Anyone try these out yet? They seem to be a step between Cumara and Crucial? Would also give me a reason to buy another reel lol

No but it's getting some excitement.  I'm trying to take my dip into customs (making my own rods from now on) but all these new rods (E6X, Zodias) are making it difficult not to pick one of them up. 

Black + Red... no thanks.

I just got mine last week, and I've fished it 4 times since. In short, this rod is excellent.

 

It's got great sensitivity, which you would expect, but I think where it really shines is the comfort and quality of the rod. The build is very clean and visually pleasing, and the Ci4+ reel seat is very ergonomic and feels great in the hand. Also, which is a bit of a change from the normal Shimano rods, it has an aluminum reel lock, which is a nice touch. It's got a good feel to the action, which is a bit odd because the blank itself has a very slight taper, and is actually smaller at the grip than my previous Crucial, but is the same action. This is probably due to the X wrapping on the blank to strengthen it, but is also very light. I've not noticed any tip heaviness, and it balances perfectly with my new Curado I.

 

I'm no rod technical genius or anything, but I think this is a great rod. I'd say it'd be good for anyone's arsenal. 

 

I'm interested to read the Tackle Tour review since I'm not a rod-technical guy, I just know how they feel.

I got 2 of the new Crucials last season and I was happy with them. I like the new Zodias, especially since they're "another notch up", but they need to have a few more different length options. With what they currently offer, my needs are already satisfied by other rods in my arsenal. 

I've been eyeballing the medium light. I've read a few mixed write ups concerning actions. A few say it's pretty fast. Others state it's somewhat parabolic with a quick, crisp tip. I don't know

I feel the action is a bit on the fast side. It's weird they don't list them. I have the 6'10" Med Hvy and it's def like a MedHvy - Fast action. Which is what I really like, so I lucked out on that. 

 

I figure once more reviews are made about it the actions will be a bit better defined, like I said, I'm no expert so I'm sure the tester guys could tell you more detail.

As a custom rods builder I see lots of different brand rods that come in my shop for repair. Here now is a Zodias 7 ft MH spinning rod that had already broken twice in the tip area. First right behind the tip top and now two inches down the rod.   Yes it is light in weight but I am not very impressed.  For a rod that retails for $200.00 Shimano is using old school and CHEAP guides.  For that price it should have Fuji K series tangle free guides all the way out. So IMHO its not worth the asking price. 

2 hours ago, TAW1447 said:

As a custom rods builder I see lots of different brand rods that come in my shop for repair. Here now is a Zodias 7 ft MH spinning rod that had already broken twice in the tip area. First right behind the tip top and now two inches down the rod.   Yes it is light in weight but I am not very impressed.  For a rod that retails for $200.00 Shimano is using old school and CHEAP guides.  For that price it should have Fuji K series tangle free guides all the way out. So IMHO its not worth the asking price. 

You must really dislike the Zodias if you are replying to a thread that is over 2 years old. 

i have 6 of them. none of them have ever broken. no guides have ever been damaged. well worth the asking price. maybe he got a bad one?

I got one as a warranty replacement for an old Cumara i broke. Very strong and sensitive but ugly as homemade sin! I sold it right away...