Expride B 7'2" Medium-Light as a general purpose finesse rod?

[ThatFishingGuy]

What do you guys think? For use of drop shots, shaky heads, ned rigs, wacky/neko rigs. How does it compare to the 6'10"? What reel would pair well with it?

 

Thanks!

[MN Fisher]

Pretty much the only difference I see between my 6'10" ML/XF and my 7'3" ML/XF is I can get more distance from the longer rod, but I'm more accurate with pinpoint casting with the shorter rod.

 

Far as reels - on the 6'10" I've got a Miravel 1000 and on the 7'3" I've got an Ultegra 1000...I like 1000 size for finesse work.

[ThatFishingGuy]

Do you think a 2000 size Vanford would pair well at only 5.3oz? Any thought whether the rod would be able to handle 1/8-3/16 or 1/4oz shaky heads in addition to similarly weighted drop shots? From what I've read it seems to handle between a medium-light and a medium, which makes me think it would be good for both of these techniques.

[GetFishorDieTryin]

Most ML rods are meant for light wire open hook baits, like ned, DS, finesse swimbait and small cranks.  Shimano are are a little more stout than other MLs, but even smaller worms on anything over an 1/8 SH are going to push the limit IMO.  You can go fairly heavy on a DS especially if the bait is nose hooked as there isnt too much plastic you have to punch through. 

Honestly, I think a 2500 or 3k are a little better suited to bass fish and would likley balance a little better.  Thats what most of the guide trains are designed to be used with.