Conquest, NRX, Poison Adrena, Steez AGS and Megabass Destroyer - which one should you buy?

[@manifestgtr]

My two favorite rods are my conquest 844c and my legend x 68mhxf. The conquest 844 is the best jig rod on the planet, imo. It’s bulletproof but lightweight. It’s crisp, accurate, comfortable and balanced...and it stands with any of my nrx rods in sensitivity. It’s just a perfect jig rod. I can’t imagine ever finding one that I like better. I’m not saying it’ll never happen but I just can’t picture it at the moment. The st croix legend x medium extra fast is kind of what I wish the nrx 803 was. The tip is just unbelievable and makes for effortless accuracy. It’s lightweight and almost perfectly balanced. The nrx MIGHT have it beat out as far as sensitivity goes? I’m not sure...but if it that’s the case, it’s not by any noticeable margin for my purposes. I love the nrx line. It’s not that they aren’t great rods. It’s just that there are rods that I find more enjoyable to fish. The conquest and legend x lines are standouts in that category

[@rex3453]

Only thing I dislike about my Conquests is that out of the 5 I own, only 1 of them has dead center, perfectly aligned guidelines, and that's my 844c. My 843c has a tip-top that's very, very slightly off aligned, my 842s has two guides near the top that are a tad off, my 905c and 782s are the same. But hey, it isn't a Loomis unless there's something a little off. And even then, despite my 844c being perfect, the reel seat isn't right, the locking cork nut at the top of the reel seat that you screw down, it's a NRX one, nut a Conquest one. Don't really care though, all the rods perform amazing and are the best rods I've owned, but shit man for $700 rods, I want them to be perfect.

[@nawinchester]

Great review. I've owned all the rods you've tested in one model or another. There is nothing like fishing with high end equipment. It provides an experience that is different to describe in words. You almost have to just feel it to understand. The one rod lineup missing from your review is the Dobyns Xtasy line of rods. If you haven't tried one, you really should. It's a blend of the Adrena and the NRX. Great fit finish and estetics, and the torzite guides are sweet. I find myself reaching for this rod over the Adrena and the NRX. Just purchased my first Steez. Can't wait to feel the AGS difference. Thanks again for the great review.

[@ChewyThaoFishing]

Speaking of the devil! I purchased one two weeks ago and will release that review soon!

[@nawinchester]

@@ChewyThaoFishing can't wait. Which model did you purchase??

[@benjaminyang5872]

Nice review. I just could never get on the G Loomis hype train for some reason. I was super unimpressed by the balance and maneuverability of the NRX, the Conquest release definitely fixed a lot of the issues the NRX had while still retaining unbelievable sensitivity while also improving casting accuracy thanks to the spiral x tech. I think a lot of people mistaken price points for "better", for example the Conquest and NRX have lifetime warranties but those warranties are factor into the hefty price tags- no way around it, it's just business. You're never going to break a rod under normal fishing conditions after the year of use, anything else after that time frame is user error, damage sustained on the blank over time or abuse. But I get it, people love piece of mind. IMO you get a lot more value in the Poison Adrena and even more so with the Megabass Destroyer line. Sensitivity in a rod at a 300+ pricepoint shouldn't be the only deciding factor because just being super sensitive doesnt make a rod a great one, so many factors like balance, crispness, blank reaction and recovery, accuracy, build quality and so much more. These 5 rods you mentioned are all on the same level it really depends on fishing style and what feels right for you. There's truth to the warranty piecethough. .

[@ChewyThaoFishing]

Great read! I could totally agree with everything you said! The PA and destroyer are awesome rods too. I do feel that the NRX does slightly edge it but great rods. Heck - i remember fishing Avid-X line up and i thought that was the BEST rod in the world until i got into the $400+ range.

[@jimbo0411]

Yang... Your a a typical jdm fan boy thats acting like a text bookworm fisherman. First thing anyone says when they don't like a rod brand is tip heavy when they don't know what tip heavy really is. It doesn't help an already difficult megabass warranty on destroyers when people are breaking the same rod 2 and 3 times over due to how fragile they are blowing up and people are afraid to use them. You say recovery, accuracy and so much more. .HAHA get out of here and stay fishing on the bank.

[@grandfishing590]

I love how well the destroyer, and Megabass rods in general, really lock down the reel so it will not move when fishing. I have had problems with Shimano expride and Adrena getting loose eventually and when you retighten the reel it can scratch up the reel foot of magnesium reels. It seems to really only effect the end of the reel foot. I don’t know if other people have this problem but my 7’2” MH expride had a guide fall of off and another guide that is bending easily do to the glue worn off. Too bad the rod is 2 and half years old so the warranty is long gone.

