H20 Express 'Ethos' Rods at Academy

[christine Cellino]

Hubby and I were at Academy on Saturday hear in Tulsa, and the salesman was anxious to show us the new H20 Express rods they just got in.  The rod line is called the 'Ethos', and they sport a bright blue blank...very similar to my Legend Tournament Spinning rod, yet with a matte blue finish.  These rods are split cork grip/no foregrip.  These rods are light; like carrot stick light.  Color me impressed.  The guides were a nice surprise as well, with the tag showing they were Fuji Alconites accompanying a Fuji ACS reel seat.   They are only $59 as well.  I purchased the 7' MH, which obviously will be a good all-arounder.  Balance is incredible.  You all should give these a look if you have an academy near you.

[Cavfirst]

Looked at these the other day WOW was my first impression also the looked good and felt good let me know how they work out for you at that price unless the blank is just terrible which I doubt considering they put such high end components on it should be a awesome rod!!

[ChiCityBasser]

Nice looking rod and let us now how well it performs. No Academy sports up this way to take a look at them.

[christine Cellino]

Even better is the fact Academy does their 'Rod Riot' several times a year, and just had one two weeks ago.  During the rod riot, all rods are on sale, and the more expensive the rod, the more $ you save.  The Ethos were $39.99 during the rod riot.  Definitely a great bargain.  I don't expect the rod to be a G. Loomis, but it is light, balances well, has a crisp fast action, and Alconites.  Weight and balance is big for me, because I'm short, and a 7ft rod is like a 7'6" rod to me.  The 6'6" casting rod was the lightest and best balanced of the bunch, but only comes in a medium-heavy.

[new2BC4bass]

Even better is the fact Academy does their 'Rod Riot' several times a year, and just had one two weeks ago. During the rod riot, all rods are on sale, and the more expensive the rod, the more $ you save. The Ethos were $39.99 during the rod riot. Definitely a great bargain. I don't expect the rod to be a G. Loomis, but it is light, balances well, has a crisp fast action, and Alconites. Weight and balance is big for me, because I'm short, and a 7ft rod is like a 7'6" rod to me. The 6'6" casting rod was the lightest and best balanced of the bunch, but only comes in a medium-heavy.

I tried their website when I read your other post about these rods at the 'Rod Riot' price of $39.99. I'd have bought a couple to try at that price, but they only offer the 6'6" Medium Fast online. Not the model I want. Plus the sale was over. Maybe next time they will have a better selection. Of course you will have to post when the 'Rod Riot' starts, otherwise I won't know about it. :)

Too bad there isn't an Academy in this part of the country. But, hey, even our Wal-mart's don't carry much in the fishing line compared to what I read about at stores in other parts of the country. Guess I need to move. ;D ;D

I hope you make a follow up report on these rods once you have a chance to fish them.  They are the same price as Dick's Tec Spec rods.  Too bad you couldn't do a comparison of the 2 rods.  I have a Dick's just a bit over a mile from where I'm sitting right now.  Good thing is they carry a few Tec Spec rods.  I've already purchased a Medium Fast 6'8" model.  Seems pretty good for the money, but there is some tip rebound action after the cast.  Can't expect perfection at that price.

[jb_adams]

I just got one myself yesterday. I had another rod in hand and was set on buying it. I started looking for a different type rod for another use and stumbled upon the Ethos. Didn't even know there was an H20 line of rods. I only knew about their baits and misc tackle.

After holding it side by side to other $200 rods, I was totally impressed. I also noticed the Alconite guides and remembered reading about how good they were. First I saw Fuji guides, then I saw Alconite and knew that my St. Croix Avid series has Alconites and I love my St. Croix rods. For the price, it was worth giving it a try. I could always return it if I wasn't satisfied.

Got it home, swapped off a reel and man is it balanced! Feels super good in your hands. May have just became my new favorite for a while. It will be hard to put down for a while.

