ML Spinning Rod Length Question

[SproDD79]

I'm going to order the Expride B spinning rod in ML, I am debating between the the 6'10 or the 7'2. I primarily fish out of a 14ft jonboat, I stand 6'1 about 160lbs,  and I'm going to be using it for finesse , primarily neko rigs,drop shots, maybe 1/4oz blades. I know a longer rod gives a little more distance, the rod ratings are exactly the same other than length. Is there any advantages to going with the 6'10 over the 7'2? Interested in opinions. 

[LCG]

Probably down to personal preference. I have noticed that most longer rods are also longer in the handle, which means a good chunk of the length gain is in the handle. I assume this is to help balance the rod.

[bulldog1935]

Often longer rods with the same rating, much of the length is a longer soft tip.  You may get more direct feel on the deep lure with the slightly shorter rod of the same rating. 

It's absolutely true that the longer rod will cast farther, but most 1/8 oz that I fish will cast as far as I need on a slightly shorter rod (thinking of a 6'7" casting rod). 

[SproDD79]

19 minutes ago, bulldog1935 said:

Often longer rods with the same rating, much of the length is a longer soft tip.  You may get more direct feel on the deep lure with the slightly shorter rod of the same rating. 

It's absolutely true that the longer rod will cast farther, but most 1/8 oz that I fish will cast as far as I need on a slightly shorter rod (thinking of a 6'7" casting rod). 

Interesting, im definitely looking for the "more direct feel" I'm starting to lean towards the 6'10.

22 minutes ago, LCG said:

Probably down to personal preference. I have noticed that most longer rods are also longer in the handle, which means a good chunk of the length gain is in the handle. I assume this is to help balance the rod.

And sometimes that extra handle is overkill. Another reason to go with the shorter rod.

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

I don’t think stature plays much if any roll in rod choices. I’m this scenario I’d decide how important long casts are and decide on that basis. I don’t think either model uses unusual grip length but I haven’t handled them in person. 

[Big Hands]

I have two Daiwa medium fast spinning rods, one a Kage that is 6'10" and the other a Tatula that is 7'. I originally bought the Kage 7' medium fast, but the reel foot would squirm around on the Kage rod, so I traded it back for that Tatula. I have fished with all three rods, and have found that I prefer the 7' Kage (except for the reel seat foot squirming issue) and the Tatula 7' over the 6'10" Kage. 

 

I like the extra length for casting, setting the hook, and fighting the fish. . . . pretty much everything about it. It's not night and day, but I do prefer the longer rod. I am mostly throwing finesse offerings like dropshot, small t-rig, slipshot, weightless wacky Senkos, etc.

 

I have recently added a ML Zodias (ZDS70MLA) medium light power, and an Expride EX270LA light power and I am liking these rods for the lighter weight finesse offerings that I used to use medium power rods for. They cast better and do just fine keeping fish pinned. Having the experience I do with all of those rods (and more. . . don't get me started), if I could only have one finesse spinning rod for the time being, it would be a 7' ML/F. JMHO and YMMV.

[padon]

i have that exact rod 72 ml expride. i use it for drop shot ned etc. i also have a 610 but not an expride. either will work but i prefer the 72. casts a little further , moves more line on hook sets etc. just personal preferance.

[SproDD79]

I would prefer the extra casting distance as long as I am not sacrificing sensitivity. I'm going with the 7'2, thanks for the replies.