Hey guys, just got my new NRX 893c today! Really light, good looking rod. All the guides are straight and clean, and the blank looks perfect. I know its a 7'5 rod, but was hoping for a little better balance. I put a curado I on it, but it seems somewhat tip heavy. Is it just because its such a long rod, or would a heavier/lighter. bigger or smaller profile reel help? What reel are others running on this rod to a balance point they like? I did a test to see where the rod/reel balances, and it is perfect, right in front of the cork fore grip, although the tip feels heavy when working the rod through the motions. Any input is appreciated.
I have the same rod with and Aldebaran MG7 and don't find it tip heavy at all. A Curado I should make the tip seem even lighter.
I agree as I just received the 893 and found it to be unbalanced. Then again, I'm coming from Dobyns rods which have some of the best balance in the rod industry.
As was explained to me, that long of a blank which is that light overall is going to make it tip heavy. still light enough for me though lol
I don't find any of the NRX rods to be balanced. I add weight to the end of the butt on every one to get them balance where I like. It's an even better rod (if you can imagine that) when it balance just where you want it.
On 3/11/2015 at 11:21 AM, Lucky Craft Man said:I don't find any of the NRX rods to be balanced. I add weight to the end of the butt on every one to get them balance where I like. It's an even better rod (if you can imagine that) when it balance just where you want it.
How do you add weight to the butt? I see you're from the 'burgh. What waters do you fish most?
I'll be following this thread closely. I bought an NRX 893c a couple months ago and just got a Curado I for it. Haven't put it on the rod yet though, I'm hoping the rain will let up enough this weekend to play with it in the back yard.
I feel like the older NRX with the original 3m resin is a tad lighter then the new resin system there using now. I've felt couple rods with the old and couple others with the new resin and seem tip heavy. But overall my 2nd gens 893c are tip heavy. 1st gen are the one's with the broken foregrip, 2nd gen new foregrip design and lastly Im assuming the 3rd gens are the one's with the all new resin system.
What weight system do you recommend for the butt of the rod to improve balance?
What worked good for me on my last rod was drilling out a small hole in the butt and stuffing it with a tungsten bullet weight. They are undersized so its hardly noticeable. Match the bit to the size of the weight you will use.
On 3/11/2015 at 12:52 PM, masterbass said:How do you add weight to the butt?
I actually have a whole process of what I do. I'll try to be as concise with the procedure as I can (I actually posted some of this on another forum, so you may have seen it before)
Here is obviously what you start out with...
I am not a fan of split grips, so the first step for any split grip rod I acquire is to add a filler. I have found pipe insulation works rather well...
Then I take Rod Wrap and tightly wrap the whole handle. With the slightly larger diameter pipe insulation, I am able to compress the foam down so it is roughly the same diameter as the cork after being wrapped and this compression increases the density of the foam so it ends up with a solid feel. (Side Note: I have tried a lot of different handle wrapping material such as XPS Pro Wrap, tennis racket overgrip and mountain bike handle warp. I found none of them to be as satisfactory as Rod Wrap).
I then put the reel I intend to use with the rod and get out some XPS weights that are used with some Bass Pro rods. Any type of rod balancing weight can be used, but I like all the difference sizes that is offered with the XPS weights, which allows me to really fine tune the balance point.
I use a strip of electrical tape to hold on different combinations of weight until I get the exact balance and feel I am looking for.
Once I get the amount of weight I want, I secure it the end of the rod with electrical tape and use Rod Wrap to cover it up.
This whole process does not alter the rod in any way and if I had to send it in for a warranty claim, I just take off the rear weights that are taped on, remove the Rod Wrap, take off the pipe insulation, and we are back to a factory built rod.
To me, there is nothing better than a perfectly balanced rod and this allows to custom counter-weigh every rod within a 1/4" of where I want that point to be.
On 3/11/2015 at 12:52 PM, masterbass said:I see you're from the 'burgh. What waters do you fish most?
Simple answer - Lake Erie.
I tested my NRX 894c with a gen 2 revo and it still wasn't balancing properly and that reel is over 8oz. Rod still feels incredible though. I will keep swapping reels around until I find something I like and leave it. I may try an older zillion if I can find one cheap enough.
Nice post Lucky! The best part of what should be noted is the fact that the rod isnt physically altered in anyway that would void the warranty.
On 3/12/2015 at 1:51 AM, Lucky Craft Man said:I actually have a whole process of what I do. I'll try to be as concise with the procedure as I can (I actually posted some of this on another forum, so you may have seen it before)
Here is obviously what you start out with...
