Shimano zodias 7’2” heavy

[Ogandrews]

Anyone here have any experience with the zodias 7’2” heavy ? I need a new frog rod and I can’t find an expride 7’3” extra heavy anywhere online so I was looking at the zodias instead. I like a really strong rod for frogging so I would rather have a XH, but if the heavy zodias has enough power than I’d be willing to try it. Last year I frogged one a dobyns Sierra 735c which worked but was definitely underpowered. I’m also thinking about just spending the little bit extra $ and getting a dobyns champion 736 which I know I’ll like, I own a champion 766 flip so I know a 6 power will have plenty of horsepower. Any info on the zodias would be appreciated, or any other recommendations for a frog rod in that 200-280 range.

[Cgrinder]

Zodias is a fairly versatile heavy. I used mine to pitch 1/2 oz jigs and frog in pads as well as throw 1/4 oz swim jigs with a different reel and lighter line. Pretty good performance from a $200 rod line that's several years old. The Expride 72H might have a little more power but I think you should not compromise and wait for the 73XH. If a 735 Dobyns is underpowered, you're playing a different game than I.

[DomQ]

Just picked up the brand new Zodias 172Heavy and it’s a dope rod, says it’s a fast tip but it’s more of a mod fast. Very noticeably Lighter then the Evergreen combat stick 7’3 heavy for comparison. Lure rating is 1/4-1 1/2 I think so it’s a fairly versatile heavy rod. 

[Reel]

I don't know if what I'm going to say is the right advice because I would never use the type of rod you want for frogging.  I prefer a rod with some tip to get more distance and precision. I've got two Zodias 172 heavy that I use for jigs (1/2 oz).  I like them a lot.  I would use them for frogs. Like Keeper said they have a more mod fast tip and that's what I like.  If you really want a stiff rod, waiting for the Expride XH is a good idea.  Shimano rods should be getting more available this week because I'm getting two Intenzas that were backordered. 

[BoomerSooner]

ALX Toadface

[GReb]

I use the 72H for frogs but I don’t throw frogs enough for a dedicated setup. I would not say it has any more power than a Dobyns 5 so you should prob pass

[jbsoonerfan]

I use the 7'2 H Zodias for throwing frogs and it does an excellent job in my opinion. It loads well and casts them about as well as you could ask for. I like a little give though and that's why I like it over an XH. Of course the last XH I used for frogs was a Mojo Bass and it felt like a broom stick. I am sure the Expride would be different and based on the Exprides I own it would be a great stick as well. I always have a frog tied on so I guess you could say this is a dedicated frog rod but I use it for jigs as well.

[Ogandrews]

Thanks for the replies. As of now unless I can find an expride XH somewhere I will most likely be getter a dobyns champion 736 spit grip. I already know I’m a big fan of dobyns rods and I like all of the champions I own so I doubt it will be much different. I liked the Sierra a lot and I would still use it all the time if I hadn’t had sold it, it just didn’t have quite the power I was looking for. Most of the time when I’m frogging I’m fishing in some really nasty stuff, and a lot of the time I’m in that I’m in a kayak so it really pays to have some extra hooksetting and dragging power. If I can find an expride I’ll get one, but I know I’ll be happy with the dobyns. I am looking for a new jig/t rig rod though so I still might get the 7’2 h, or maybe a MH I don’t know. Decisions decisions

[Reel]

One of the Shimano  Intenza I receive was a 73 H and if you are looking for a stiff frogging rod that's the one to buy.  Much faster and stiffer than the Zodias.

[Ogandrews]

12 hours ago, Reel said:

One of the Shimano  Intenza I receive was a 73 H and if you are looking for a stiff frogging rod that's the one to buy.  Much faster and stiffer than the Zodias.

Thank you for the reply, I was actually hoping someone would compare the intenza to the zodias.

 

well I ended up going with my gut and getting the champion 736 split grip paired with a curado k and 65lbs maxcuatro. I know I like how a dobyns rod balances and I know that I will like the power of a 6. Also ended up getting a G loomis imx pro 894 as a jig/t rig/ whatever rod and paired it up with a curado dc and 50lbs maxcuatro, definitely excited for my order to come in.