What is the difference in the action of a drop shot and a popping action blank?

Thanks

They are very similar, so much so that some companies list the same blank under suggested uses while other companies have different models for each application.  The biggest difference, IMO, would be length preference and handle choice as both blanks have extra fast tips and recommended lure weight. Is the rod you're considering building for yourself? If so, I'd consider which application you would use most often and go with that blank recommendation.

I think there may be some misunderstanding about terms for "popping action."  First, drop shot blanks are almost invariably fast or extra fast action.  This means that the blank bends mostly in the top 1/4 or less and they tend to feel more sensitive..  "Popping rods" were designed for inshore popping cork fishing, and are generally moderate or moderate-fast action.  Which means the bend goes well down the blank.  They are more suitable for crankbait fishing in freshwater as the slower action doesn't tear the hooks out of a fish's mouth as faster actions will.  If you watch the pros in action with crankbaits you'll notice the rod bending way down toward the butt.  That is a crankbait action.  Popping rods actions are similar, but probably a little faster.  Don't get confused by another similar term, "hot n tot" action, which is a blank with a very stiff butt and a soft tip, which by definition will be a very fast action.

 

Before you invest in an expensive blank, be sure you know what you're getting.  As mentioned before, the kind of fishing you are going to do should influence the speed of the action, regardless of the length.  Longer rods will generally cast farther, but may be too long for "tip down" fishing, like retrieving jerk baits.

 

For me, it goes like this:

 

drop shot:  extra fast action

tubes/worms/jigging/soft jerk minnows:  fast action with fleurocarbon or braid with fleuro leader.  

crankbaits:  crankbait or popping rod action with fleurocarbon or braid (with fleuro leader)  Fleuro sinks so is good for cranks and is a little more sensitive than mono.

surface:  crankbait rod action (moderate, not fast or moderate-fast) with mono (floats, better action on the surface lures)

Thanks!!!

What manufacturers call "popping" blanks varies widely. What I classify as a popping blank has an extra fast action but with a very soft tip. These blanks make excellent top water & jerkbait rods by allowing for very subtle and controlled movements of the bait. The deeper bend of a slower action rod can sometimes pull the bait further with each twitch of the rod tip than desired. The Hot n tot description is accurate as well but not as commonly used.

Very cool... It looks like the Ds blanks have essentially the same action as the sb blanks.. So.... An MHX-hm-DS822 is headed for my building table....

That's a sweet blank. I have one for myself built with Minima guides, a carbon fiber Tennessee handle and mounted with a Ci4 Stradic. It's feather light, sensitive and has surprising power. I find myself going more and more toward ML and Mag ML for spinning apps.