NRX+ 590-4

Reviews

1. Rated 5 out of 5

   This rod represents the whole NRX+ series as a group of freshwater fly rods that are very powerful but also easy to cast. It is light in hand and throws over the horizon, but what’s truly remarkable is how the finely tuned taper casts equally well at short and medium distances. Starting with fly in hand, it casts laser loops from 10’ to over 90’. Our friends at Loomis attribute this to numerous micro taper changes within the blank, a masterpiece of rod design. I first cast the 590-4 with a Rio InTouch Gold and had no interest in trying different lines. If your fishing calls for a specialized line, have no concern about the rod’s ability to cast it well. With a dry fly or light nymph rig, however, go with a Rio Gold.

   John Duncan (Telluride Angler)

2. Rated 5 out of 5

   The 590 NRX+ is a great “do it all” rod with surprisingly great feel. I found it to be very smooth for a fast action rod. Though it takes a little effort to get going, the rod really shines with 20’ or more of line out. From 40’-70’ it is sensational. I found it easy to step into this rod and drive the fly through the wind. This rod has significantly better feel than the original NRX and is noticeably lighter. All in all, this is a great rod and would make for a stellar all around 5.

   Parker Thompson (Telluride Angler)

3. Rated 4 out of 5

   My first impression of the 590 was not great and I will attribute that to a couple of reasons. I’d just cast the 490 and was blown away, so perhaps my expectations were set too high. I also first cast it with an MPX line, which did not pair well. Even though these are fast action rods, the 1/2 line heavier of the MPX I felt threw off the casting stroke. Distance was not a problem, but loop control was. Fortunately, I was also able to cast it with the Rio Gold, which was a vast improvement. Quite a fun rod to cast with this line. The angler can really feel the rod load and release line in a smooth and accurate manner. The 590 can surely perform all the tasks the angler wants from an all purpose 5 wt, from dry/dropper to nymph rigs to streamers. In this weight class, however, I tended to favor the longer length rods.

   Jason Moshonas (Telluride Angler)

4. Rated 4 out of 5

   The NRX+ 590 has a slightly quicker tempo and casts much more off the tip than the NRX+ LP 590. It is a good, even flexing fast 9 foot 5-weight with an action that falls somewhere between the NRX+ LP and the Asquith. The rod was good with the Rio Gold, but I liked it a little more with the SA Infinity WF5F (also my favorite line pairing on the Asquith 590). The NRX+ 590 is an improvement over the NRX in every way. More stable, easier line speed and more touch as well.

   Richard Post (Telluride Angler)

5. Rated 5 out of 5

   (2nd review): The NRX+ 590 had the most traditional fast rod feel of the lineup. The blank feels confident and solid and feels like it will conquer the wind by pushing the wind back. Fast action rods that recover quickly but feel more limber in hand can sometimes lose performance into the wind as the caster tires and timing falls off. Sometimes you want a rod that can just drive. The NRX+ 590 is a driver. I actually preferred the Rio Technical Trout on the rod and felt like it gave the rod some more life. I felt like I could get into the rod a little more easily and generate easier line speed as a result. Much stouter feeling than the NRX+ 595, the 590 is a great choice for a Western 9-foot 5-weight, especially for the fast rod faithful.

   Richard Post (Telluride Angler)

6. Rated 4 out of 5

   These NRX+ rods have a certain feel to them. They have a bit of a heavier swing weight, but the flex remains the same as you gradually cast more line. Pairing this rod with the Rio Elite Technical Trout lightened up the rod a bit and was a pleasure to cast. If I was planning on nymphing it with a bit more weight, I would prefer the SA Amplitude Infinity Taper. This rod can do it all, but I would not put it in the delicate category.

   Jim Harris (Telluride Angler)

7. Rated 5 out of 5

   If you like fast action fly rods, you need to get this thing in your hands. This is a very powerful rod that throws laser loops. As far as fast action 9-foot 5wt rods go, the NRX+ 590 is certainly near the top of the list in terms of stiffness; only the IGNITER 590/4 from Sage can really top it. The rod forms a nice tight loop almost immediately and is very responsive. It isn’t the best in close, but with the right line pairing it will still get the job done. I’ve cast this rod with the Rio Elite Gold, Rio Elite Technical Trout, SA Amplitude Infinity, and Airflo Superflo Power Taper. My favorite line from a casting standpoint is the Rio Elite Technical Trout. This line lightens up and quickens up the rod and feels great. If you plan on fishing heavier flies, consider the Elite Gold from Rio.

   Parker Thompson (Telluride Angler)