I am not a fan of split grips, so the first step for any split grip rod I acquire is to add a filler. I have found pipe insulation works rather well...
Then I take Rod Wrap and tightly wrap the whole handle. With the slightly larger diameter pipe insulation, I am able to compress the foam down so it is roughly the same diameter as the cork after being wrapped and this compression increases the density of the foam so it ends up with a solid feel. (Side Note: I have tried a lot of different handle wrapping material such as XPS Pro Wrap, tennis racket overgrip and mountain bike handle warp. I found none of them to be as satisfactory as Rod Wrap).
I then put the reel I intend to use with the rod and get out some XPS weights that are used with some Bass Pro rods. Any type of rod balancing weight can be used, but I like all the difference sizes that is offered with the XPS weights, which allows me to really fine tune the balance point.
I use a strip of electrical tape to hold on different combinations of weight until I get the exact balance and feel I am looking for.
Once I get the amount of weight I want, I secure it the end of the rod with electrical tape and use Rod Wrap to cover it up.
This whole process does not alter the rod in any way and if I had to send it in for a warranty claim, I just take off the rear weights that are taped on, remove the Rod Wrap, take off the pipe insulation, and we are back to a factory built rod.
To me, there is nothing better than a perfectly balanced rod and this allows to custom counter-weigh every rod within a 1/4" of where I want that point to be.
Simple answer - Lake Erie.
Wow!
I suppose beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but I would NEVER do that to any rod,
especially that rod!
Using the reel seat to judge scale, the handle is a tad short, something I'd put on a 7' build. That rod could be built to achieve the feel desired without the need to add weight to a light weight blank you paid a premium for. If you plan to add counter balance weight to achieve the "illusion of weightlessness" why not do it on a $75 rod?
On 3/12/2015 at 1:51 AM, Lucky Craft Man said:I actually have a whole process of what I do. I'll try to be as concise with the procedure as I can (I actually posted some of this on another forum, so you may have seen it before)
Here is obviously what you start out with...
I am not a fan of split grips, so the first step for any split grip rod I acquire is to add a filler. I have found pipe insulation works rather well...
Then I take Rod Wrap and tightly wrap the whole handle. With the slightly larger diameter pipe insulation, I am able to compress the foam down so it is roughly the same diameter as the cork after being wrapped and this compression increases the density of the foam so it ends up with a solid feel. (Side Note: I have tried a lot of different handle wrapping material such as XPS Pro Wrap, tennis racket overgrip and mountain bike handle warp. I found none of them to be as satisfactory as Rod Wrap).
I then put the reel I intend to use with the rod and get out some XPS weights that are used with some Bass Pro rods. Any type of rod balancing weight can be used, but I like all the difference sizes that is offered with the XPS weights, which allows me to really fine tune the balance point.
I use a strip of electrical tape to hold on different combinations of weight until I get the exact balance and feel I am looking for.
Once I get the amount of weight I want, I secure it the end of the rod with electrical tape and use Rod Wrap to cover it up.
This whole process does not alter the rod in any way and if I had to send it in for a warranty claim, I just take off the rear weights that are taped on, remove the Rod Wrap, take off the pipe insulation, and we are back to a factory built rod.
To me, there is nothing better than a perfectly balanced rod and this allows to custom counter-weigh every rod within a 1/4" of where I want that point to be.
Simple answer - Lake Erie.
Very nice, thanks.
On 3/12/2015 at 3:28 AM, roadwarrior said:Wow!
I suppose beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but I would NEVER do that to any rod,
especially that rod!
I think what Steve is telling us here, is that in his eyes, Function is a Beautiful Thing.
I like it.
A-Jay
Geez, idk maybe quit whining like a girl, lol
Seriously, Dobyns packs weight in the handle for balance. Ok, take & use the rod as is.. It's not that big of a deal. Is it? @ $500 I'm getting a custom made if I'm worried at all about balance.. @500, I'm just getting 2 customs made.. I know the Nrx is awesome, but...
This is How Steve buys his rods.
Step one-order the rod.
Step two-handle the new rod & see what you don't like about it.
Step three-modify the rod until it's shortcomings are corrected.
Step four-fish with the new rod with a big grin on your face because it is now perfect.
I think Steve has 13 NRX's so you know he loves the blanks but the handles are imperfect until he modifies them to suit his taste.
