Expride vs Champion XP

[HookInMouth]

Not that we need another "vs" thread but i simply can't make up my mind here. Looking to add one spinning rod. I fish from a kayak and I'm looking for a rod that will mainly fish ned rigs and weightless senkos. No experience with the Expride but have a Dobyns Fury that punches above it's weight class and I'm very happy with it for what I paid. Something about the Expride calls to me though. Love the looks and love what I've heard about it (can't get my hands on one locally). I've heard great things about it sensitivity and that's probably paramount with these techniques. No experience with rods in this price range. Looking to take advantage of black friday sales. I've read every thread here involving these two as well as the rod selection guides and I'm still up in the air. 

 

Would be looking at the XP 702SF and the EX2610ML (Both medium light, fast action) and I would be pairing it with a 2500 Stradic FL.   

[punch]

I own both the 6'10ML and 7'M Expride spinning rods. The 6'10ML is a VERY soft moderate action rod. It's specifically a Dropshot rod IMHO. For senkos/Neko/ned rig I would not recommend it. 

 

I would very very much recommend the 7' M Expride for what you want to do. This rod is fantastic at all finesse presentations (you could even Dropshot with it). I'm a spinning rod snob and I'd consider the 7' M Expride to be one of the best spinning rods I've ever used. It's a fast action but it's very crisp and the tip is perfect for dock skipping. 

 

I'll make an Expride video today.

 

Definitely grab it over the 702sf. 

[fishballer06]

You honestly won't go wrong with either rod. 

 

My only gripe with my Expride casting rods is that they don't have a hook keeper. Maybe @punch can comment if the spinning rods have them for the Exprides. 

[punch]

6 minutes ago, fishballer06 said:

You honestly won't go wrong with either rod. 

 

My only gripe with my Expride casting rods is that they don't have a hook keeper. Maybe @punch can comment if the spinning rods have them for the Exprides. 

Nope, no hook keeper. 

 

What I do is order generic fugi keepers off eBay. You can get 10 packs from China for like $3. 

[HookInMouth]

55 minutes ago, punch said:

I own both the 6'10ML and 7'M Expride spinning rods. The 6'10ML is a VERY soft moderate action rod. It's specifically a Dropshot rod IMHO. For senkos/Neko/ned rig I would not recommend it. 

 

I would very very much recommend the 7' M Expride for what you want to do. This rod is fantastic at all finesse presentations (you could even Dropshot with it). I'm a spinning rod snob and I'd consider the 7' M Expride to be one of the best spinning rods I've ever used. It's a fast action but it's very crisp and the tip is perfect for dock skipping. 

 

I'll make an Expride video today.

 

Definitely grab it over the 702sf. 

When you get your video up let me know. There isn't much on these rods that I can find other than Shimano Promo videos. 

 

You think the 7' Medium would work well for ned rigs? Really not sure what I will end up doing more of between the ned and wacky/weightless senko so I'm trying to plan for both and with limited space on the kayak I really need one rod to do both. 

 

Thanks for the reply. 

[FrogMann]

Expride

[punch]

26 minutes ago, HookInMouth said:

When you get your video up let me know. There isn't much on these rods that I can find other than Shimano Promo videos. 

 

You think the 7' Medium would work well for ned rigs? Really not sure what I will end up doing more of between the ned and wacky/weightless senko so I'm trying to plan for both and with limited space on the kayak I really need one rod to do both. 

 

Thanks for the reply. 

Yes! The 7'm is a fantastic ned rig rod. It's really a solid "all around" finesse rod. It's very sensitive for bottom contact but you could even use it for jerkbaits or shallow cranks (especially anything balsa wood). 

 

I use mine for wacky senkos, ned, small swimbaits (4" and less), shakey heads, finesse jigs and small jerkbaits. 

 

The soft moderate action of the 6'10ML would limit the presentations, I'm pretty sure they designed it with dropshot in mind. I think the 7'M faster action opens the rod up to being way more versatile. 

[HookInMouth]

6 minutes ago, punch said:

Yes! The 7'm is a fantastic ned rig rod. It's really a solid "all around" finesse rod. It's very sensitive for bottom contact but you could even use it for jerkbaits or shallow cranks (especially anything balsa wood). 

 

I use mine for wacky senkos, ned, small swimbaits (4" and less), shakey heads, finesse jigs and small jerkbaits. 

 

The soft moderate action of the 6'10ML would limit the presentations, I'm pretty sure they designed it with dropshot in mind. I think the 7'M faster action opens the rod up to being way more versatile. 

That is exactly the type of info I was looking for. Thank you so much. 

[bunz559]

I have a Dobyn's Extreme HP 702sf and the 7ft M Expride, both paired with Stradic ci4's. While they're not the exact rods you're looking at, I can give you my insight. Both rods are great for the price although the Extreme HP is about 80 bucks more expensive. I have several Champion XP in baitcasting as well as the Exprides, and I'd say the sensitivity is just slightly better in the Expride line. Of course it's arguable from person to person and it should be expected as it's a more expensive rod.

 

Where I'd really make the decision is weight. The Exprides feel much lighter than any of my Dobyns. I'd definitely spend the extra 30 bucks and go with the Expride if possible. 

[newyorktoiowa57]

I own and Expride 72MH and a Dobyns champion, and I feel that the Expride is much more sensitive. I also don't like the full handle on the dobyns but that is my fault for ordering it.

[HookInMouth]

Thanks for all the advice gentlemen. I bought the 7’ M Expride this morning at tackle warehouse. FYI. The 20% off Didn’t show up in my cart or even when I submitted the order. It did reflect in the email though so Shimano is included in this sale but it just can’t be advertised. Paid $225. I love Tackle Friday. 

[HookInMouth]

So. Haven't got to fish it yet but I find myself picking this Expride up and just smiling like an idiot. Light weight, great action, looks as good as anything on the market IMHO. They did a lot of little things right. The fit and finish on it is simply fantastic. Love that hard/soft feeling reel seat. Just... wow. Can't wait to fish it.

 

Pairs real well with the new Stradic FL. 

 

Thanks for all the advice in this thread gentlemen. 

[FrogMann]

They are great rods!