Shimano expride 7’3 MH fast vs. 7’2 heavy fast vs 7’3” heavy extra fast

[stk44]

Hi all,

 

I am looking for some input on the expride rods mentioned in the title. I plan on fishing Texas rigged plastics with an 1/8”-3/16” weight on 40lb braid around wood (sometimes pretty thick laydowns) or in grass. What rod would be best suited for this?

 

I actually have two rods that do well for this application, but I plan on picking up another (different rod). For reference the two rods are a 7’0 mh st croix legend x and a Dobyns champion extreme 7’ mag heavy. I’m not overly familiar with the shimano line up so I’m not sure if I would be better suited with the medium heavy or the 7’2/7’3 heavy. If someone could help guide me I would greatly appreciate it.

 

Thanks,

Steve 

[PBBrandon]

That Champ Extreme 705 should be a pretty good rod for that. If you are wanting another rod for that purpose though, the 7’2” HF should work. The Expride B line runs a tad stiffer than the rating suggests.

[stk44]

23 minutes ago, PBBrandon said:

That Champ Extreme 705 should be a pretty good rod for that. If you are wanting another rod for that purpose though, the 7’2” HF should work. The Expride B line runs a tad stiffer than the rating suggests.

So would the 7’2 heavy fast expride be more stiff than the champ extreme 705?
 

My impression of the legend x is that it fishes heavier than its rating (like a heavy) and the 705 champ extreme fishes more like a heavy (lighter than rated). 

[PBBrandon]

1 hour ago, stk44 said:

So would the 7’2 heavy fast expride be more stiff than the champ extreme 705?
 

My impression of the legend x is that it fishes heavier than its rating (like a heavy) and the 705 champ extreme fishes more like a heavy (lighter than rated). 

Im not too sure about the 7’2” heavy exactly, but I had a 7’2” MH for a while and I have the 7’0” M spinning Expride B. They both are just a smidge stiff. Maybe 1/4-1/2 a power.

 

My 755c Xtasy is pretty much a dead on heavy. My Croixs I don’t even pay attention to the power rating, just the line and lure rating. Some are heavier, some are lighter.

 

I’d guess the 7’2” H Expride would be maybe a bit stouter than the Champ, but it’d be really close. Do you live near a store where you could get your hands on one? That does tend to get dangerous with those Exprides though, you might forget to put it down and walk out with it lol

[stk44]

42 minutes ago, PBBrandon said:

Im not too sure about the 7’2” heavy exactly, but I had a 7’2” MH for a while and I have the 7’0” M spinning Expride B. They both are just a smidge stiff. Maybe 1/4-1/2 a power.

 

My 755c Xtasy is pretty much a dead on heavy. My Croixs I don’t even pay attention to the power rating, just the line and lure rating. Some are heavier, some are lighter.

 

I’d guess the 7’2” H Expride would be maybe a bit stouter than the Champ, but it’d be really close. Do you live near a store where you could get your hands on one? That does tend to get dangerous with those Exprides though, you might forget to put it down and walk out with it lol

Thanks for the reply. Unfortunately, there are no good stores near me that sell rods much higher than the $200 price point, so it’s really hard to handle them prior to buying. I’m kind of leaning towards the 7’2 heavy, but I’ll try to do some more research. I’ve heard the extra heavy is a broomstick, so I probably won’t go that route.  

[Str8BraidPowa]

I have all three of these Exprides, and if I had to pick one all around I would choose the 7'2" Heavy. The 7'3 XXH is pretty stiff I only frog and punch with a big weights with it. The MH is great for smaller T rigs and jigs but not around super heavy cover.

[stk44]

2 hours ago, Str8BraidPowa said:

I have all three of these Exprides, and if I had to pick one all around I would choose the 7'2" Heavy. The 7'3 XXH is pretty stiff I only frog and punch with a big weights with it. The MH is great for smaller T rigs and jigs but not around super heavy cover.

Thanks! In your opinion, would a tube or other soft plastic with a 1/8 oz or 3/16 oz sinker fish well with the 7’2” heavy? 

[Str8BraidPowa]

I don't think so, its a little too stiff, the lightest I go is a 3/8" jig with craw trailer, or if I'm running a Trig with an 1/8 oz sinker it is with a larger heavier worm  12" (ol monster) or full size creature bait.

[Maverick2017]

I’d vote for the 7’3” medium heavy since to offset the 40lb braid. From experience, that combo keeps them nice and buttoned. I find going heavier has a tendency to rip the bait from them and make a larger hole in their mouth which can increase your risk for losing fish. 

 

My $0.02

[stk44]

22 hours ago, Str8BraidPowa said:

I don't think so, its a little too stiff, the lightest I go is a 3/8" jig with craw trailer, or if I'm running a Trig with an 1/8 oz sinker it is with a larger heavier worm  12" (ol monster) or full size creature bait.

What about 3/16 oz weight with a rage punch bug, tube, or senko? Is that still a little overkill? 

[Str8BraidPowa]

It could be done, but I think you will be disappointed with accuracy and/or distance. I use my 7'2" or 6'10"MH for that stuff.