Shimano Expride A 7’3xh and 7’6xh

[Fishydishy]

Does anyone have experience with both rods? Both the 7’3 and 7’6 are the same on paper except for the 3 inches length difference. I have held the 7’3, and I liked it, very well balanced, but it’s sold out. There is only a 7’6 available.

 

My question is how does the 7’6 balance. What are the differences between the two rods?

[softwateronly]

I do have both in the A model.  I love throwing lots of single hook swimbaits, mostly weedless, in the 5-7" range and heavy swimjigs, 3/4-1oz, w/ 4-6" paddletail trailers.  I got the 7'3 first because it's also my frog rod, but I loved it so much I went in on a 7'6 when it was on sale.  They balance really well, I have paired mine with a bantam, but think I'm moving the 7'6 to a tat 200 this year.

 

The power/action between the two seems very similar, except there's a bit more tip in the 7'6 and my casting distance is better with it fully loaded.  I've pushed these rods to 2.5oz and they cast well with a decent quasi lob cast.  Personally, I can't work a frog the way I like on a 7'6, so both works for me.  Punching, pitching, 6"+ swimbaits, and heavy a-rigs, all slightly preferred on the 7'6.  Frogs, swimjigs, and casting heavy grass jigs all slightly preferred on the 7'3.

 

scott

[Fishydishy]

26 minutes ago, softwateronly said:

I do have both in the A model.  I love throwing lots of single hook swimbaits, mostly weedless, in the 5-7" range and heavy swimjigs, 3/4-1oz, w/ 4-6" paddletail trailers.  I got the 7'3 first because it's also my frog rod, but I loved it so much I went in on a 7'6 when it was on sale.  They balance really well, I have paired mine with a bantam, but think I'm moving the 7'6 to a tat 200 this year.

 

The power/action between the two seems very similar, except there's a bit more tip in the 7'6 and my casting distance is better with it fully loaded.  I've pushed these rods to 2.5oz and they cast well with a decent quasi lob cast.  Personally, I can't work a frog the way I like on a 7'6, so both works for me.  Punching, pitching, 6"+ swimbaits, and heavy a-rigs, all slightly preferred on the 7'6.  Frogs, swimjigs, and casting heavy grass jigs all slightly preferred on the 7'3.

 

scott

Thank you so much for the response! I know the 7’3 balances very good, a friend of mine has the rod. Does the 7’6 balance the same?

[softwateronly]

I have a bantam on each and thought they were both very comfortable last season.  I don't remember a difference.

 

scott