I heard they were the same as the Abu Garcia Vendetta. If that's the case, the Vendetta have a bad rep for breaking because they are so "ubber" light. Just don't try to jerk the eyeballs out and it should be fine but I would caution against hard jerking hooksets on any rod that light and for Pete Sake......lip land a bass if it's a keeper. Don't heave it into the boat and you won't risk breaking a rod. Better to enjoy the rod than blame it for being "cheap" when or if it breaks because you were hoisting a fish like a crane.

[Raider Nation Fisher]

I've had one for about four months now. And love it. It fishes great. Id put it up there with some of my more expensive rods. I currently have mine paired up with PLS 150, and use it mainly for top water. From what I've experienced with mine its quite the durable little rod. If the Academys down here could just keep them in stock Id have a few more of them. For the first month after they came out they were only shipping like a ten a week to the stores. Now they're shipping more and still selling out of them.

[jb_adams]

I picked up two more of these H20 Express rods today. I got the 7' graphite/glass combo cranking rod and the 6'-6" med. spinning rod. I was leary about the cranking rod because I've tried a KVD Signature series crankbait rod that was a graphite/glass combo and I didn't care for it. The loose tip didn't transfer much feel to the rest of the rod. This H20 Express however, DOES transfer plenty of sensitivity and feel to your hand. If you're chunking big crankbaits (DD22 and such) all day long, you will want a seemingly weightless and comfortable rod in your hands. In my opinion, this new H20 rod fits the bill and for the price, well that's just gravy!

I looked at a lot of rods and settled on this one based on feel, weight, balance, and my recent experience with my first H20 rod (med-heavy). I figure for $59, if it breaks I'll take it back and get another. If not, I'll enjoy it and I'm not out $200 for a single rod.

I got the 6'-6" spinning rod paired up with a Shimano Sahara 6lb spinning reel with 8lb Seguar flourocarbon line. This little rod is lighter than an equal size/type Abu Vendetta and it's supposed to be the "ubber light" rod nowadays. The H20 Express is every bit as senstive with as my $200 7'-6" St. Croix Avid rod with an extra fast action tip for drop shotting. My St. Croix rod makes small perch feel like 12-14" spotted bass so it's extremely sensitive. Until now, it was the most sensitive rod I had.

My buddy doesn't care for the bright blue finish but I don't mind it. I like the rods and I like the feel. The H20 reels however did not feel as high quality. Felt a bit rough and I can't get past the whinning noise they make when free-spooled.

Hopefully with have more news/reports/feedback on these rods soon. Ready to go take them out and use them!

[Bass_Fanatic]

I picked up two more of these H20 Express rods today. I got the 7' graphite/glass combo cranking rod and the 6'-6" med. spinning rod. I was leary about the cranking rod because I've tried a KVD Signature series crankbait rod that was a graphite/glass combo and I didn't care for it. The loose tip didn't transfer much feel to the rest of the rod. This H20 Express however, DOES transfer plenty of sensitivity and feel to your hand. If you're chunking big crankbaits (DD22 and such) all day long, you will want a seemingly weightless and comfortable rod in your hands. In my opinion, this new H20 rod fits the bill and for the price, well that's just gravy!

I looked at a lot of rods and settled on this one based on feel, weight, balance, and my recent experience with my first H20 rod (med-heavy). I figure for $59, if it breaks I'll take it back and get another. If not, I'll enjoy it and I'm not out $200 for a single rod.

I got the 6'-6" spinning rod paired up with a Shimano Sahara 6lb spinning reel with 8lb Seguar flourocarbon line. This little rod is lighter than an equal size/type Abu Vendetta and it's supposed to be the "ubber light" rod nowadays. The H20 Express is every bit as senstive with as my $200 7'-6" St. Croix Avid rod with an extra fast action tip for drop shotting. My St. Croix rod makes small perch feel like 12-14" spotted bass so it's extremely sensitive. Until now, it was the most sensitive rod I had.

My buddy doesn't care for the bright blue finish but I don't mind it. I like the rods and I like the feel. The H20 reels however did not feel as high quality. Felt a bit rough and I can't get past the whinning noise they make when free-spooled.

Hopefully with have more news/reports/feedback on these rods soon. Ready to go take them out and use them!