[@ChewyThaoFishing]

I have had issues with other rod manufacturers as well, st croix to be particular where the reel seat would get loose. Nothing with gloomis, shimano, daiwa or megabass yet. Key word - "yet" lol

[@dataoverego]

Looked ya up on here after picking up the rod today since you said you had a channel. Small world - I watched a bunch of your videos yesterday when researching which rod to get! Subbed 🍻

[@christophersmith9162]

I would implore you to try a Kistler Z Bone ! I find them to be more responsive and sensitive than the nrx's . I also have tried poison adrena and the megabass destroyer series. I find the Kistler's to be more sensitive and responsive than all of those.

[@ChewyThaoFishing]

Bet! Do you have a specific model that would be comparable to the 893c NRX?

[@christophersmith9162]

@@ChewyThaoFishing I have heard a lot of great things about that particular rod however I've never had one in my hands . I have owned a NRX 852, NRX 854 and a873...I would suggest you go on to Kistler's website and look at the seven foot three light medium heavy and 7 ft 6 medium heavy look at those specs in the Zbone and Helium line both, of those rods for 2021 have the same blank just different handle and guide train.

[@Joe-pi8sh]

If you getting a z bone I suggest you get the older model with the nfc blank

[@markozivkovic8404]

J love adrena poison ❤️❤️❤️J am proud on that rod!Magic rod

[@ericschell2073]

tried them all, but I have fell in love with the Kister Z Bone. Now this rod is just good all around. Just saying, I know it's not in video but if u haven't tried one u may want to give one a chance.

[@Komplete1]

Can’t get enough of the gear snob videos. I’m a gear snob too. It’s a disease lol!

[@josephxiong9237]

I wouldn’t compare or review a steez ags 7’4” frog rod for bottom contact. The compile-x or new ags bottom contact rod might have been a better comparison.

[@jabojr5171]

You don't know what's happening in Washington??? They are crazy up there, lol, hope there shop doesn't get burned down.

[@lusaeteurn6850]

Great review chewy. I live in Washington state and I can tell you, we were one of the first states to legalize marijuana and so that might explain a little. (Lol)

[@ChewyThaoFishing]

Hahaha. I was going to mention that in the comment section but I held myself back.

[@emmpak]

The shimano/adrena rods have been upgraded to adrena ultima with a hefty cost mark up. Are they more sensitive than the regular adrena rods?

[@andrewperry2569]

I got the poison adrena this year and I am disappointed in the sensitivity, I went back to my legend tournament.

[@ChewyThaoFishing]

St croix makes some of the best rods for the money. Can’t beat their warranty program too. IMO, I feel like the PA is more sensitive but that is my opinion. Which model did you have for the PA?

[@andrewperry2569]

@@ChewyThaoFishing 6'11" Medium + with FC Sniper.

[@TheJigProfessor]

“Oo-wa-zay” on the Uoze lol sick rods brotha! I love throwing my Uoze’s on my Destroyer Daemos

[@ChewyThaoFishing]

Is that the proper way to say it? lol. I have been saying "ooz" this entire time lol

[@Henry-xh8ec]

Great review of some awesome rods. You should do some reel reviews too.

[@ChewyThaoFishing]

Thanks for the feedback! I have a couple reel reviews done. Any suggestions on anything youd like to see in particular?

[@Henry-xh8ec]

How about a 2020 rod and reel arsenal. Those videos are pretty popular

[@su3154]

Aldebaran mgl 50 please. Line capacity just cuz different website have different capacity

[@HBeretta]

so i got my adrena 1611+ in and i'll have to admit was somewhat let down considering the price (caveat being the quantum tour kvd 6106). was able to fish it and like the comment below i guess i didn't tighten the reel down enough and felt some movement in hooking a fish...subtle but noticed. tightened down some more and didn't notice after, although i felt it was snug on initial reel install. the action feels closer to a true medium heavy...likewise with the tip>true fast action for those wondering. anyway, my $50 quantum tour kvd 6106s perform on the same level if not more so for me personally. i guess i was expecting this drastic difference in going from a $100+(msrp) rod to a $350 rod. considering i was lucky enough to get the quantums new for $50 each makes the adrena purchase sting a little more. the first thing i noticed was that line runs smoother through the guides on the quantum. it has ALPS guides with aluminum oxide inserts. the guides sit much lower on the rod and guess you could consider them micro guides. the line i ran through was #12 sniper and assassin. overall the guides are smoother, lower profile and stronger(more rigid) than the adrena fuji sic guides. weight advantage goes to the adrena but by half an oz so it's tough to tell between the two. the power and actions are nearly identical. i've experienced ZERO reel shifting on the tour kvd rods. build quality goes to the adrena with regard to aesthetics, but the tour kvd does have a classic look to it. sensitivity does go to the adrena, but i do a lot of swimjig fishing and have backed away from ultra sensitive (have fished an NRX) and the tour kvd has the perfect amount of sensitivity for the technique. i've never been a big quantum fan, in fact stayed away based on the stigma that their products are cheap figuratively and literally. i gave them a shot based on rod configuration and the rest is history. long story short, i guess i was hoping for a lot more out of the adrena and maybe with more time on the water nuances will show up. it's a shame these quantum tour kvd rods are no longer produced. if i would've known they were this good i would've stocked up. i know i sound like a quantum commercial, but i'm still in shock the adrena didn't mop it up performance wise. the biggest thing for me is how line flows nowhere near as smooth through the guides on the adrena. another plus with the tour kvd rods is you can tell the condition of your fluoro much better as it runs through the guides; you can feel line abrasions better. basically, since you have fished a broader range of top-tier rods...i almost want to send you one of these tour kvd rods to get your take.

