Shimano Zodias rods 2020

[Heartland]

Quote from Shimano about their new rods...

 

"Synonymous with performance, the redesigned line of Zodias rods incorporate Carbon Monocoque technology passed down from Shimano’s elite series of rods that set the industry standard for sensitivity. For 2020, Zodias rods couple the hollow Carbon Monocoque Grip into a CI4+ reel seat to achieve up to 30% more sensitivity than conventionally constructed models, ultimately transmitting vibration from underwater structure, lure action or bites into the palm of angler’s hand". 

 

30% better, sure would like some specifics on what they compared them to or are they saying 30% better than previous model? 30% is a big number.

[Tywithay]

Number I saw said 130%. Either way they look like great sticks. Even 50% of the Adrena they'd be a good value. 

[TBAG]

Interesting.......

[CFDoc]

Wonder when they'll actually be available here...

 

They were supposed to be available back in March before the wuflu

[Heartland]

21 minutes ago, CFDoc said:

Wonder when they'll actually be available here...

 

They were supposed to be available back in March before the wuflu

The new Zodias rods were also engineered to pair well with Shimano's new Vanford F spinning reels, and the matching colors was no coincidence. These technique specific rods will retail from $199.99 to $219.99 when they hit the market in August.

[Tywithay]

Shimano US says 130%, Australia site says 30%.

[DomQ]

I already got 2 of the rods from a friend of mine that has a source. They are incredible rods, way lighter then the old zodias rods. I felt that the old model was a little too heavy on a few in the line up. The new ones balance amazingly and they feel like the old poison rods felt. 

[jbsoonerfan]

14 minutes ago, DomQ said:

I already got 2 of the rods from a friend of mine that has a source. They are incredible rods, way lighter then the old zodias rods. I felt that the old model was a little too heavy on a few in the line up. The new ones balance amazingly and they feel like the old poison rods felt. 

Don't tell me that. LOL

 

I have 9 of the old ones and I don't need to be replacing them. I do love those handles on my Adrenas though so I can only imagine how well I will like the new Zodias.

[DomQ]

2 hours ago, jbsoonerfan said:

Don't tell me that. LOL

 

I have 9 of the old ones and I don't need to be replacing them. I do love those handles on my Adrenas though so I can only imagine how well I will like the new Zodias.

I like how it flows so smoothly, not having EVA or cork is a really nice touch. You really can feel everything throughout the whole handle. Also it looks pretty sexy.

[Efishin]

4 hours ago, DomQ said:

I already got 2 of the rods from a friend of mine that has a source. They are incredible rods, way lighter then the old zodias rods. I felt that the old model was a little too heavy on a few in the line up. The new ones balance amazingly and they feel like the old poison rods felt. 

Likely stolen from the factories or from a Shimano employee that would be in trouble lol. Any up close pics or more info would be awesome. Thanks

[The Bassman]

Shimano actually introduced the monocoque concept 35 yrs. ago with the Magnumlite Fightin' Rods. I gave my last one to a nephew a few years ago. It was a 5'9" spinning rod and only weighed 3.9 oz. Really light for that long ago.

[NOC 1]

On 7/10/2020 at 7:07 PM, Tywithay said:

Shimano US says 130%, Australia site says 30%.

 

Edited July 12, 2020 by NOC 1
misread original quote

[Chris Carey]

These sound really good. I’m curious how they would compare to the expride. I’ve got a couple exprides I love and was looking to buy another once they get back in stock but this rod has my interest. The price and promise of performance is very attractive. 

[waymont]

A bunch of retailers have them up for sale on their sites as of yesterday.

[jbsoonerfan]

Mine will be here tomorrow. I wanted a 7' MH and a 7'2 MH but they only had the 7' in stock so I ordered 2 of them.

[waymont]

9 hours ago, jbsoonerfan said:

Mine will be here tomorrow. I wanted a 7' MH and a 7'2 MH but they only had the 7' in stock so I ordered 2 of them.

Mine too! 6'9" ML spinning

[Derek1]

Can’t wait to hear what you guys think of them. Was gonna get a expride for this years add on. With these being revamped they got my attention. 

