Questions for owners of Expride rods, need a solid recomendation here!

[michael1]

I had a question for those of you have a few of the Expride rods. I’m going to buy 2 casting rods and I have already decided I am going to buy the 7'2" MH as an all-around, do most anything rod. I’ll probably use it for a lot of single hook baits.

 

Shockingly I have never fished a jig and this is the year I’ve told myself! I bought a bunch of 3/8 and 1/2 oz jigs from Mike Siebert and am ready to rock! The thing is I wanted this second rod to also double as my frog rod. But I also would say of all the use this rod would get only 1/4 of the time using it would be for frogs so the jig side of things is much more important to me.

 

The problem is I have been reading a lot on here that most guys suggest the MH for jig fishing and say it is a great option for it. So I decided to look at the recommended lure weights for both rods to see what I can tell. I am sure I would have a trailer on at all times but out of the box I have 3/8 and 1/2 oz jigs. Here are their recommendations:

 

MH    3/8-1oz
H      7/16-1 1/2oz

 

For frogging I read a lot of people really saying how great the 7'3" Extra Heavy is for that. The thing is I'd imagine that is not a great option for the jig side of things. When I frog it is probably more in open water or sparse cover, I do not think I would frog in just absolute slop much so would the H get it done?

I was hoping that the 7'2" H would handle the task of the second rod but I guess I am now worried that it might be too much do be ideal for the jig side of things and not enough for the frog part of the equation. I do not have the funds to buy 3 and I do not frog enough to justify a specific rod for it.

 

So more or less what it comes down to is would the 7’2” H rod handle the jig weight (considering adding a craw or whatever trailer) appropriately or is the MH a better choice? Also while I agree the EH would be ideal for frogging being that I will never be in absolute slop and don’t need a pool cue wouldn’t the H be fine for this task?

My biggest fear is I get the H and I end up with a rod that is not ideal for my jig fishing nor throwing a frog and I spent a pretty penny for the pleasure of a rod that does neither particularly well LOL

[mrpao]

I think you will be happy with the 7'2" med hvy and 7'2" hvy.

The 7'2" med hvy is a great all around rod. It can do many things. I throw T-rigs, chatterbaits, spinnerbaits and Carolina rigs with mine. But I dont think it handles 1/2 oz jigs well. To me it feels alittle under powered, especially if there is any cover involved.

I think the 7'2" hvy would be great for 1/2 oz jigs. And it should work as a frog rod, since you are only throwing frogs some of the time. Also if your cover isn't really heavy and dense, it probably won't be much of an issue.

[FryDog62]

I struggled with the same dilemma you are having for several years.  I finally decided on the 7’2” MH Expride for jigs and went to a Zolo Toadface for frogging.  The Zolo is perfect for that - it has a MH tip to walk the dog, have control/sensitivity in open water or weeds... but also the butt section is Heavy action and has all the power you need in a frog rod to pull the big ones out of the slop when needed.  

I found a pure Heavy rod too limiting for the kind of frogging I do.

 

Feel like I have the perfect 1-2 punch for rods now... 

[gilkeybr]

If you are fishing a jig in open water the MH would do fine with up to 1/2oz.  I got the 7'6H Expride last fall with the plan to use it the way you're describing:  Frogging and heavier jigs.  I think it will cast a 3/8oz jig pretty well even and fit the frog/heavy jig need great.

 

Long and short having a 72MH and 72H, I think you'd have your bases covered pretty well.  After holding the 76H I don't see why you'd need an XH for frogging unless its REALLY heavy stuff

[thunderblack]

Do what I did. Tell yourself its time to start jig fishing this year and then go buy the 7' glass and throw cranks! Way more fun

[Gazz]

5 hours ago, FryDog62 said:

I struggled with the same dilemma you are having for several years.  I finally decided on the 7’2” MH Expride for jigs and went to a Zolo Toadface for frogging.  The Zolo is perfect for that - it has a MH tip to walk the dog, have control/sensitivity in open water or weeds... but also the butt section is Heavy action and has all the power you need in a frog rod to pull the big ones out of the slop when needed.  

I found a pure Heavy rod too limiting for the kind of frogging I do.

 

Feel like I have the perfect 1-2 punch for rods now... 

