How to choose an all purpose rod?

[Obbai]

Hi guys,

 

i only fish UL (BFS), throwing 2-3g lures and would like to expand to an all purpose rods to target bigger species such as snakeheads, which requires thicker line as well.  As this is a completely new territory for me, i would love to tap onto yalls expertise. 
 

As for my budget, Im currently looking at rods priced similarly to the Expride, particularly the 2 piece variant of the Expride 167MH or 166M. Ideally i would like to stay on the lower end of 6’ and not go beyond 7’. 

 

As for lures, i intend to do a little of everything including crank baits, top water and spinners. 
 

What are some other rods you’d recommend? JDM rods are preferred as they are much easier to find from where im at. 
 

thank you very much!

[djhands]

Daiwa rebellion 6'10" MH mod fast I have the 2 piece amazing 200 dollar rod

[newapti5]

It seems to me that you already have the answer. Medium power Expride is good choice for an all-purpose rod, especially the popular 6'10" M model with a 1/4 - 3/4 lure weight range.  I use mine for bottome contatct lures and jerkbaits/crankbaits/poppers...

[Obbai]

51 minutes ago, newapti5 said:

It seems to me that you already have the answer. Medium power Expride is good choice for an all-purpose rod, especially the popular 6'10" M model with a 1/4 - 3/4 lure weight range.  I use mine for bottome contatct lures and jerkbaits/crankbaits/poppers...

Thanks! It does seem like it'd be a great all around rod, tho im wondering if there are any recommended rods that is equally as versatile in the 6' - 6'3" (maybe 6'6") range.

[softwateronly]

33 minutes ago, Obbai said:

Thanks! It does seem like it'd be a great all around rod, tho im wondering if there are any recommended rods that is equally as versatile in the 6' - 6'3" (maybe 6'6") range.

I've been really impressed with the MC Days 692M and have a 692MH on the way.  I have a handful of exprides, but find the MC actions have a more versatile tip and find them equal in sensitivity and about half price.  There are 6'6 versions of each, but I believe the actions are slightly different in comparison to the 6'9 versions.  Digitaka has most in stock and the major craft site explains the differences in actions between the different lengths.  The days 360 610M and 66MH are amazing, but single piece only.

 

scott

[JackstrawIII]

If you’re looking for a 6’6 rod, you could look at the St Croix Premier 6’6 MHF. A solid all around rod. Or the 6’8 Dobyns Sierra 4 power rod. I think that one is the 684. Both are solid, but not too solid, shorter rods. 
 

ps. I don’t JDM much, so can’t help you there. 

[LCG]

9 hours ago, djhands said:

Daiwa rebellion 6'10" MH mod fast I have the 2 piece amazing 200 dollar rod

X 2 

[GetFishorDieTryin]

Snakeheads are popular around here.  They are mostly in tidal marshes and creek along the del river.  A lot of guys use topwater, like walking frogs, they can get through the thick tidal vegetation and you can cover lots of water with them.  A stout MH or H  is the way to go, IMO.

[Obbai]

Thank you everyone for your answers! It's been extremely helpful. The Rebellion and Expride does seem like excellent options, im leaning a little more towards the expride due to the cork handle.

 

As for the Expride, I noticed some models has a "+" at the end of the SKU and they seem to have an extremely wide range for lure weight. For e.g. the 163MH+ is 10-42g. Compared to their "normal" MH rods like the 167MH with a smaller lure range of 10-30g. How would you recommend to choose between the two? Would the action of the rod be very similar?

 

I think that a 6'6"-6'7" rod might be fine for me but something a tiny bit shorter (6' - 6'3") might be better as im a little of the shorter side.

[PaulVE64]

A rod with a wider range of recommended wts should have a more "whippy" feel to it (I find most UL rods to be whippy). The tighter range would indicate a faster tip.

But until it's in hand you cant know for sure.

[Reel]

The Expride is an excellent choice.  The PLUS + series is a later series that went on the market at the end of last year.  You should be paying less for a rod without the PLUS + .  Two Expride rods with the same number are pretty much the same.  The PLUS series is a little stiffer but not by much.  I would not go under 6'6'' for an all purpose rod.  A lengt of 6'8'' is my favorite.