Shimano Expride Vs Zodias

[GoneFishingLTN]

When do you want to go with the shimano zodias over the expride? what techniques would it be better for since I'm assuming you don't need such a high end rod for certain techniques. Or would you just go with all Expride 

[illinifan4152]

I use my zodias for reaction mostly but they can still hold their own in the sensitivity department for bottom contact. The 7’2  mh zodias is great for swim jigs, chatterbaits, buzz baits, heavier keitechs etc. I use the 6’10 mf zodias for topwaters and and a backup jerkbait rod to my Expride. I use my Exprides almost exclusively for bottom contact due to their added sensitivity. Bottom line you could do everything with both if you wanted to stick with just one line of rod. Obviously if you can afford all Exprides I would go that route due to added sensitivity and aesthetics, as I prefer the thicker cork handle to the slimmer Eva. Both rods are great. Can’t go wrong with either.

[mrpao]

Pretty much what is stated above.

If you can afford it go with the exprides.

They are lighter, more sensitive and personally I think better looking.

[GoneFishingLTN]

Thank you that pretty much sums it up. Now my next question how do you know exactly which rods are recommend for certain techniques I know the basics of what the power/actions are supposed to be fore x techniques but does anyone really break it down?

[Matt_3479]

I agree with as long as money allows it always buy the best you can afford unless the specific technique your looking to do isn’t really offered in that line of rod example being deep cranking stick. Offered in the zodias but not expride! 

 

1 hour ago, GoneFishingLTN said:

Thank you that pretty much sums it up. Now my next question how do you know exactly which rods are recommend for certain techniques I know the basics of what the power/actions are supposed to be fore x techniques but does anyone really break it down?

 

Not a bad way to start is obviously research. Dobyns and g.loomis both offer technique specific rods and they list what there use is for. So looking at there rods and finding a comparative in the expride would be one way. Asking here when looking for a specific rod works well as a whole the boys around here have fished every stick available 

[punch]

3 hours ago, GoneFishingLTN said:

Thank you that pretty much sums it up. Now my next question how do you know exactly which rods are recommend for certain techniques I know the basics of what the power/actions are supposed to be fore x techniques but does anyone really break it down?

What techniques to you like to fish? I love the Expride line, I have 6 of them now. 

[GoneFishingLTN]

On 9/21/2019 at 10:10 PM, punch said:

What techniques to you like to fish? I love the Expride line, I have 6 of them now. 

Main rod would be for 

pitching jigs (7/7 hvy any good for this) worried about not being able to pitch lighter weights with this

 

 

[punch]

3 hours ago, GoneFishingLTN said:

Main rod would be for 

pitching jigs (7/7 hvy any good for this) worried about not being able to pitch lighter weights with this

 

 

What size jigs? 

[GoneFishingLTN]

I was looking for a rod that would pitch 3/8-1/2.  
then I’m assuming the 1/2 to 3/4 would be the 7/6hvy rod

[punch]

Just now, GoneFishingLTN said:

I was looking for a rod that would pitch 3/8-1/2.  
then I’m assuming the 1/2 to 3/4 would be the 7/6hvy rod

The 7'2 MH would be perfect for 3/8th & 1/2oz, plus it does a ton of other things well like swim jigs.. spinner baits.. texas rigs. It's a really good all around stick. 

[shoman]

Hope this isn't too late to post to this thread.  I'm looking at the Expride and the Zodias.  Money is not a factor in this decision.  I have only ever fished 6 ft and smaller rods for freshwater.  I've thrown longer spinning rods for Saltwater but I don't really call that "accurate" casting.

 

I'm looking at the 6'10 Medium Power Fast Action Expride to use with my my Metanium DC.  I am fishing mostly SWFL canals and pond/lakes from the bank.  Don't have a boat or a friend with a boat. Catching Largemouth, Myan Cichlids, Peacock Bass,  and what ever else chomps on my crank baits spinners, and jigs.

 I want to know if using these shorter rods is a disadvantage?  Will I gain anything by going to a 6'10" rod?  For whatever reason long rods always just seem cumbersome. Seems  like I'm always getting them caught in brush, bushes, overhead trees, the car door... the house door.  Guess I'm a little clumsy.

Thanks for your input.

[Stephen B]

The best advice is to use what you are comfortable with. I don't think its too short. It's a great rod as it is so versatile

[mrpao]

The 6'10" med would be better suited for crankbaits and other treble hook lures.

It may be decent with small spinnerbaits. Never tried it yet.

It probably wouldn't be too good with jigs.

The rod is more of a moderate taper and you won't get a decent hookset with a jig.

Most people, including myself, use this particular model for jerkbaits and topwaters.

[shoman]

Thanks a lot.  That is exactly what I use the most,  crankbaits and  small spinners.  Feeling good about the purchase now.  Got Black Friday 20% off on that rod and a Shimano Metanium from TheHookUpTackle.  Hope I didn't buy too soon. Shimano has not released anything about their 2020 line up yet, least not that I've seen. Caught this small Peacock during a lunch break.  The Myan is just one from last weekend.  Hey they're all fun.

Edited November 26, 2019 by shoman
crop pic

[Boomstick]

It's pretty much what you can afford and if you aren't sure, my general rule of thumb is if you are using it for moving baits when the fish often tend to hammer it and you don't have to worry as much about missing bites, I would be inclined to go for the cheaper rod and if you are using it to fish soft plastics and jigs on a hot summer or winter day for finicky fish then you'll appreciate the better rod.

[bunz559]

Go with more expensive and sensitive for any bottom contact and slow moving baits. You can go a bit cheaper for baits that are moving.