Help! Orochi vs Expride & Vanford vs Stradic FM

[GreyMan559]

Hi all, I'm looking for some help on my next rod & reel combo. As the title states, I'm looking at the Orochi (Whipsnake or Shakyhead) or the Expride. Not sure which Expride to get if I go this route. I'm guessing a ML. Also, I'm not sure if the light weight of Vanford is really worth it over the robustness of the Stradic FM. Any advise and knowledge you could share would be appreciated!

 

Fishing info:

Style - Focusing on drop shot, but will probably use for other finesse styles also.

Large Mouth & Spots

From a boat

Usually fishing 30 - 40' & shallower

[Reel]

The Expride B, 6 foot 10, extra fast ML is my favorite drop shot rod.

[padon]

i own both. i like both. i guess if i was really pressed i would go expride. the 72 ml xfast is my drop shot rod of choice. soft enough tip to use an open hook but stout enough back bone to use a texas rigged roboworm or something similar.

[GreyMan559]

Thank you! Any opinions on the Vanford vs Stradic FM?

[Brian11719]

19 minutes ago, GreyMan559 said:

Any opinions on the Vanford vs Stradic FM?

I've used both and own a couple of stradics. They are very comparable and IMO as far as Shimano spinning reels go as long as you are at the ultegra or above you are getting a good reel that should last a long time. There's actually a youtube video that goes over the different features between these two and one of the lower end  ones but long story short you get a lot more once you are at the ultegra level. At that point for me it comes down to which ever one is on sale. I have a 2500 stradic paired on a 6'10 MLXF Victory and it has been an awesome drop shot rod for me. The vanford is also very nice so if there's a good deal on that one I'd have no issues getting that one. I also like the ultegra and have a 3000 that I use on my worm / small swimbait setup.

[Reel]

1 hour ago, GreyMan559 said:

Thank you! Any opinions on the Vanford vs Stradic FM?

Here, it's a question of weight.  These reels are almost the same inside.

[padon]

ive been using stradics since the early 2000s . so i cant really comment. whenever i need a new spinning reel i just buy a stradic and dont really think about it.

[ABU is overpriced]

Even tho i prefer the Orochi, Expride is worth buying over it because the blank on the Orochi XX snaps too easily.

[TNBankFishing]

Whipsnake every day and twice on Sunday. I’ve never had a MB rod blow up but if they did it’s free replacement for a year and reduced replacement after that. Shimano has the most garbage warranty for rods, and I’ve never had a good experience with their return/replacement process. 
 

I own two Vanfords and it’s worth the money in my mind. I’ve fished higher end spinning reels but I feel like the Vanfords are really nice bang for the buck. 
 

The reason I say whipsnake is because MB is known for their rod actions, and they build/design their rods around specific baits. I’ve owned numerous MB rods over the years and for the money they can’t be beat on action and ability to present their designed bait accurately. The shakeyhead is more of a JWR taper, if your primary focus is drop shot and maybe some small paddle tails then whipsnake will be perfect. 

[GetFishorDieTryin]

IMO there is reason requiring a metal frame to a composite for FW finesse fishing.  The drag pressure shouldn't really exceed a couple lbs and that's not enough to cause any real stem flex.  IMO the added sensitivity of the lighter reel makes it an easy choice. 

Thats a tough one for the rod, but you really can't lose with either.  

[Dye99]

I own and regularly use a Orochi shakey head and a Shimano Vanford.

I really like the static's and own a couple of them. But the Vanfords weight and durability are awesome as well.

I seriously dont think you could go wrong with either reel.

 

 

As for the whip snake, I really like the destroyer, the orochi didnt resonate with me, it didnt feel the same or even close imo.

[GreyMan559]

2 hours ago, Dye99 said:

As for the whip snake, I really like the destroyer, the orochi didnt resonate with me, it didnt feel the same or even close imo.

Even though it's out of my budget, I'm curious which Destroyer you prefer for drop shot. I didn't see a whip snake in that line. So wasn't sure if you meant a different model, or if they discontinued it in the Destroyer line.

[Dye99]

17 minutes ago, GreyMan559 said:

Even though it's out of my budget, I'm curious which Destroyer you prefer for drop shot. I didn't see a whip snake in that line. So wasn't sure if you meant a different model, or if they discontinued it in the Destroyer line.

You are correct, my mistake I meant the Windbuster. Its been a long day!

 

I have a MB destroyer Landsat for dropshot. Ive used it three seasons and find it to be really sensitive and a great rod.

 

[padon]

if you wanted to go to the p5 the addermine is a great rod for drop shot.

[torm]

If you plan on mainly finesse I would go with Vanford. The start up inertia is very fast. If the Stradic fm is like the fl, you will feel a bit more resistance. While that may not matter much to some it will. Now if you were planning on using that reel for heavier species such as catfish and salmon then I would go stradic. 

[GreyMan559]

On 6/11/2024 at 4:29 AM, padon said:

if you wanted to go to the p5 the addermine is a great rod for drop shot.

Thanks everyone for all your input. Hook Up had 20% off gift cards and 20% off used rods. So I basically got a "like new" Addermine for $290! Hopefully I don't regret sacrificing the Megabass warranty.