Shimano Expride Owners...your favorite model?

[humbleangler]

OK, endless stellar reviews and the bait monkey wins...I've committed to sucking it up and spending the cash on an Expride sometime before the end of hard water...looking for ultra sensitive while easy casting 1/4-3/4+ ounce T and C rig plastics, spoons, jigs, spinnerbaits, and maybe some shallow squarebills...as multi purpose as possible with a focus on lighter baits, lighter line (8-12lb.), and bottom contact. In my experience, I prefer the fast-mod, more parabolic rods, for just about everything except sensitivity and ripping through grass...It just feels good bending that rod over and grabbing that lip with your hands...but I'm already in love with my Dobyn's cranking rods and considering I've never really ventured over the $200 mark, I'm really looking for a standout in sensitivity. Since this will likely be my ONLY $200+ rod of the season, all things considered, anyone care to nudge me toward or share your experience with either the 6'10"M F, 7'2" ML XF, 7'2"MH MF, or 7'6"MH F? 

 

[jbsoonerfan]

I have a Poison Adrena in the 6'11 M+ and it is an AWESOME rod. I have been using it for 1/4oz T Rigs and it is a blast to use. I haven't used any reaction baits because I have other rods for that, but I am guessing it would do well. I bet you would enjoy the 6'10 M F as I have that rod in the Zodias line and use it for Med crankbaits and it has about a perfect bend to it.

[mrpao]

I have the 7'2" ml, 7'2" mh and 6'10" m.

It's hard to choose just one because they all serve a different purpose. They are all good for what I use them for.

7'2" ml for small plastics.

7'2" mh for t-rigs, jigs, buzzbaits, etc.

6'10" m for jerkbaits, topwater.

If I had to choose just one, it would be the 7'2" mh. Its probably the most versatile one. You can do alot with that one model.

[TBAG]

Wish they made a 610 MHF

[Derek1]

On 1/20/2020 at 10:44 AM, TBAG said:

Wish they made a 610 MHF

I believe they have a 6’8” mhf if that matters. 

[TBAG]

31 minutes ago, Derek1 said:

I believe they have a 6’8” mhf if that matters. 

Yeah, I just like the 6'10" for creek fishing.

[humbleangler]

Thanks all...pulled the trigger on the EX172MHA. 

[clemsondds]

Which expride for squarebills? Some say glass and some say not to go with glass due to how it doesn’t deflect as well off of wood. Which rod in the expride lineup would you choose? 

[thunderblack]

Just purchased the 7' glass for squarebills. I have yet to have it out due to weather but after handling and fishing a lot of squarebill rods in the past I can tell its going to be a good one. For glass its no noodle but has a nice tip. Could be used for larger cranks too I'm sure.

[newyorktoiowa57]

72MH...great T-rig rod. Slack line sensitivity is exceptional. 

[Abeierma]

On 1/21/2020 at 2:27 PM, humbleangler said:

Thanks all...pulled the trigger on the EX172MHA. 

I just bought this exact rod. It's on back order, but it's coming. It was a tough decision between a couple of stellar rods, but I ultimately went with this. How have you been liking yours?

[new2BC4bass]

On 1/19/2020 at 11:30 PM, humbleangler said:

OK, endless stellar reviews and the bait monkey wins...I've committed to sucking it up and spending the cash on an Expride sometime before the end of hard water...looking for ultra sensitive while easy casting 1/4-3/4+ ounce T and C rig plastics, spoons, jigs, spinnerbaits, and maybe some shallow squarebills...as multi purpose as possible with a focus on lighter baits, lighter line (8-12lb.), and bottom contact. In my experience, I prefer the fast-mod, more parabolic rods, for just about everything except sensitivity and ripping through grass...It just feels good bending that rod over and grabbing that lip with your hands...but I'm already in love with my Dobyn's cranking rods and considering I've never really ventured over the $200 mark, I'm really looking for a standout in sensitivity. Since this will likely be my ONLY $200+ rod of the season, all things considered, anyone care to nudge me toward or share your experience with either the 6'10"M F, 7'2" ML XF, 7'2"MH MF, or 7'6"MH F? 

 

Why?  I have a few $200+ rods.....................that didn't cost me $200+.  Consider used.

 

Exprides get great reviews.  Unfortunately I've never found a used one at a price I was willing to pay.  Someday. 

 

OP, how do you like the rod?

On 1/19/2020 at 11:30 PM, humbleangler said:

OK, endless stellar reviews and the bait monkey wins...I've committed to sucking it up and spending the cash on an Expride sometime before the end of hard water...looking for ultra sensitive while easy casting 1/4-3/4+ ounce T and C rig plastics, spoons, jigs, spinnerbaits, and maybe some shallow squarebills...as multi purpose as possible with a focus on lighter baits, lighter line (8-12lb.), and bottom contact. In my experience, I prefer the fast-mod, more parabolic rods, for just about everything except sensitivity and ripping through grass...It just feels good bending that rod over and grabbing that lip with your hands...but I'm already in love with my Dobyn's cranking rods and considering I've never really ventured over the $200 mark, I'm really looking for a standout in sensitivity. Since this will likely be my ONLY $200+ rod of the season, all things considered, anyone care to nudge me toward or share your experience with either the 6'10"M F, 7'2" ML XF, 7'2"MH MF, or 7'6"MH F? 

 

Why?  I have a few $200+ rods.....................that didn't cost me $200+.  Consider used.

 

Exprides get great reviews.  Unfortunately I've never found a used one at a price I was willing to pay.  Someday. 

 

OP, how do you like the rod?

[Chonch12]

On 6/15/2020 at 7:35 PM, Abeierma said:

I just bought this exact rod. It's on back order, but it's coming. It was a tough decision between a couple of stellar rods, but I ultimately went with this. How have you been liking yours?

I just got this exact rod a few weeks ago and I LOVE IT!!! my only casting set up, super versatile on the banks 

[humbleangler]

On 6/15/2020 at 6:35 PM, Abeierma said:

I just bought this exact rod. It's on back order, but it's coming. It was a tough decision between a couple of stellar rods, but I ultimately went with this. How have you been liking yours?

It's been great...paired with a Shimano Curado 70, EXTREMELY light and plenty sensitive...been doing a lot of bank fishing, lots of trees and obstacles, so have been favoring my shorter 6' IMX-Pro which I love, but any time the longer rod makes sense, I choose the Expride. As another user said, excellent T-Rig rod, great feel for the bottom. I had a feeling it was going to be a tad stiff for a MH and I was way wrong...closer to a half step down than a half step up, which is exactly my preference. 

On 6/16/2020 at 5:22 AM, new2BC4bass said:

Why?  I have a few $200+ rods.....................that didn't cost me $200+.  Consider used.

 

Exprides get great reviews.  Unfortunately I've never found a used one at a price I was willing to pay.  Someday. 

 

OP, how do you like the rod?

I hate buying used online...would have no problem buying used in store where I can actually see the condition with my own eyes. Unfortunately, not many retailers with used rods around me. Plus, I love new gear, but hard to justify $200+ tackle purchases as a weekend warrior. My 6' IMX Pro casting, 6'3" Fenwick Techna ML spinning, and the Expride will probably be the best of my arsenal for a while.