6’9” vs 7’ M Zodias Spinning Rod

[bigspirit]

Looking to add one of these to my collection. Really liking the 7’5” H casting rod I got, it’s the only zodias I own. Was wanting a shorter spinning rod combo for top waters, jerkbaits, flukes, and finesse jigs. Would there be a NOTICABLE disadvantage going with the 6’9” when it comes to casting distance? I fish out of a kayak a lot so I think the shorter rod would be better for working lures but on the other hand the longer casting distance means less paddling….

 

also, for this purpose is going to the expride worth the extra $80?

[Fishes in trees]

Buy the 7' one to start.  Most/probably it will get you more distance compared to the 6'9".   My guess is that the casting distance issue is negligible .  So that means pick the rod that feels best to you.  As I don't fish from a kayak - ever I got no other opinion.

[jbsoonerfan]

2 hours ago, bigspirit said:

Would there be a NOTICABLE disadvantage going with the 6’9” when it comes to casting distance? 

 

also, for this purpose is going to the expride worth the extra $80?

No

 

IMO, yes

[bigspirit]

Thanks for the input guys. Yeah, the distance might be negligible. I know for a fact the 6’9” would be easier to work while standing in the kayak as my feet are basically level with the water. 

[Scott804]

I would go 7. Although, at 6'9 I can't imagine the difference would be crazy. Flukes and Jerkbaits would certainly benefit from 6'9. 

 

As far as the Expride thing goes, I fished with a friend of mine's Expride in a similar model to my Zodias and wasn't really impressed in comparison. It honestly felt like the same rod with a different handle, and I liked the Zodias handle more, so that is the one I felt was better. 

[bigspirit]

59 minutes ago, Scott804 said:

I would go 7. Although, at 6'9 I can't imagine the difference would be crazy. Flukes and Jerkbaits would certainly benefit from 6'9. 

 

As far as the Expride thing goes, I fished with a friend of mine's Expride in a similar model to my Zodias and wasn't really impressed in comparison. It honestly felt like the same rod with a different handle, and I liked the Zodias handle more, so that is the one I felt was better. 

This is great info, thanks for posting. I think I’ll more than likely go with the 6’9” as I’ll mostly use for jerkbaits, topwaters, and flukes. That’s great to hear how you think it compares to the expride too!

[NorthernBasser]

I just got the 6'9" med-light today. Paired it with a Vanford 3000. Super light setup, and balances perfectly. Not to mention they look great together.

[bigspirit]

That’s for sure! I’ve got a stradic ci4+ I’ll put on it when I pick one up

[ChrisD46]

On 9/27/2021 at 9:11 PM, bigspirit said:

This is great info, thanks for posting. I think I’ll more than likely go with the 6’9” as I’ll mostly use for jerkbaits, topwaters, and flukes. That’s great to hear how you think it compares to the expride too!

Unless you are standing up on the bow of a bass boat - the 6'9" model would allow you to twitch / jerk the rod more straight down where as a 7' model rod will require you to work the rod for jerk bait / top water more to the side to prevent hitting the water surface .

[bigspirit]

Alright so 6’9” is what I’ve settled on. 
 

Here’s a follow up question. Would I be better off with the Medium (3/16-1/2oz) or the Medium Heavy (1/4-3/4oz)?

 

I mainly throw 110s and 110+1s, along with some KVD 300 deep in terms of jerkbaits, topwaters I like spooks mostly which are 1/2oz. 

[NorthernBasser]

On 10/1/2021 at 7:43 AM, bigspirit said:

Alright so 6’9” is what I’ve settled on. 
 

Here’s a follow up question. Would I be better off with the Medium (3/16-1/2oz) or the Medium Heavy (1/4-3/4oz)?

 

I mainly throw 110s and 110+1s, along with some KVD 300 deep in terms of jerkbaits, topwaters I like spooks mostly which are 1/2oz. 

 

The medium, for sure..

[Mr.C in Texas]

Go short, when possible.  I only kayak fish and use the 6'6 medium casting and 6'19 ml spinning (both expride).  I also use a 7'2 posion adrena and other longer rods.  Maneuverability and overall feel improves when in tight quarters.