I’m in the exact same boat as well. My 7’2 MH expride is in the mail and the zolo toadface coming soon after. A buddy of mine swears by the toadface as a frog rod that can do a lot of others things as well so I’m taking his word for it. 

[michael1]

10 hours ago, mrpao said:

I think you will be happy with the 7'2" med hvy and 7'2" hvy.

The 7'2" med hvy is a great all around rod. It can do many things. I throw T-rigs, chatterbaits, spinnerbaits and Carolina rigs with mine. But I dont think it handles 1/2 oz jigs well. To me it feels alittle under powered, especially if there is any cover involved.

I think the 7'2" hvy would be great for 1/2 oz jigs. And it should work as a frog rod, since you are only throwing frogs some of the time. Also if your cover isn't really heavy and dense, it probably won't be much of an issue.

So it sounds like in your opinion the 1/2 oz jig would be better on the H rod. I guess the question is would the would the 3/8oz jig work on the H rod or not?

5 hours ago, FryDog62 said:

I struggled with the same dilemma you are having for several years.  I finally decided on the 7’2” MH Expride for jigs and went to a Zolo Toadface for frogging.  The Zolo is perfect for that - it has a MH tip to walk the dog, have control/sensitivity in open water or weeds... but also the butt section is Heavy action and has all the power you need in a frog rod to pull the big ones out of the slop when needed.  

I found a pure Heavy rod too limiting for the kind of frogging I do.

 

Feel like I have the perfect 1-2 punch for rods now... 

My problem is I do not frog fish enough to justify buying a dedicated frog rod, especially at these prices.

[michael1]

3 hours ago, gilkeybr said:

If you are fishing a jig in open water the MH would do fine with up to 1/2oz.  I got the 7'6H Expride last fall with the plan to use it the way you're describing:  Frogging and heavier jigs.  I think it will cast a 3/8oz jig pretty well even and fit the frog/heavy jig need great.

 

Long and short having a 72MH and 72H, I think you'd have your bases covered pretty well.  After holding the 76H I don't see why you'd need an XH for frogging unless its REALLY heavy stuff

It sounds like the H would suite my needs on the frog side of things. I also think the H would handle a 1/2oz jig. So I guess the question comes down to if the H would work well with a 3/8oz jig or not. 7/16oz is the lowest lure weight recommended for the H rod but the 3/8oz jig would have a trailer on it which would beef it up some. Something you said made me wonder something. When you look at a rod's lure weight recommendation is that purely for casting considerations? So I guess the main question is would I be OK fishing a 3/8oz jig on the Heavy rod?

[Gazz]

16 minutes ago, michael1 said:

It sounds like the H would suite my needs on the frog side of things. I also think the H would handle a 1/2oz jig. So I guess the question comes down to if the H would work well with a 3/8oz jig or not. 7/16oz is the lowest lure weight recommended for the H rod but the 3/8oz jig would have a trailer on it which would beef it up some. Something you said made me wonder something. When you look at a rod's lure weight recommendation is that purely for casting considerations? So I guess the main question is would I be OK fishing a 3/8oz jig on the Heavy rod?

I wouldn't necessarily consider the toadface a dedicated frog rod. I think that's why he mentions it. I should handle frogs and 1/2 oz jigs very well which seems to be what you are looking for. If you are solely looking to stay with the expride then that's different. I personally am getting the toadface to have a really nice frog rod that I can use for jigs and other things while I'm not frogging. I don't frog all that much either so the toadface should be great for heavier jigs when not frogging. It is also designed for swimjigs as well as frogs. Just something to consider. 

[mrpao]

The 7'2" hvy shouldn't have any issues with throwing a 3/8 oz jig.

A 3/8 oz jig may be close to 3/4 oz by the time you add a trailer.

Most of my 1/2 oz jigs are close to 1 oz with the trailer. 

[michael1]

38 minutes ago, mrpao said:

The 7'2" hvy shouldn't have any issues with throwing a 3/8 oz jig.

A 3/8 oz jig may be close to 3/4 oz by the time you add a trailer.

Most of my 1/2 oz jigs are close to 1 oz with the trailer. 