On 3/12/2015 at 4:06 AM, A-Jay said:I think what Steve is telling us here, is that in his eyes, Function is a Beautiful Thing.
I like it.
A-Jay
A-Jay, you are exactly right. I can care less what the rod looks like. Function is paramount and if the rod doesn't feel or fish exactly how I want, then it's useless to me no matter how nice it looks.
On 3/12/2015 at 5:47 AM, Dwight Hottle said:This is How Steve buys his rods.
Step one-order the rod.
Step two-handle the new rod & see what you don't like about it.
Step three-modify the rod until it's shortcomings are corrected.
Step four-fish with the new rod with a big grin on your face because it is now perfect.
I think Steve has 13 NRX's so you know he loves the blanks but the handles are imperfect until he modifies them to suit his taste.
Haha...It's funny how well you know me. I should add step 3.5. If I can't correct the rod's shortcomings, the rod gets sold or traded in. And Step 4 is dead on. Using fine tuned equipment is really the most enjoyable thing there is when fishing (besides catching 6+ lb. Smallmouth on said equipment).
On 3/12/2015 at 3:28 AM, roadwarrior said:Wow!
I suppose beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but I would NEVER do that to any rod,
especially that rod!
Haha...well, if you don't like that, then you would really hate to see what I having done to a NRX 843 MBR and NRX 923 MR.
On 3/12/2015 at 6:13 AM, Lucky Craft Man said:Haha...It's funny how well you know me. I should add step 3.5. If I can't correct the rod's shortcomings, the rod gets sold or traded in. And Step 4 is dead on. Using fine tuned equipment is really the most enjoyable thing there is when fishing (besides catching 6+ lb. Smallmouth on said equipment).
I failed to mention all the research that goes into selecting the rod in the first place prior to step one. We both know that if the blanks were commercially available you would have Mr. Hovanec build it for you.
On 3/12/2015 at 6:44 AM, Dwight Hottle said:I failed to mention all the research that goes into selecting the rod in the first place prior to step one. We both know that if the blanks were commercially available you would have Mr. Hovanec build it for you.
Oh, that is a fact right there! Why G Loomis do you no longer offer blanks!?!?
Function over form
On 3/12/2015 at 3:53 AM, Delaware Valley Tackle said:Using the reel seat to judge scale, the handle is a tad short, something I'd put on a 7' build. That rod could be built to achieve the feel desired without the need to add weight to a light weight blank you paid a premium for. If you plan to add counter balance weight to achieve the "illusion of weightlessness" why not do it on a $75 rod?
I just saw this. Easy answer, no $75 rod has the performance of the NRX. As Dwight mentioned, if G Loomis offered a NRX blank, I would be calling Scott and be right there with the idea of the custom track, but there isn't a blank out there that I tried that matches the characteristics of the NRX (and not just in terms of sensitivity and weight, but also recovery, taper, etc.). Long story short, we all have different personal preferences, which is a good thing and is what makes these forums interesting.
This may be off topic, but those handle wraps aren't the ugliest thing about Steve's NRX. The thread wraps leave a lot to be desired. I'm embarrassed if I have one gap in a wrap, let alone the multiple gaps just on the hook keeper alone. If these blanks were offered, I have no doubt I could build a rod far superior to the OEM NRX offerings.
I was just thinking, if the rod had a full grip cork handle for a length this long, it would probably not be tip heavy. How much weight do you think you have under that wrap anyways?
On 3/12/2015 at 9:02 AM, S Hovanec said:This may be off topic, but those handle wraps aren't the ugliest thing about Steve's NRX. The thread wraps leave a lot to be desired. I'm embarrassed if I have one gap in a wrap, let alone the multiple gaps just on the hook keeper alone. If these blanks were offered, I have no doubt I could build a rod far superior to the OEM NRX offerings.
The Gloomis blanks are undeniably high quality, but in your opinion, is there really nothing comparable out there? St Croix LTB, NFC, Phenix K2, Eternity2,.... just to name a few?
On 3/12/2015 at 9:10 AM, jonnyblazex said:I was just thinking, if the rod had a full grip cork handle for a length this long, it would probably not be tip heavy. How much weight do you think you have under that wrap anyways?
Those few cork rings won't weigh anywhere near what was added. Another way to do it is a 1" rubber chair leg cap with quarters or fender washers stuffed inside slipped over the end of the cork.
On 3/12/2015 at 9:10 AM, jonnyblazex said:I was just thinking, if the rod had a full grip cork handle for a length this long, it would probably not be tip heavy. How much weight do you think you have under that wrap anyways?