I dont own one of these, but Ive held one in the store. It feels great, although I wouldn't call it "ubber light". THe Vendetta is actually considered a "heavier" rod nowadays. Rods get so much lighter every month it seems. Feel the Verita, it blows the Vendetta out of the water. As far as the H2O reels go, I have a Mettle and man that thing cast a mile. I can cast a small pop-r on my Mettle farther than a heavy spook on my Curado! It isnt the smoothest reel, but it can cast a country mile!

[islandbass]

A rod sporting alconites at that price point? Worth it for the guides alone. They do look nice, but no Academies in my neck of the woods. They have an Academy where I used to live when I was in high school and I went there all the time. Did I mention it was an all girl high school?

[jb_adams]

I said Vendetta but meant Veritas. The Veritas is the white one that people have been breaking a lot on hooksets right? The H20 is lighter (slightly) than the Veritas but the H20 feels stronger.

Yes, having Alconite guides on a rod that's only $59 is incredible.

I heard the H20 reels cast a long ways. Good to know. I bet they make a great jig reel for easy pitching. I like a reel that's effortless and allows you to thumb control eaaier without having to worry about backlash.

I will say after trying the composite crankbait rod, I like the feel of a graphite crankbait rod for smaller tight wobble cranks like rattle baits. I can feel more. The H20 would be awesome for squarebills and med to deep divers. The rod can cast a 1/2 oz rattle trap about 50-60yds. I was impressed. Feel is a bit light but loads up well. Wider wobble baits will solve the feel issue. I was using 12lb Seguar flourocaron Red Label by the way on my test with 5:1 ratio reel.

[sharrison]

I have several Mettle reels and they do cast well. Only thing I would suggest is opening them up and cleaning the black nasty grease they use in them. I flushed and relubed the bearings and tuned them and it made a huge difference in casting distance and smoothness. Best $50 dollar reel around IMO..

[Diggy]

look nice

[FISHUNTER]

Thanks guys (and gals) for the compliments on the rod. Me and my co-worker spent nearly 2 years designing the Ethos series of rods, and feel we have put a great rod out there for the money. It is turning out to be a great success, and my co-worker is already working on another Ethos series to follow this one. Thanks again.

[Killer Bee]

I've had one for about four months now. And love it. It fishes great. Id put it up there with some of my more expensive rods. I currently have mine paired up with PLS 150, and use it mainly for top water. From what I've experienced with mine its quite the durable little rod. If the Academys down here could just keep them in stock Id have a few more of them. For the first month after they came out they were only shipping like a ten a week to the stores. Now they're shipping more and still selling out of them.

Love these Ethos rods..I now have 4 of them....three 7' crankin models and one 7-6 extra heavy for flippin....the crankbait rods cany be beat for the money...

 

Heres my question????  I have just bought the 7-6 model and on the hang-tag, they are showing a Magnum 7' 10" cranking rod...its model number ETHOS710CC   I have looked everywhere for these rods...finally got online with Acadamy sevice rep and he found the sku 21388210 and found a couple in another state, but they cant transfer them from store to store unless in the same state...at least thats what he told me??  Are these 7-10 crankin rods NEW??? or are they discontinued??? I really would like to buy 1 or 2...any help would greatly be appreciated

[retiredbosn]

Bassninja uses these rods and really likes them. Maybe he'll show up and let you know his experiences.

[PondBoss]

Love these Ethos rods..I now have 4 of them....three 7' crankin models and one 7-6 extra heavy for flippin....the crankbait rods cany be beat for the money...

 

Heres my question????  I have just bought the 7-6 model and on the hang-tag, they are showing a Magnum 7' 10" cranking rod...its model number ETHOS710CC   I have looked everywhere for these rods...finally got online with Acadamy sevice rep and he found the sku 21388210 and found a couple in another state, but they cant transfer them from store to store unless in the same state...at least thats what he told me??  Are these 7-10 crankin rods NEW??? or are they discontinued??? I really would like to buy 1 or 2...any help would greatly be appreciated

 I have 2 of the 7'10" rods, they are kinda awesome!  I had to call around to the various stores in my area until I was able to find them.  Once I did, I made a trip and got the only 2 they had.  Also the same with the 6'10" .  Now they have a newer version that I'm just going to have to try.  Can't wait to make a run to Academy tomorrow to see if they are in stock yet.