Assuming what you are saying is true why is it pretty much all the posts all over this site and other forums I have checked have said the MH is the best route for the 3/8 to 1/2oz jig? I have never owned the same exact rod with one being an MH and the other being a H, is there not much difference and do they sort of overlap what you could do with them? I was kind do hoping someone who owns the 7'2" H Expride could weigh in here on how it would do with 3/8 oz jigs.

[Beeno]

Didn’t really read all the arguments but I would recommend going heavy. 

[FryDog62]

3 hours ago, michael1 said:

So it sounds like in your opinion the 1/2 oz jig would be better on the H rod. I guess the question is would the would the 3/8oz jig work on the H rod or not?

My problem is I do not frog fish enough to justify buying a dedicated frog rod, especially at these prices.

The Toadface is also touted as a great swim jig and Chatterbait rod.  In fact I used my Toadface 90% last year for Chatterbaits and it was excellent.  Problem was I used a different 7’2” Heavy rod for frogging and it was disappointing.  Bottom line is both the Expride and Toadface are very versatile rods, but if you have to choose one rod and a priority is frogging, I would go with the Toadface.  ?

[Beeno]

1 hour ago, mrpao said:

The 7'2" hvy shouldn't have any issues with throwing a 3/8 oz jig.

A 3/8 oz jig may be close to 3/4 oz by the time you add a trailer.

Most of my 1/2 oz jigs are close to 1 oz with the trailer. 

This^^^^^^^^

[Fishjak]

An Expride addict here ?

7’0” M-Spinning 

6’8” ML Glass

7’2” MH Glass

7’2” ML+
7’2” MH

7’2” H

7’6” MH

7’6” H

I was in your similar situation last year (but Frog rod related). I’m up here in the Pacific NW where our northern strain of LM or fishing conditions aren’t nearly as big and treacherous as the other parts of the country.

 

I’ll dive into jig rod first. In my opinion 7’2” MH really shines with a 3/8oz jig. I had two of them but my Dad loves it so much that I gave it one to him. I use mine around docks and shallow situations. It also shines as T-rigs (worms or creature baits). At times, the rod is used for Keitech 3.8 or 4.3 with an underspin. It is also a great chatterbait rod if needed. The rod has a really semi soft tip compared to its cousins the Zodias line up.
 

Just recently got the 7’2” H for mainly frog use. In the past I’ve been using the 7’5” XH Zodias and felt that rod was way too stiff!!! The 7’2” H Expride sure fits the bill; definitely has the semi soft tip with little efforts for frog movement and a strong backbone to pull those fish out in somewhat thick covers. The 7’2” H can definitely be doubled as a jig rod also (1/2oz jig easily). 
 

In my opinion......you are on the right track on the applications that you want with those two rods. Expride lineups are great “mid-price” rods that is very light and sensitive and somewhat an eye candy. 

 

 

[michael1]

35 minutes ago, Fishjak said:

An Expride addict here ?

7’0” M-Spinning 

6’8” ML Glass

7’2” MH Glass

7’2” ML+
7’2” MH

7’2” H

7’6” MH

7’6” H

I was in your similar situation last year (but Frog rod related). I’m up here in the Pacific NW where our northern strain of LM or fishing conditions aren’t nearly as big and treacherous as the other parts of the country.

 

I’ll dive into jig rod first. In my opinion 7’2” MH really shines with a 3/8oz jig. I had two of them but my Dad loves it so much that I gave it one to him. I use mine around docks and shallow situations. It also shines as T-rigs (worms or creature baits). At times, the rod is used for Keitech 3.8 or 4.3 with an underspin. It is also a great chatterbait rod if needed. The rod has a really semi soft tip compared to its cousins the Zodias line up.
 

Just recently got the 7’2” H for mainly frog use. In the past I’ve been using the 7’5” XH Zodias and felt that rod was way too stiff!!! The 7’2” H Expride sure fits the bill; definitely has the semi soft tip with little efforts for frog movement and a strong backbone to pull those fish out in somewhat thick covers. The 7’2” H can definitely be doubled as a jig rod also (1/2oz jig easily). 
 

In my opinion......you are on the right track on the applications that you want with those two rods. Expride lineups are great “mid-price” rods that is very light and sensitive and somewhat an eye candy. 

