Jerk Bait Rod - Shimano Expride vs St Croix Legend Tournament

[McBass19]

Looking for someone who has used both the 6'10 Expride and 6'8 LTB jerkbait rods. Which do you prefer and why? I have used the older LTB and it seems to be pretty good but hear great things about the Expride as well. I like the idea of the longer Expride for casting distance and I'm 6'2 so it likely won't be slapping the water. Either rod would be paired with a Curado 70MGL.

[Wildbillb]

Are the handles the same length?

[McBass19]

6 hours ago, Wildbillb said:

Are the handles the same length?

They are very close. The Expride handle is a bit longer than the Legend. 

[Hulkster]

if you are looking for longer casts, can you go even longer?

 

Over the past several years I have made the switch to 7'5 and 7'6 casting and spinning rods and I notice a big difference in casting distance over the 6'6 and 7 foot rods. 

 

 

[McBass19]

5 hours ago, Hulkster said:

if you are looking for longer casts, can you go even longer?

 

Over the past several years I have made the switch to 7'5 and 7'6 casting and spinning rods and I notice a big difference in casting distance over the 6'6 and 7 foot rods. 

 

 

I think 7'6 would be a bit long as I'd be slapping the water for sure then. I have considered using a longer spinning rod for when i need to make a really long cast. but for the most part I don't need to make super long casts but would like to maxiize casting distance. I find if I don't need to a super long cast for skiddish fish, I land way more with a moderately long cast and I also find if I make a super long cast the line ends up drifting by the time I'm 2/3 of the way back to the boat. 

[Texas Flood]

I cant speak on the Expride but I love using the Legend rod for jerkbaits. Thinking about getting another one.

[thunderblack]

I too like longer rods for jerkbait fishing. A 7'-6" will cast a 110 across the lake. Love it .

[Randy Price]

Something to consider in your selection that the SC LTB has a 15 year warranty whereas I believe the Expride only has a 1 year warranty.  Someone please correct me if I am wrong.

[thunderblack]

2 minutes ago, Randy Price said:

Something to consider in your selection that the SC LTB has a 15 year warranty whereas I believe the Expride only has a 1 year warranty.  Someone please correct me if I am wrong.

and the SC warranty is transferable. The new LTB rods are nice!