[@ChewyThaoFishing]

Very interesting read. I almost have the same feel on certain rods as well. Have you ever fished a daiwa aird x? For $59.99, it has outperformed some of my high end gear.

[@HBeretta]

@@ChewyThaoFishing i haven't but like most skimmed over them as entry level. it's ironic considering my findings here recently. fished the adrena some more today and it'll have it's place in my lineup for sure as it is a well built rod and considering what i spent on it. sadly, i do have another complaint regarding the handle. i'm down here in texas so this morning it was humid and hot with absolutely no breeze this morning. so before long sweat was pouring from the elbows and i couldn't keep my hands dry. the adrena kept slipping and really couldn't get a good grip AT ALL. spring and fall no problem...but with hot and humid conditions the carbon monocoque handle and how shimano has gripped the adrena handle isn't ideal as it's a constant battle to get a good grip. in retrospect i should've just keep saving and went with the poison glorious or even better the ultima. as you can see in the link the gripping on the handle extends much further up and it has a cork handle. sdfish.com/forums/attachments/bg_2-1-jpg.11601/ oh well...you buy and you learn. it seems it's nothing but negatives i'm writing about the adrena, but the rod balances very well. and the power and action on the 1611+(medium+) is as good as it gets. in fact it might be the best medium heavy i've used with regard to consistently flinging baits accurately. i was throwing a 1/2oz chatterbait this morning and it looked like i was just flicking the rod as you would with finesse 10yd or less casts, yet the chatterbait was flying 35-40yds easy on #15 assassin. oh and chewy...i'm finding assassin to be the much better line than sniper. it has less memory, casts further and once you break it in...overruns or backlashes cease to exist. you do have to tie better knots with it though...like trilene knots or double improved clinch...etc...

[@thomasvandijk7861]

What lure keeper do you use on the poison adrena ?

[@ChewyThaoFishing]

Just the Fuji line keeper. Can find it on Amazon in various colors

[@NFiltr8Red]

Steez AGS is by far my favorite, that Rods fit and finish plus the handle is so damn perfect. I’ve caught every thing and used everything on it and it’s the most versatile rod you can get. Price..... 🥴 I think the Tatula Elite AGS is by far the best Rod for the price on the market.

[@mrpopo5285]

i have one bass one XT rod that i love its medium heavy fast action 6,10 long

[@TwinTurboFX]

good review however throwing lipless on a 7'2 Heavy Fast action rod is really not ideal. all of the adrena rods are very versatile yes, but that heavy action and faster, less forgiving tip will most likely lose you more fish using a lipless or more likely bend out your hooks. a much slower more parabolic action would be much better suited for lipless. (their glass rods in the adrena line). i'm not commenting here to "correct" you but more to say maybe u would appreciate that rod more by trying flipping and pitching, frogging, texas rigs or some lighter swim baits ect because for literally half the money of all those other rods you are comparing it to the adrena is one hell of a value.

[@anthonyiadarola1201]

The adrena is a badass rod I own 2 of them. And your right compared to my high end loomis’s/megabass/steez/st.croix etc… most bang for your buck

[@brandonelliott5345]

I got one of the original green nrx rods and it’s the most beautiful rod iv ever seen. Also just got a new nrx and it looks good also just Not as pretty as the green.

[@joshpuma58]

Where did you find it? I can’t find an nrx anywhere

[@TheSisavath]

Looking to get the destroyer p5. What’s your thought on it. I have the nrx, conquest, extreme ags. I will be using it for wipers. Good video keep it up bro.

[@ChewyThaoFishing]

The P5 is on my list to get - really looking for the x-bite model. I just got the dobyns xtasy - will be releasing that review in the coming days.

