Shimano Zodias casting rod

[TcRoc]

Anyone have any input on the new Zodias ? Looking at 6'10 MHF and 7'2 HF as I'm replacing 2 rods in next month or so.

Curious what the new ST.Croix Rod's will be as well.

[jbsoonerfan]

I have 2 of the new 2020 models. I originally ordered a 7 MH and a 7'2 MH and they didn't get the 7'2 with the first shipment so I opted for 2 of the 7 MH rods. I kind of wish I had just waited and got the 7'2 instead of two 7'ers. The grip feels really good and they are awesome looking rods but I absolutely hate the placement of the hook hanger. The blanks are super nice looking and the reel seat and locking nut give them that JDM look. I think they might fish a little bit on the heavier side when compared to the previous model Zodias (compared to the 6'10 MH anyway). I currently use mine for spinnerbaits and buzzbaits and they do a fine job. I honestly have spent very little time with them using a bottom contact bait. I think the Expride is a much better rod for those applications.

 

I would probably try to find a deal on a used Expride or try to find them on sale and get the Expride over the Zodias. I will not be buying another Zodias unless it is the JDM 6'10 M version.

[masterbaiter9117]

i too want the 72h for mainly beast hooked paddletails, froggin and some jigs

[JohnFromLisbon]

@jbsoonerfan my JDM 6'10 medium got here a week ago and it's totally worth it. I was kind of annoyed that Shimano only offered the JDM models over here in Europe because of the whole detachable handle and no hook keeper design, but the blank goes down to the reel seat, right about where the blank would be exposed, and it's super solid.

 

I'm a sanded blank and cork guy, but I really like how it feels in hand. Balances great, especially with a Curado MGL. And the whole "carbon monocoque" butt thing amplifies any touches on the blank.

 

I tried to get a 7'2H, too. But by the time I got mine and checked back with the store, they were all gone.

[TcRoc]

25 minutes ago, JohnFromLisbon said:

@jbsoonerfan my JDM 6'10 medium got here a week ago and it's totally worth it. I was kind of annoyed that Shimano only offered the JDM models over here in Europe because of the whole detachable handle and no hook keeper design, but the blank goes down to the reel seat, right about where the blank would be exposed, and it's super solid.

 

I'm a sanded blank and cork guy, but I really like how it feels in hand. Balances great, especially with a Curado MGL. And the whole "carbon monocoque" butt thing amplifies any touches on the blank.

 

I tried to get a 7'2H, too. But by the time I got mine and checked back with the store, they were all gone.

What else is different with the JDM version?

[JohnFromLisbon]

@TcRoc not much... From what I could find, apart from the grip and missing hook keeper, everything else is the same. Same line and lure ratings, same actions.

 

[DomQ]

I've got the 7'm spinning, 6'10m, 7'2mh and 7'2h casting rods all 2020 models and love them all. They are lighter then the previous version when I compared both 6'10 models in hand. Sold all the old ones off. They are such a fun rod to use and they look great as well. I've got all JDM versions as well and like that they don't come with the hook keeper, it's in a bad spot on the north American version. I reach for the zodiac over my exprides in the same size and action. 

[EzyEric]

10 hours ago, DomQ said:

I've got the 7'm spinning, 6'10m, 7'2mh and 7'2h casting rods all 2020 models and love them all. They are lighter then the previous version when I compared both 6'10 models in hand. Sold all the old ones off. They are such a fun rod to use and they look great as well. I've got all JDM versions as well and like that they don't come with the hook keeper, it's in a bad spot on the north American version. I reach for the zodiac over my exprides in the same size and action. 

Wow.  That is shocking about the Exprides. You think the sensitivity is almost on par?

On 2/11/2021 at 7:21 PM, JohnFromLisbon said:

@TcRoc not much... From what I could find, apart from the grip and missing hook keeper, everything else is the same. Same line and lure ratings, same actions.

 

That is crazy the blank doesn't go all the way down. Is that the case for the US version too?

[DomQ]

1 hour ago, EzyEric said:

Wow.  That is shocking about the Exprides. You think the sensitivity is almost on par?

That is crazy the blank doesn't go all the way down. Is that the case for the US version too?

I think they are fairly close in sensitivity. 

 

The exprides are the same with the two piece handle and rod. The JDM version has the removable handle and the north American model has it glued together.