cork handle
The NRX Inshore Saltwater series was engineered to focus on sensitivity and strength, with a considerable investment being made in the rod blank material and the guide system. I don’t think enough can be said about the quality of the rod blank in the NRX.
If there is one place where a manufacturer can cut corners, it is in the rod blank, and most customers would not notice the difference. In the case of the G Loomis NRX case, no expense was spared, which is immediately apparent when you begin to fish this rod.
“Proper balance lets anglers concentrate on what is happening on the end of the line, rather than the tip of the rod,” said G. Loomis’ Bruce Holt. “Our NRX blank construction is the finest. We can provide light, sensitive, yet powerful rods for all types of inshore saltwater techniques, letting anglers focus on the feeling of the bite instead of dealing with the fatigue of fishing a poorly balanced rod.
It’s all about providing the traits anglers can expect from G. Loomis.” A few of my favorite rods in the inshore saltwater series include:
- 6′ 8″ Extra Fast Action Medium Power, which is awesome when you need the extra distance when fishing the flats for bonefish or your favorite oyster bed for reds.
- 7′ 4″ Moderate Fast Action Medium Power is excellent for drifting live shrimp or casting your favorite soft plastics on inshore waters.
- 7′ 8″ Fast Action Medium-Heavy Power If you need something with a bit more backbone, then you will want to check out the NRX 7′ 8″ Medium Heavy rod that is designed for your larger species such as Tarpon, Cobia, smaller Tuna and Grouper as well as smaller sharks when you will be fishing cut bait.
One of the things I respect about G Loomis rods is that they keep the jobs here in America by handcrafting these beautiful rods in Woodland, Washington.
G Loomis backs these quality rods with a limited lifetime warranty and what they call Xpeditor service. I never had to return a rod, but my understanding from speaking to others is that you’re not waiting for weeks to get back out on the water.
Pros
- Extremely lightweight
- Well balanced
- Lifetime warranty
- Legendary Quality
- Made in the USA
Cons
What can you say negatively about a high-end handmade rod other than the steep price point? As far as quality, fit, finish, and feel, this rod rocks!
Alternatives
If you find that spending $600+ is too much for your wallet, I recommend you check out the G Loomis E6X rod, also from G Loomis, which is an excellent rod.
As I said earlier, for me, it is hard to tell the difference between a $179 and a $600+ rod. Maybe after I have fished for another decade and I have a pile of disposable income, I will see where it is a good fit for me.
If you are looking to go even a bit less than the $179 price point of the G Loomis E6X, then you can take a look at the Star Stellar Lite series of rods, which start at around $100, carry a lifetime warranty and are also made here in the USA.
In Conclusion
Yes, the NRX is a very expensive rod; in this case, I think it is one of those things in life that you get what you pay for. Once I fished with this rod, I can say that I want one and will start squirreling away my hard-earned pennies for one of these beauties.
The G Loomis NRX is a well-balanced, well-manufactured piece of fishing equipment made right here in the United States. If you want to invest in a high-quality rod, I highly recommend the G Loomis NRX Inshore Saltwater fishing rod.
It’s also nice to know that if something were to happen to your rod, it would be backed by a lifetime warranty from a manufacturer that has been around for several decades.
If you seek a top-of-the-line “Mercedes” lightweight and sensitive rod, then quit your research and buy this excellent rod – you can’t go wrong.
This impressive G Loomis NRX Inshore Saltwater rod will most likely become your prized possession for your inshore saltwater fishing rods.
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