[@somthegreat7430]

What are your takes on the xtasy and p5 rods. I have both. 755 drx and TS p5. I'm a tad disappointed in both. The 755 isn't as sensitive or light as I thought it would be. I personally think the 746 DX is just as sensitive or more sensitive. The TS p5 lacks the power Megabass wants you to believe it has. It is fairly sensitive around hard structure. But when it comes to vegetative areas it has a hard time transmitting information because of the moderate taper. Lmk your thoughts. I'm still looking for the ultimate jig rod. I have the 873 and have fished the 893 nrx. I'd like there to be a 6'6-6'8 rod that is as stout as possible while being extremely sensitive. I find the size my rods cumbersome now.

[@brianlee677]

I agree with the NRX being superior for bottom contact sensitivity.I have tried most every brand including the Destroyer line it's always the rod I find myself grabbing more so then others thx for the vid.

[@andin3728]

This rod is cool..how much does it cost..

[@bmcaninch269]

Selling or trading a STZ-701mlxb-AGS for STZ-721mhrb-AGS, NRX 822DSR, or CNQ842s.

[@dajahvue]

2500 dollars worth of rods. Crazy fishing rods

[@018132]

So if megabass and PA were your only options, which would you choose??? Thanks

[@The_Bass_Stunters]

Honestly I’ve got both MB and PA I’d go with the Poison Adrena if I had it to do all over again.

[@018132]

@@The_Bass_Stunters thanks. Nice to know, i just bought 3 of the poisons

[@pewpewrn7565]

Can the 74 PA throw 2.5 oz gantarel as a small swimbait rod?

[@018132]

@@pewpewrn7565 I've thrown a baitsanity antidote glide on it. Weighs around 2.5oz

[@bmcaninch269]

Have you tried the Megabass Valkyrie glass hybrid rod yet?

[@riccardocarbo2479]

Thanks again for the comparisons. But again, I wish you wouldn't stare us into a static view the entire time. Sheesh.

[@azikiwezig]

Is the poison adrena 72heavy a true heavy or more like a medium heavy ?

[@ChewyThaoFishing]

True heavy!

[@AR-Shadow]

Do a review on the 2020 St Croix Legend extreme

[@kongmengchang6883]

Do not get the rod...too expensive n don't stack up against these rod

[@raymondjohnson6496]

Do you have the mega bass mud bull rod

[@ChewyThaoFishing]

I don't - Sorry Raymond. Should i get one...? :)

[@transplant07]

Destroyer jdm or loomis nrx

[@valentinloghin4004]

Nice presentation ! The new NRX + will beat everything you have on the table.

[@PrimeWilderness]

Adrena

[@ch0de78]

where is the steez? is it camera shy?

[@payevhizmoney]

Such high end rods..... get some high end reels.....

[@ChewyThaoFishing]

Thanks! What do you suggest for reels? I have the antares a, steez sw, steez ct, steez a, stella and metaniums so far.

[@payevhizmoney]

My favorite by far are the new metaniums. Sold me steez a. Wondered why you put tatula CT and Slx on these high end rods. But to each his own 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@ChewyThaoFishing]

@@payevhizmoney great question. I also do a lot of bank fishing so it mustve been right after I got done bank fishing. I also wade in the river so I would hate to drop an antares or steez in the river lol

[@yoloomis]

What model Adrena?????

[@ChewyThaoFishing]

The Adrena is the 2019 - 72H :)

[@kelvinlloysellis5976]

Great review, I still cannot understand how G Loomis rods get away with the price tag, if I am going to pay that for a rod it better be the lightest most sensitive rod around. G Loomis is still relying on old technology with cork grips and those pathetic little hook keepers, for $700 you should get one hell of a lot more fishing rod. Perhaps carbon fibre grips and reel seats with an arrow style hook keeper at least.

[@ChewyThaoFishing]

Right!?!? However, catch them at shows or when small tackle shops have them on sale. I've been able to purchase brand new NRX's around 400-450 and new Conquest around 500-550.

[@bond3737]

say fit and finish ONE MORE TIME

[@stormyelvis684]

A Diawa What??

[@spaceman61]

I cant knowingly buy something made in China, no matter what it is

[@ChewyThaoFishing]

What about the Shimano expride? Its a fantastic rod, even though built in China.

[@spaceman61]

@@ChewyThaoFishing cant do it

[@avocato2829]

@@spaceman61more (better) rods for us, 😭👍🏽

[@davidauderset5627]

Those new destroyers are just e bunch of shit... Not even 200$ worth. Nothing against the phase3 or x7 series

[@avocato2829]

Sure bud