NRX+ 490-4

Reviews

1. Rated 5 out of 5

   There is almost nothing Steve Rajeff does better than design 9’ 4-weights. This rod would be hard to improve. If you’re looking for a fast action 4-weight that doesn’t pigeon hole the angler into power techniques, you’ve found the rod. The NRX+ 490-4 is fast, but progressive, flexing evenly with each additional increment of line in the air or power applied in the casting stroke. The casting cadence for this rod is definitely quick, but it defies “fast action stereotypes” in that the timing is intuitive with distinct feel in the line loading moments. It casts both short and long better than any other 4-weight in its class. The taper is so finely tuned that the angler may literally cast with eyes closed without losing rhythm. Fish it with either an SA Trout Taper or Rio Gold for spectacular results. The original NRX 9’ 4-weight was one of our favorites in that series, but the new model surpasses it in every category: range, accuracy, line speed, touch and loop control. On a scale of 1-100, I would rate this rod a 100.

   John Duncan (Telluride Angler)

2. Rated 5 out of 5

   G Loomis has long been know for making killer 9’ 4wt fly rods. The original NRX and the Asquith are easily two of the finest 9’ 4wt rods I have ever fished. The new NRX+ is no slouch either. It is wonderfully smooth and crisp and is remarkably easy to maneuver. It is much more stable than the NRX and has a little better feel than the Asquith. I found it to be a very intuitive rod with a nice low swing weight. I cast this rod with both the SA Amplitude Trout and the Rio Gold. Both lines cast very well but the Gold really impressed me the most. The rod loads pretty easy in close but really comes alive with a little more line out. This is one of the best all around 4wt rods out there, well done G Loomis.

   Parker Thompson (Telluride Angler)

3. Rated 5 out of 5

   Out of all the rods we cast in the new NRX+ family, this one possessed the biggest wow factor. I was so impressed by the power of this 4 wt, I thought I may have mistakenly grabbed the 5 wt. I did not have the 5 wt in hand, the 4 wt just could throw a ton of line, while maintaining excellent loop control. This rod was a blast to cast, and it would be joyous on the water as well. I think the 490 can handle all situations, making it the perfect go to all around 4 wt. I cast this with both the SA Trout and Rio Gold. Both lines were good but the Gold tended to provide a deeper flex into the blank. It was a bit better in close as well. For any angler looking for a new 4 wt, this has to be either at or near the top of the consideration list.

   Jason Moshonas (Telluride Angler)

4. Rated 5 out of 5

   This is a superb 9 foot 4-weight, truly outstanding! I love the wells grip on this rod and the uber lightness of the rod in the hand. The NRX+ 490 feels like a true 4-weight, rather than a faster 4-weight that wants a heavier line to perform. The rod is light and playful while being uncompromising in its performance. The NRX+ 490 straddles the divide between a slower action and a faster action 9 foot 4-weight. I would not hesitate to add this rod to a quiver that already has a faster or slower 4-weight. With a Rio Gold the rod was superb and exuded the qualities of a true all around 4-weight for trout. The Rio Technical Trout threw beautiful V-loops that turned over a long leader with perfect crispness. The SA Trout tapers were wonderful as well and the NRX+ 490 didn’t seem to prefer one line to the other. For an all around trout line, go with the Gold and for a technical dry fly rod pick up a Rio Technical Trout or an SA Trout. Fine tune this 4-weight to your specific task and rest assured the rod will surpass your expectations. This is one of the only 9 foot 4-weights I’ve picked up that will appeal to both fans of faster and slower rods. This is a wonderful 9 foot 4-weight.

   Richard Post (Telluride Angler)

5. Rated 5 out of 5

   Upon further consideration (2nd review with new lines): This is the 9-foot 4 weight for the classic fast action aficionado. The rod sports a steep taper in the upper mid section that provides exacting confidence and performance when correct power is applied. You have to stay on this rod a little but the feeling of the entire rod getting behind the line makes the caster feel like they can lift and place line precisely where wanted. The Rio Technical Trout was the best line for me and felt like a true match between rod and line taper. The line livens up this rod slightly while maintaining the matter of fact stability and no non-sense delivery this rod personifies. The Elite Gold is good, too, but I would stay away from the Infinity taper on this stick.

   Richard Post (Telluride Angler)

6. Rated 4 out of 5

   The NRX+ 490-4 is quite the beefcake. This is not necessarily a bad thing. It doesn’t quite have that sweet feel that comes from its competition, but this rod casts very beautiful loops with extreme power at very long distances. Pairing it with the Rio Elite Technical trout makes it feel a bit lighter through your casting stroke. I would select this rod if I wanted a 4wt to fish with before having to bump up to my 5wt for those windy scenarios when you are really trying to get your fly out there!

   Jim Harris (Telluride Angler)

7. Rated 5 out of 5

   This is my favorite rod in the whole NRX+ freshwater rod lineup. It is wonderfully light in hand and ultra responsive. It’s very much a stiff fly rod, but still performs in close with only a little bit of fly line out. The rod throws dagger loops at almost any distance, but really shines with 40 feet or more of line out. It is remarkably accurate and a pure joy to cast. This is going to be a great rod for anyone that needs a good all round 4wt that excels on windy days and bigger water. I’ve cast this rod with a handful of different lines and really like the Rio Elite Gold best from both a casting and fishing standpoint. If you want to toss dries, consider the SA Amplitude Trout.

   Parker Thompson (Telluride Angler)