Shimano Expride

[NathanDLTH]

Soooo I’m trying to find a rod to pair with my Chronarch MGL 7:6:1 reel. I remember fishing an Expride and liking it a lot. So how do the Exprides stack up versus competetors in their range? I typically like Daiwa Cronos or Tatula Elite rods. That’s my comparison. My high end rod is a Tatula Elite AGS Ehler and man it’s senititve. Rod would be for walking bait and ploppers. 

[fishballer06]

I can't compare it to the rods you mentioned, but I have the 7'2" H rod and it's an awesome rod. Only 4.4oz and I like it better than my IMX's. My only gripe is the lack of a hook keeper. 

[npl_texas]

I throw my 110's now on a Dobyn's Champ XP 734C with a  Chronarch MGL XG.  I really like the setup. Not sure I would like it for walking baits though.

 

I don't have any experience with the Expride's but I do with the Zodias.  I really like the Zodias so I imagine the Expride to be that much better.

[NathanDLTH]

That helps. Thank you. 

[fishballer06]

The Expride blank is a definite step up from the Zodias.

[NathanDLTH]

I would think so. What’s comparable to the xpride in other brands?

[fishballer06]

In the $300ish range?

 

Gloomis IMX Pro

Megabass Orochi XX

Dobyns Champion and Extreme

St. Croix LTB

[NathanDLTH]

Hmm

[Drunkentigerrr]

I’m a Loomis fan but heard lots of people like the expride but only down side is warranty especially when you are paying that much for a rod

[fishballer06]

37 minutes ago, Drunkentigerrr said:

I’m a Loomis fan but heard lots of people like the expride but only down side is warranty especially when you are paying that much for a rod

1 year warranty and then 50% off retail after that with free tube/shipping on the broken rod return. I wouldn't call that a bad warranty by any means.

[NathanDLTH]

47 minutes ago, fishballer06 said:

1 year warranty and then 50% off retail after that with free tube/shipping on the broken rod return. I wouldn't call that a bad warranty by any means.

True, it’s not bad however when comparing to others it’s not great. However I have broken two rod tips and one eyelet in my two seasons of bass fishing. 

[WRB]

In the $300+ price point Dobyns DX 734C is ideal for your presentations.

Tom

[Scrapiron]

I had an Expride MH rod and it was a well made rod with quality components. Light, senstitive, felt good in my hands. But...  it just didn't fish "right"- IMHO it felt souless. Hard to explain, but my IMX rods are an absolute pleasure to fish with; same with my Kistlers and Avid Xs. I felt the same way with a Jackall Poison Adrena- super light, exuded quality, but it was the last rod I'd bring on a trip. 

[Chance_Taker4]

I haven't used the Expride but I did the Zodias. Obviously the Expride is a step up but I absolutely love my Kistler Helium 3 at that price point. I believe it is the lightest rod on the market and it comes with a Gary Loomis designed North Fork Blank. Also if you purchase from Kistler's site you can build your own rod.

[Scrapiron]

^^ this! And not only is it a Gary Loomis designed blank, it's an actual North Fork built blank.  

[NathanDLTH]

Have no desire to build my own rod, but I’m still searching. Got plenty of time. 

[WRB]

Just a guess on my part but it starting to look like Shimano is transitioning the G. Loomis brand of bass rods away from Washington US mfd to offshore made products, leaving the G. Loomis US rods to the fly rod folks. The Expride being one of the first transition rods.

Tom

[NathanDLTH]

2 hours ago, WRB said:

Just a guess on my part but it starting to look like Shimano is transitioning the G. Loomis brand of bass rods away from Washington US mfd to offshore made products, leaving the G. Loomis US rods to the fly rod folks. The Expride being one of the first transition rods.

Tom

Where do you think they are moving them? China/Japan? That’s what I don’t like or care for truthfully. 

[WRB]

5 minutes ago, NathanDLTH said:

Where do you think they are moving them? China/Japan? That’s what I don’t like or care for truthfully. 

Where ever Shimano has their name brand rods made now, that's isn't Woodland WA.

Tom

 

[rangerjockey]

The expride has been around for while. To me it looks the a U.S. version of the JDM Final Dimension.

 

[Chance_Taker4]

Kistlers are all USA Made.

[kschultz76]

Save some coin and go order a Megabass Orochi XX from the Tackle Trap at $100 off original price. 

[NathanDLTH]

5 hours ago, kschultz76 said:

Save some coin and go order a Megabass Orochi XX from the Tackle Trap at $100 off original price. 

Which model do you recommend for what I’m looking. 

[kschultz76]

I haven’t fished any whopper ploppers. Based on their size and weight, and if the other walkers you’re talking about are a similar size then maybe the Tour Versatile. But before you take my advice give The Tackle Trap a call. 

[NathanDLTH]

Thanks