The rod that needed the least amount of counter weight was the 7'7" Umbrella Rig Rod (NRX 916 UBR). I think I used 1.4 ounces on that one. I used around 2.2 ounces of weight (it might have been 2.4 oz. I can't remeber now) on the NRX 895 JWR. The NRX 916 is a full rear handle and the NRX 895 is split grip. What I find the most interesting is that I never had to counterweigh any of my old GLX BCR rods. G Loomis knows how to make a balanced rod, but for some reason didn't see the need to make sure the NRX were.
I find that odd as well that the NRX don't seem perfectly balanced. I suppose the GLX BCR rods were a little heavier blank from the start, and more dense weight toward the rear adds a little weight and balances out. All I know is the NRX seems super light for its length. When you have a rod well over 7 foot, and it feels light as a feather, you know it is a winner!
On 3/12/2015 at 9:27 AM, jonnyblazex said:I find that odd as well that the NRX don't seem perfectly balanced. I suppose the GLX BCR rods were a little heavier blank from the start, and more dense weight toward the rear adds a little weight and balances out. By the way Lucky craft, what reel u runnin?
It depends. Most of my NRX Baitcasters have Shimano Cores on them (and I just heard the Core was being discontinued, which is a shame. Great Reel!). All my NRX spinning rods (and all my other spinning rods) have a Pflueger Supreme on them (I know these aren't high end reels, but I truly like how they perform independent of cost).
On 3/12/2015 at 9:10 AM, Delaware Valley Tackle said:The Gloomis blanks are undeniably high quality, but in your opinion, is there really nothing comparable out there? St Croix LTB, NFC, Phenix K2, Eternity2,.... just to name a few?
I believe the SCV is of equal quality, but their colors scare some people off. I happen to love them. NFC seems to have am availability issue. While they are quality, IMO, they are old tech. Phenix, I have a hard time forking over a premium for an import blank. Played with an Eternity at the ICRBE. I liked it and will order one, but I don't think its on par with a SCV. We will see when it comes in and I can fish it beside my favorite SCV.
What a cool co-incidence...I got mine today too! I previously had the 894 and sent it back because of the weight and balance. When this rod arrived I was nervous but after putting a new Metanium XG on it and pitching a jig around I am very happy with the balance of the setup. The true test will be on the water but I expect to feel brilliance in the palms of my hands.
Hope you come to like yours as you get familiar with it...that's waaaay too much money not to be 1000% happy.
On 3/12/2015 at 3:28 AM, roadwarrior said:Wow!
I suppose beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but I would NEVER do that to any rod,
especially that rod!
I wouldn't either.
If I were spending that kind of money on a rod I'd be putting a reel on it that made the entire combo feel good. What I would try is taking various sinkers and place them on top of the reel, that's going to give me a good indication of the weight of a new reel. If 1 ounce sinker made it feel better I'd be buying a reel that was 1 ounce heavier than I'm using now.
I use different lures on my rods, the balance is never the same.
Changing reels isn't going to move the balance point very much. Adding weight to the button is much more effective due to the longer moment arm.
http://www.mudhole.com/Rod-Building/Rubber-Butt-Caps-Gimbals/The-Balancer-Removable-Butt-Cap This is what I would use.On 3/11/2015 at 11:09 PM, jonnyblazex said:What weight system do you recommend for the butt of the rod to improve balance?
On 3/12/2015 at 6:11 PM, Jiggin said:http://www.mudhole.com/Rod-Building/Rubber-Butt-Caps-Gimbals/The-Balancer-Removable-Butt-Cap This is what I would use.
I have tried those and they will do the job. For me, I didn't like how the rubber caps would come off every once in a while and the weights only came in one size, so fine tuning the balalce point was a little tougher (as a side note, when I did use those, I found that using quarters in conjunction with those leads weights helped with the dialling in the right balalcne point process).
I've never understood the reasoning behind adding weight to a fishing rod
On 3/13/2015 at 2:57 AM, BasserJim said:I've never understood the reasoning behind adding weight to a fishing rod
It's a person preference kind of thing, that's all.