[raoka]

just one person's opinion...had it for a week or so. unique handle and i do think it transmits vibrations quite well. i unfortunately have not used the older zodias as a comparison. i dohave the last gen crucial, dobyns champions and sierras as a comparison. i have the 7'2" MH and I will say the dobyns balance a tad better, but the blank is "crisper". it loads up like a MH F, but a tad softer than i had anticipated. champ xp sensitivity is a bit muted compared to the zodias... not less sensitive, but a different feel.so i guess if you like that high strung type of sensitivity i think its good. overall great rod at the 200 dollar price point and will consider more. some people don't like the skinnier nature of the handle, but i think it makes palming a reel much easier.

[waymont]

1 hour ago, raoka said:

high strung type of sensitivity

Haha, I like that description. I think that's my style.

[waymont]

I received my 6’9” ML today. I put a Stradic  fk 1000 on it. It balances great, just at the end of tightening nut on the seat. Lure rating seems just right, but I would say it’s more of a 6-10lb line rod, than 4-8lb. Really clean build, guides are really nice, and straight too. The reel seat is very solid, and very comfortable. Holding the reel between my pinky and ring finger, I can rest my index finger tip on the blank. The taper is slightly slower than my usual fasts, but it’s a great taper. It will be useful for lots of presentations. Sensitivity seems good, it’s a nice crisp feeling blank. The back part of the handle disappears on my arm, it’s very comfortable. I haven’t fished it yet, but I really like it. It’s a beautiful rod. The hook keeper is under the reel seat, which is good for single hook lures. It may be weird for a two treble bait though. I haven’t tried it out yet.

[jbsoonerfan]

I used my 7' MH today for a little bit. Here is a VERY short review. Rod is very light and the build is awesome. I fished it side by side with an Expride in 7'2 MH. I put a Chronarch MGL on the Zodias and the Expride sports a Met B. The Zodias grip feels great, slightly better than the Expride in my opinion. The Expride gives more feedback on dragging bottom, but they are about equal coming through brush, timber, lay downs, etc. In my opinion the Zodias is more aesthetically appealing, but I don't care for the look of cork. I don't know that 2" makes that much difference, but the Zodias just felt shorter for some reason. I know it is, but you wouldn't think you would be able to tell. Now for the part I HATE, and was probably added because it was one of the things a lot of people hated about the previous model. The hook keeper. It is in an awful spot! It is right under the foam grip which is in my way a lot when I am trying to underhand cast really quick into a tight spot. I don't mind spending $3 on a Fuji keeper and putting it exactly where I want it to be. Which I will on this one as well, but I have to deal with where they chose to put this on. I have already looked at how hard it would be to remove it and make it look good. Overall, I think these will be a hit for $200 and for what I paid for them they are worth it. However, if I were paying retail for both, I would get an Expride almost solely based on the hook keeper location. I HATE it that much.

[shimanoangler]

Has anyone actually fished one yet???  I need to add a medium spinning rod to my spinning line up, and I was thinking about picking up one of these to try out.   But I don't want to make the plunge until someone who has put their hands on one and actually made a cast and caught fish can tell me its better than the old Zodias and I am wondering if this version will push the Expride line a little....? 

[Derek1]

2 hours ago, shimanoangler said:

Has anyone actually fished one yet???  I need to add a medium spinning rod to my spinning line up, and I was thinking about picking up one of these to try out.   But I don't want to make the plunge until someone who has put their hands on one and actually made a cast and caught fish can tell me its better than the old Zodias and I am wondering if this version will push the Expride line a little....? 

The post above you said he fished it. 

[raoka]

1 hour ago, waymont said:

Haha, I like that description. I think that's my style.

haha i think people equate that crispness to sensitivity, but i think its just a different feel. also i have fished it and caught half dozen bass up to 3lbs on it. in agreement with what everyone has said...i dont mind the hook keeper though haha but i wish they put it in a different location

[jbsoonerfan]

3 hours ago, shimanoangler said:

Has anyone actually fished one yet???  I need to add a medium spinning rod to my spinning line up, and I was thinking about picking up one of these to try out.   But I don't want to make the plunge until someone who has put their hands on one and actually made a cast and caught fish can tell me its better than the old Zodias and I am wondering if this version will push the Expride line a little....? 

Yes, I guess you didn't read my post though.

 

IMO, it is much better than the previous model (aside from the hook keeper) and probably just behind the Expride in terms of sensitivity. I would also take a look at what you want to do with it and what line you are going to put on it as to whether or not you would benefit more form a Zodias or an Expride. Money being no object, get the Expride (assuming a Poison Adrena is out of the conversation) if you are looking to save a few bucks, the Zodias will suit you well.

 

They are much better looking than the previous model and the handle feels great!

 

And the hook keeper sucks LOL