NRX+ 854c JWR vs 844c MBR

Hey All -

I'm trying to decide whether to pick up an 854c JWR or 844c MBR.

I really want to try to limit myself to ~6 casting rods each time I go out. So ideally versatility is key so I know the 844 gets the nod there and I'm heavily leaning that way. Do yall see any reason to go with the JWR? I pretty much never throw more than 1/2oz jig+trailer. I also don't really throw into super thick stuff. If I ever do start, ill likely pick up an expride 7'3XH or 7'4 Heavy to pick up where my Power Pitch leaves off. Also likely will eventually pick up a dedicated cranking rod such as a madbull but for now can get by on my MBR. The 844 I figure will fit well as an extra jig rod when needed but can also handle heavier topwaters, the new 5" magdrafts which I just loaded up on, 1/2 oz chatterbaits, heavier cranks in a pinch and bunch of other things. Below are my current rods:


Megabass P5 'OneTen Stick' : Jerkbaits; finesse cranks; flukes; light topwater
Megabass P5 'Dark Sleeper' : dark sleepers; finesse spinnerbaits; 3.3.-4.8" swimbaits; underspins; swim jigs; micro citizens
NRX+ 843c MBR : 1/4-1/2oz finesse jigs; Do it all under 1/2oz (topwater; small tx rigs; spinnerbaits; chatterbaits; lipless cranks; smaller squarebills; DT6-DT10)
NRX+ 873c CRR : 3/8-3/4oz open water FB jigs; 3/8 oz shakey heads w/ big worms; open water dragging tubes; 1/4-3/8oz TX Rigs
Steez 7'2 H 'Power Pitch' : 3/8-1/2oz jigs moderate cover/banks/beds/docks; 3/8-1/2oz TX rigs; heavy spinnerbaits; light frogging like kaeras

You already have three rods in the 843, 873, and Steez 72H Power Pitch that can cover practically everything bottom contact from 3/8 to 1 oz. The Steez can also throw the 5" or 6" Magdraft and more. I'd be thinking about the NRX+ 842c and you'll have an incredibly versatile light bottom contact and moving bait rod for shallow to mid cranks, top waters, jerk baits, and more.

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Originally Posted by Bronzefly

You already have three rods in the 843, 873, and Steez 72H Power Pitch that can cover practically everything bottom contact from 3/8 to 1 oz. The Steez can also throw the 5" or 6" Magdraft and more. I'd be thinking about the NRX+ 842c and you'll have an incredibly versatile light bottom contact and moving bait rod for shallow to mid cranks, top waters, jerk baits, and more.

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very valid points, tbh hadn’t even thought about the fact that the Steez could handle those magdrafts for me. Also hadn’t even considered the 842c haven’t looked into it much but 100% a good idea. I also have an 842s, 852s, and 872s so I’m wondering if it’s even necessary to grab anything at this point. I’m probably pretty well rounded off, maybe picking up just the madbull for my crank fishing is the move

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Originally Posted by Bronzefly

You already have three rods in the 843, 873, and Steez 72H Power Pitch that can cover practically everything bottom contact from 3/8 to 1 oz. The Steez can also throw the 5" or 6" Magdraft and more. I'd be thinking about the NRX+ 842c and you'll have an incredibly versatile light bottom contact and moving bait rod for shallow to mid cranks, top waters, jerk baits, and more.

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Another one to consider is the 783mbr, works great with jerkbaits, spinnerbaits and squarebills.

That line up needs a madbull or the new x10 Bandersnatch!

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Originally Posted by NewRangerMan

That line up needs a madbull or the new x10 Bandersnatch!

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I actually do already have an x10 bandersnatch and was about to return it to pick up the madbull instead but I’m actually thinking I might hold onto this bandersnatch. It feels great and should be able to handle my shallow/mid cranks and any square bills plus be a solid backup chatterbait rod

I will say the 854 fishes soft to me, when you mention a 1/2 oz jig with trailer. IMO that bait belongs on the 873, which fishes heavier than the 854…which a lot of people struggle with wrapping their mind around. If the choice is 844 v 854, I’m going 844 for days. I feel like the 854 may be the least needed rod in the NRX line up..or close.

Since people are offering ideas, I’d go 845 CBR for your crank baits and top water and get them off the 843 MBR..that’s what I would do, personally.

844c MBR is a very versatile rod. Jigs, Spinnerbaits, small Swimbaits.

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Originally Posted by steve1206

I will say the 854 fishes soft to me, when you mention a 1/2 oz jig with trailer. IMO that bait belongs on the 873, which fishes heavier than the 854…which a lot of people struggle with wrapping their mind around. If the choice is 844 v 854, I’m going 844 for days. I feel like the 854 may be the least needed rod in the NRX line up..or close.

Since people are offering ideas, I’d go 845 CBR for your crank baits and top water and get them off the 843 MBR..that’s what I would do, personally.

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definitely agree and decided against going with the 854. Think between the 843, power pitch and the 873 I’m pretty much covered for everything I need jig wise. I ended up picking up an x10 bandersnatch to handle my cranks (still to be decided if I’ll stick with it or pick up a loomis crank rod). But I feel super comfortable with my lineup now and feel like I’m pretty well covered on everything I need out there without having a million rods. I do love the 844 but sold it for my 843 since I felt it fit my lineup a little better targeting that 3/8 stuff. Appreciate the insight!

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Originally Posted by GardenStateFishin

I ended up picking up an x10 bandersnatch to handle my cranks (still to be decided if I’ll stick with it or pick up a loomis crank rod).

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I picked up an X10 Bandersnatch from Tackle Trap a month or so ago looking for a rod that could specifically bomb a Frittside 9 but it turns out I can also use it to throw up to a 6XD. It has also seen use for of small glides, hybrid hunters and traps and it handles them just fine. It's replaced a Gen 2 XX EMTF - the only Megabass rod I've owned that I've never really liked all that much.