Thread back from the dead. So I tried out my nrx 893c yesterday. The ice is finally out, but water is still just as cold, I would be shocked if its above 40 degrees, and its been really windy. The rod balance didn't feel as bad as I thought it would (tip heaviness) after first handling the rod, but still wasn't perfect, or as good as I would like it. I did get a couple bites, and could easily feel each peck, but may have just been bluegills nipping at the senko. Was really just testing the rod out, and get the reel dialed in. After fishing, my thumb was stuck in the position it is when I palm my reel, hands were frozen! Cold out, and snowing again! Anyways, I figured Id try out a balancing system. I bought some rubber chair leg covers like a few others have mentioned. I bought the 1 inch diameter ones, and they fit the butt of the rod real nice and snug. I figured with the weight of the rubber, and 2 quarters, it is about perfect balance for me. It moved the balance point back (from balancing the rod parallel on your finger) about 2 or 3 inches closer to the reel. It feels about perfect for now, but will have to try it out on the water when I get a chance. Shame to have to do it to this rod, but man it really feels a lot better in hand!
On 3/23/2015 at 9:08 AM, jonnyblazex said:Thread back from the dead. So I tried out my nrx 893c yesterday. The ice is finally out, but water is still just as cold, I would be shocked if its above 40 degrees, and its been really windy. The rod balance didn't feel as bad as I thought it would (tip heaviness) after first handling the rod, but still wasn't perfect, or as good as I would like it. I did get a couple bites, and could easily feel each peck, but may have just been bluegills nipping at the senko. Was really just testing the rod out, and get the reel dialed in. After fishing, my thumb was stuck in the position it is when I palm my reel, hands were frozen! Cold out, and snowing again! Anyways, I figured Id try out a balancing system. I bought some rubber chair leg covers like a few others have mentioned. I bought the 1 inch diameter ones, and they fit the butt of the rod real nice and snug. I figured with the weight of the rubber, and 2 quarters, it is about perfect balance for me. It moved the balance point back (from balancing the rod parallel on your finger) about 2 or 3 inches closer to the reel. It feels about perfect for now, but will have to try it out on the water when I get a chance. Shame to have to do it to this rod, but man it really feels a lot better in hand!
Stupid question but where do you get rubber chair bumpers?
walmart, menards, home depot, lowes
Thanks for the tip! I have the exact same rod and reel and had it out fishing for the first time this weekend. I also found it a little bit too tip heavy for my liking. I'm going to use your suggestion to move the balance point.
I put a 1" chair leg bumper and 3 quarters inside and I can now say my 893 balances perfectly. I also like the added protection for the end of the handle. Thanks for the tip.
On 3/12/2015 at 9:18 AM, Lucky Craft Man said:G Loomis knows how to make a balanced rod, but for some reason didn't see the need to make sure the NRX were.
I feel like they worried more about weight than balance w the NRX. They just went as light as possible and if someone wanted to balance the butt they obviously could. I LOVE my 852c and with an Ito Ai it balances like a feathery dream. It's as if I'm holding another rod's shadow.
I do love seeing the effort put in though. Obsession is only bad if it doesn't get you EXACTLY what you want. Hater's gonna hate... Baiters gonna bait!
I can't believe how easy it was for me to balance mine. The rubber chair bumper cost me .70 cents and with 4 quarters the rod balances at the line guide of the steez 103. This balanced combo feels lighter than before.
On 4/4/2015 at 11:37 PM, masterbass said:I can't believe how easy it was for me to balance mine. The rubber chair bumper cost me .70 cents and with 4 quarters the rod balances at the line guide of the steez 103. This balanced combo feels lighter than before.
For a grand total of $1.70....lol.
Hootie
I don't have the 893, but I do have the 853. The NRX is a lot like the 7'1 Cumulus in my hands. While it's not the most balanced rod I've owned, the weight more than makes up for it for me. Since it is so light I don't feel like I'm having to overcome the tip to work my lures. I currently have an Aldebaran BFS on it which weighs a wopping 5.1oz. Again, I realize there are 4 more inches on the 893 so I'm not comparing apples to apples, just wanted to put my 2 cents in for what its worth.
I have an 893 as well. It's paired with a Metanium XG and while not perfect, its not too bad. I think a reel in the 7-7.5 oz range would help a lot. I am however having a problem finding a reel for my 803. You would think a rod that short could use a lighter reel. Not exactly. With the short handle it still needs something in the 7oz range.
Hey DVT, would it be possible to modify on of these rods to a full grip to help with the weight?
On 4/5/2015 at 8:23 PM, DelcoSol said:I have an 893 as well. It's paired with a Metanium XG and while not perfect, its not too bad. I think a reel in the 7-7.5 oz range would help a lot. I am however having a problem finding a reel for my 803. You would think a rod that short could use a lighter reel. Not exactly. With the short handle it still needs something in the 7oz range.