[jb_adams]

Reviving an old thread.

 

Just wanted to give an update.  I have been using my H20 rods since 2011 now and I have to say..............they are without a doubt the best quality rod for ME (maybe not everyone but for $59, they are great).

 

I have talked to several people at Academy. I've been told they are made by Shimano and I've been told by All Star.  Not sure who is correct but either way, I've always heard they were tested thoroughly both in shore and off shore.

 

I held a $300+ GLoomis in my left hand, my H2O in my right.  Both rigged identically for drop shot.  For the amount of money spent and for the weekend angler (not a pro), it was just silly to pay $300+ when my $59 rod was just barely not quite as sensitive but just as light as the GLoomis.  Sensitivity was so close, it was crazy.

 

 

Just updating this old thread with a report.  The very next rod I'll buy will be an H2O without a doubt.

[Tywithay]

Reviving an old thread.

 

Just wanted to give an update.  I have been using my H20 rods since 2011 now and I have to say..............they are without a doubt the best quality rod for ME (maybe not everyone but for $59, they are great).

 

I have talked to several people at Academy. I've been told they are made by Shimano and I've been told by All Star.  Not sure who is correct but either way, I've always heard they were tested thoroughly both in shore and off shore.

 

I held a $300+ GLoomis in my left hand, my H2O in my right.  Both rigged identically for drop shot.  For the amount of money spent and for the weekend angler (not a pro), it was just silly to pay $300+ when my $59 rod was just barely not quite as sensitive but just as light as the GLoomis.  Sensitivity was so close, it was crazy.

 

 

Just updating this old thread with a report.  The very next rod I'll buy will be an H2O without a doubt.

According to a friend of mine that has a fairly high level job at Academy, their rods are made by GLV. I don't know 100%, but I trust his word. I believe Shimano's cheaper rods are made by GLV as well. It's a HUGE company that makes rods for several manufacturers and house brands.

[jb_adams]

Well that's 3 manufactures I've hears but that sounds close to when I was told Shimano.

I just can't believe how light they are compared to other rods in same price point. I haven't broken one on a hookset yet either. Awesome rods for the money. I wish they could expand their line to include a few more options like a heavy action rod. Maybe some longer lengths too.

[Tywithay]

I thought they felt pretty good for the money as well. They remind me a lot of the Field & Stream Tec Spec Elite rods, in color and performance. I just can't get past rods that don't use foregrips and refuse to trim the threads on the locking nut. I usually have a finger in that general region and those threads cut into my finger. After 6-7 hours, it doesn't feel very good. Definitely a good deal for some folks though.

[pbizzle]

I have talked to several people at Academy. I've been told they are made by Shimano and I've been told by All Star.  Not sure who is correct but either way, I've always heard they were tested thoroughly both in shore and off shore.

They feel nearly identical to the All Star Nano. The Nano is the same rod that Chris Lane won the Bassmaster Classic on.

[Killer Bee]

UPDATE...Academy has the 7' 10" cranking rod in stock for $59.99 online with $1 shipping...at least they did about a week ago...I ordered bot a 7-10 and another 7' cranker......I sold one of the 1st four I had to my brother...he loves it now....I figured I would by a couple more....I love when they run them on sale at the local store about once a year for $49.99....what a deal.....Beat d**n crankin rod for the $$$ ..it puts the BPS crankin stick to shame IMO

[Fish Murderer 71]

I have two, one 7' mh/fast for my buzz baits, and just got an extra-heavy 7'6" for an Alabama rig set up.  so far I have no complaints with sensitivity on the 7'er since I use it for a topwater application.  It has hauled in a 5.8 lbs bass and not problem.  I have a rod box on my boat that I call the rod guillotine so I dont get the expensive rods.  I am however putting together all the tools to start making all my own rods.  Figure its better to spend 150 bucks on a perfect rod than 400...