Shimano Expride 6’10 advice

[Mr.C in Texas]

Hi, I'm almost ready to buy my first Expride but I wanted to know others onions since I have never held one.  My application is top water/jerkbaits for bass and inshore saltwater close quarter open water fishing mostly with 4" paddle tails on a 1/8oz. jig.  Sometimes I will drop down to a 2" soft plastic on a 1/16oz. head or bump up to a 5" paddle tail on a 1/4oz. jig.  I also throw spook jrs. and spoons up to 1/2oz. This rod will be mostly used for 1/4oz. to 1/2oz. presentations total weight.  I also have a ML custom inshore spinning rod for the light stuff and a Dobyns champion 734 or 735 for the heaver stuff.  How does the tip load on 1/4oz total weight?  My 734 is rated down to 1/4oz. but feels like a broom stick. I fish reds, specs and flounder and my ML has plenty backbone so I'm not toworried about the Expride.  Thanks in advance for any advice.

[bunz559]

I have a 6'10 Expride and it's an awesome rod. Can't say I've tried casting anything that light on it. Lightest would be a Vision 110 and Megabass Pop Max which are 1/2 ounce. But I couldn't imagine it not doing well with 1/4oz, I wouldn't hesitate to try.