Has anyone used one of these? I haven't seen them before, but I heard that they were in the original Ethos line up like the deep cranking rod. I just saw it on Academy's website though, but I wanted to see what you guys thought. I've been in the market for a flipping stick under $100, and I was pretty set on a 7'11 H F All Star Nano. But I've already got 3 Ethos that I love to fish with. Now I've narrowed it down to the 7'6 XH Ethos ($60) or a 7'11 All Star Nano ($90). I'm leaning towards the Nano, because it's a heavy and that would be more versatile. The Ethos wouldn't be as versatile as the Nano considering its XH, but it's a little shorter than the Nano and would make pitching easier. I'm pretty sure that the All Star Nanos and H2O Ethos are the same rods but with a different paint job. I know that sounds stupid, but both are Academy's house brands, they share the same guides, same reel seats, and when you hold them side by side you can't tell a difference. Thanks.

http://www.academy.com/shop/pdp/h20-xpress-ethos-7-6-xh-freshwater-casting-rod/pid-148119?color=Blue&N=10001+97010080+4294713062

 Well, While I have not used either of those rods. I think your question can be answered by the weight of the baits you will be fishing and the type of cover you will be fishing.

I have the 7' 6" XH/F Ethos rod that you're looking at. I wouldn't use it for a flipping rod but it does make a pretty decent swimbait rod, especially for the $40 I paid for it

I probably won't pitch with this rod much. I'll mostly use my 7'MH for that.

 Well, While I have not used either of those rods. I think your question can be answered by the weight of the baits you will be fishing and the type of cover you will be fishing.

I'll be flipping 1/2 and 3/4 oz jigs and Texas rigs, throwing lighter swimbaits, punching, and throwing a 3 wire Alabama rig. I know lure ratings are really just recommendations, but the All Star is rated for 3/8-2 and the H2O is rated for 3/8-1 1/4. 

I have the 7' 6" XH/F Ethos rod that you're looking at. I wouldn't use it for a flipping rod but it does make a pretty decent swimbait rod, especially for the $40 I paid for it

Why don't you like it is a flipping rod?

It should be rated much heavier than it is IMO. I use it as a backup swimbait rod and have no problem fishing 9" slammers or Savage 3D trout. I'm sure you could make it work in a pinch, but I wouldn't use it for a flipping rod. 

It should be rated much heavier than it is IMO. I use it as a backup swimbait rod and have no problem fishing 9" slammers or Savage 3D trout. I'm sure you could make it work in a pinch, but I wouldn't use it for a flipping rod. 

If you're throwing those 2 oz swimbaits on that rod, it must be underrated.

If you're throwing those 2 oz swimbaits on that rod, it must be underrated.

The Savage bait is actually over 3 ounces