Hey DVT, would it be possible to modify on of these rods to a full grip to help with the weight?
I have a lot of fun with either a Conquest 50 or 50 DC on my 803's and 802's.......
On 4/5/2015 at 8:49 PM, Maico1 said:I have a lot of fun with either a Conquest 50 or 50 DC on my 803's and 802's.......
Hm.. I didn't even consider a 50 series conquest.. Not sure if it will have enough line capacity. The new HG model would be money though..
How much line capacity do you need?On 4/5/2015 at 9:40 PM, DelcoSol said:Hm.. I didn't even consider a 50 series conquest.. Not sure if it will have enough line capacity. The new HG model would be money though..
I also have the 893 with a metanium and the 1 inch cap with 4 zinc washers has made it like a feather. All 3 of my NRX's needed a serious balancer despite my attempt to match heavier reels with them. When balanced, they are amazing. MBR 843 has an Alphas R Type and again, amazing
i don't think it's currently physically possible for a rod that is 7'5" long and weighs less than 4 ounces to NOT be a little tip heavy UNLESS the handle portion was like 20 inches long
The newer rods including NRX flex differently than traditional fast action rods. You may be feeling this stiffness in the tip section, not weight. The other factor is the power rating is about 1/2 -1 power low, 3 is equal 3 1/2 -4 for traditional Loomis rods.On 3/11/2015 at 9:38 AM, jonnyblazex said:Hey guys, just got my new NRX 893c today! Really light, good looking rod. All the guides are straight and clean, and the blank looks perfect. I know its a 7'5 rod, but was hoping for a little better balance. I put a curado I on it, but it seems somewhat tip heavy. Is it just because its such a long rod, or would a heavier/lighter. bigger or smaller profile reel help? What reel are others running on this rod to a balance point they like? I did a test to see where the rod/reel balances, and it is perfect, right in front of the cork fore grip, although the tip feels heavy when working the rod through the motions. Any input is appreciated.
My suggestion is fish this rod before jumping to conclusions, this are wonderful rods.
Tom
On 4/5/2015 at 11:38 PM, Grantman83 said:I also have the 893 with a metanium and the 1 inch cap with 4 zinc washers has made it like a feather. All 3 of my NRX's needed a serious balancer despite my attempt to match heavier reels with them. When balanced, they are amazing. MBR 843 has an Alphas R Type and again, amazing
Do these caps stay on or did you have to tape them on? Also is there enough room for the washers to have the cap stay on tightly?
On 4/6/2015 at 12:51 AM, DelcoSol said:Do these caps stay on or did you have to tape them on? Also is there enough room for the washers to have the cap stay on tightly?
They are snug but i didn't want to risk them jarring loose on a boat ride so I wrapped the entire end in black electricAl tape just to be safe
The NRX is designed with a 2" foregrip for a reason. Learn to grip the rod with 2-3 fingers in front of the reel for better leverage and balance.
Why pay a premium price for state of the art lightvweight rod and add counter balance weight?
Tom
On 4/6/2015 at 5:59 AM, WRB said:Why pay a premium price for state of the art lightvweight rod and add counter balance weight?
Tom
That was what I was thinking. For that kind of engineering I will be fishing mine and adapting to the way the rod is balanced, not the other way around. My high end rods and reels will stay stock and are works of craftsmanship that shouldn't need modifications...but to each his own.
I took Grant's idea and used a 7/8 chair cap on my 803. What a difference. I have never really payed attention to balance before but with this cap and two nickels it feels weightless, just floats in my hand with the new Aldebaran. The 7/8 cap fits tight. I should not have to tape it. Doesn't look as bad as some things I have seen and I guess it protects the butt too. Thanks Grant!
My 901S NRX balances perfectly with a Stradic 2500FJ. Fished with 8# PowerPro and 2 fingers above the reel...I can't imagine much better
I have played with an 893 with a Revo Rocket on it. Palming the reel made the combo a bit tip heavy.If it were mine I would add few cents worth of change to the butt and enjoy. Modifying a high-end rod to get exactly what YOU want is why most spend the extra money. It doesn't really matter what anyone else thinks. Enjoy!
Last night I put a 7/8" black chair leg cap on my NRX 893. By adding 4 nickels inside it the balance feels much better and the tip is now light as a feather. I didn't need to tape it, the cap wasn't easy to get onto the rod butt and it's not coming off. Thanks for the tip guys!!