 

 

What would you say to a 3/8oz jig (with trailer weight) on the 7’2" Heavy? If that rod were "too much" for a 3/8oz jig how would the problem manifest? Can't cast it very well? Setting the hook? Issue when fighting the fish? I guess I'm asking if it were a bad "pairing" what would be the signs of that or what problems would arise?

[The Maestro]

How's the 7'2" MH Expride for lipless cranks and spinnerbaits?

[Fishjak]

2 hours ago, michael1 said:

What would you say to a 3/8oz jig (with trailer weight) on the 7’2" Heavy? If that rod were "too much" for a 3/8oz jig how would the problem manifest? Can't cast it very well? Setting the hook? Issue when fighting the fish? I guess I'm asking if it were a bad "pairing" what would be the signs of that or what problems would arise?

It will work just fine. However, when I “pitch” I like to feel the tip of my rod load alittle bit. So a 1/2oz with trailer of your choice is more ideal for me on the 7’2” H. Also most jigs size of 3/8 vs 1/2oz pretty much are the same size/profile. It just that the 1/2oz jig rate of fall is faster (so that is a thing to consider). But overall the jigs I use looks almost identical in size/profile. Another plus for the “H” rod is that you can go heavier such as 3/4oz or even a 1oz football jig if your fishing open deeper waters. The “H” will/would give you a better hook set in open/deeper waters.

Basically it comes down to user preference.....as both rods has the necessary backbone to land your average bass.

[michael1]

5 hours ago, Fishjak said:

It will work just fine. However, when I “pitch” I like to feel the tip of my rod load alittle bit. So a 1/2oz with trailer of your choice is more ideal for me on the 7’2” H. Also most jigs size of 3/8 vs 1/2oz pretty much are the same size/profile. It just that the 1/2oz jig rate of fall is faster (so that is a thing to consider). But overall the jigs I use looks almost identical in size/profile. Another plus for the “H” rod is that you can go heavier such as 3/4oz or even a 1oz football jig if your fishing open deeper waters. The “H” will/would give you a better hook set in open/deeper waters.

Basically it comes down to user preference.....as both rods has the necessary backbone to land your average bass.

With this rod if I want to "pitch" soft plastics like a Rage Bug or Craw or something with anything from 1/4 to 1/2oz tungsten on it would that change your recommendation as to the MH or H? Being new to pitching jigs and such generally would it be easier (and more accurate) to use a MH or H rod? I would assume the MH because it has a softer tip?

[Cgrinder]

I have no issues with half or 3/8 oz jigs on the 72H. 1/4 and chunk is not bad either but not great.

[michael1]

If there were a "problem" with a 3/8 oz jig with trailer and the 7'2" Heavy rod what would be the problem? Casting/pitching issues?

[Gazz]

I think you might be over thinking it a bit at this point. Getting both the MH and the H will likely cover everything you’re talking about. Once you get them, try both setups with your desired Jig sizes and see which one feels better to you. I have a H setup that I’ve used for 3/8 oz jigs and it didn’t feel right so I tried it on one of my stiffer MH setups and it feels great. Just have to try different things and fee it in your hands. You will cover mostly everything you need with the MH and H though. Just at a medium spinning rod and you’re pretty well covered until you want to start to get really detailed. 

[newyorktoiowa57]

On 4/17/2020 at 2:55 PM, FryDog62 said:

The Toadface is also touted as a great swim jig and Chatterbait rod.  In fact I used my Toadface 90% last year for Chatterbaits and it was excellent.  Problem was I used a different 7’2” Heavy rod for frogging and it was disappointing.  Bottom line is both the Expride and Toadface are very versatile rods, but if you have to choose one rod and a priority is frogging, I would go with the Toadface.  ?

What rod was a "disappointment"?

[Teal]

I'm not an experide user, so I have no clue about the tolerances of a mh versus a heavy.  ( guys who own them can tell you more about how the tip reacts).  But to the comment about a using a heavy versus a MH for a 3/8 jig and and trailer or craw could come down to the cover that you fish it in and ther eother applications that you want to use the rod for.  

[FryDog62]

4 hours ago, newyorktoiowa57 said:

What rod was a "disappointment"?

I have a Tatula 7’2” Heavy which is a great rod for flipping jigs, but the tip was too powerful to walk the dog with frog set ups.  Toadface is much better - MH tip and then the Heavy power butt section when you need it.