I spent a couple of hours casting the NFC 890-1 this weekend with various lines and back to back with my G Loomis GLX 1088-2, G Loomis CrossCurrent Pro1 1068-1, and a Scott Sector 908/4. I'll start by saying that I am not the world's best caster but I've been doing it for a while and I've thrown nearly all of the mainstream saltwater rods at one time or another. I pretty much only sight fish and I throw floating and intermediate lines about 95% of the time so what I value in a rod may not apply for everyone.
I started out with several different lines: Cortland Guide WF7F, Cortland Tarpon WF8F, Cortland Bonefish WF8F, and Cortland Guide WF8F. The Tarpon and Bonefish lines are AFFTA standard weights and the Guide lines are 1/2 weight heavy. The 890-1 cast all of the lines well but it felt best with the Tarpon WF8F. It seems to have a very wide sweet spot like the CrossCurrent Pro1. It does not need an overweight line to perform up close.
I cast each of the four rods with the Tarpon WF8F on a Tibor Everglades, a 12' fluoro leader, and a #2 crab fly. Wind was a steady 10mph with occasional gusts; pretty typical South Florida fishing conditions. The first thing I noticed is just how light the 890-1 feels despite the large blank diameter. It's lighter both in-hand and while casting than either the GLX or the CC Pro1. The best way I can describe the 890-1 is that it feels crisp. It's significantly faster and stiffer than the GLX and a little stiffer than the CC Pro1 though both blanks load similarly. It's much easier to cast than the GLX past about 60' and it feels more accurate than the CC Pro1 at distance. From 20-60' the 890-1 doesn't quite have the feel of either of the other two Loomis rods but it's more accurate in my hands, even at 20'. From 60-80' the 890-1 is superb. It's very easy to generate a lot of line speed and the tip tracks very straight and recovers very quickly despite being comfortable casting in close. From 80' out the 890-1 is better than either of the Loomis rods but not as composed as something like a Method. What really stood out to me was how much line I could pick up off of the water and how quickly I could transition from fly-in-hand to an accurate 60-80' cast. I'm not educated enough on rod design to try to identify why the 890-1 is better than my other #8's in this regard, but it's noticeable on the water.
I'm hesitant to compare the 890-1 with the Sector because it feel's a little sensationalist, but I'll just say that in my hands they perform similarly and I'd be happy to have either on my skiff. I'm sure that a better caster could tease more performance from the Sector but for me they're both very accurate from 20-80', able to pick up a long line, quick to transition from in-close to distance, and comfortable to cast for long periods.
Based on my memory of the G Loomis NRX Pro1 1068-1 that I owned the 890-1 is not as stiff with a softer tip. I'd be interested in casting the NFC and the NRX Pro1 alongside each other and will see if I can find one to borrow.
I am extremely pleased with finished product. The CeRecoils are smooth and quiet; noticeably quieter than the standard Recoils on the CC Pro1 and noticeably slicker than the titanium frame SIC (I think) strippers on the GLX. Durability is obviously up in the air but the 890-1 is an excellent caster. I'm really looking forward to finishing the #10 and testing it against the CrossCurrent Pro1 #10 which I think is the best in it's class for oceanside Tarpon.
For those of you curious about cost I listed the price including shipping and tax for the components below. Even with the cost of thread and finish and other assorted odds and ends I doubt I have $275 in the rod. I purchased the 1pc blanks during one of NFC's many sales but I wouldn't hesitate to build another one at the regular retail price.
890-1 Blank: $135
PacBay Seat: $20
Cork & Winding Check: $25
REC CeRecoil Stripping Guides: $35
REC Recoil Snake Guides & Tip Top: $45
