Thanks for all the suggestions about what rod my new Stradic Ci4+ will great look on.  It is hard to deny that the Cumara or Zodias are the perfect match for it.  I have never owned, or even researched for that matter, Shimano rods.  I have always just viewed Shimano as a top of the line reel manufacturer, but never considered their rods.  Can anyone speak to their quality/sensitivity?  For the price of one, I could buy some other rods that I absolutely love and know are good rods.  Also, I am not impressed that they only carry a one year warranty.  Bottom line, I want a Zodias to pair with my Stradic because it looks so fantastic, but want to make sure I am getting a great rod for that much money.

Don't know about the zodias but I've had first and second generation Cumara's which have all been excellent.

I just got a Zodias a couple weeks ago, without a doubt it's the best rod I've ever owned.

Keep in mind I'm not used to an NRX or Legend Elite or anything, but it's a massive step up from the Crucial

I've used Shimano rods for over a decade, both fresh and salt and imo Shimano is one of the most innovative production rod companies out there. I'm a huge fan of their light saltwater composite blanks, the Trevala S series (C4S) and the Terez (TC4) are just remarkable blank technology at a popular price point. That's what Shimano does best: modify cutting edge features into an affordable package. For whatever application you end up focusing on, there might be niche companies who will make a superior product, but those will cost you a LOT more money. If you look at the components in almost any Shimano rod, you're getting a lot of premium for a not so premium price. Economy of scale definitely in play here. 

 

The other thing about Shimano is they have a huge R&D budget, and are fully integrated into the "enthusiast" market in both the JDM freshwater and saltwater angling communities...and you can tell how their rod and reel technologies bleed from salt to fresh and back. They'll put out new lines of rods every year; they don't care all that much about overlap. If something doesn't work out, it's a rounding error in their budget. 

I have 3 Shimano rods and really like them. My rods are a mixture 1 convergence, 1 Clarus & 1 compre. I just noticed that Shimano has discontinued their lifetime warranty, all of mine were purchased with lifetime warranties. I've never had to use a warranty before, but I still don't like it.

Yes, the warranty thing bothers me with so many other companies out there with great warranties and replacement programs.  That is a big jump from lifetime to one year.  I am glad to see the positive reviews of their rods out though.  I think I will go with the Zodias. 

I have a pile of crucials, great rods nothing bad to say, but just got my first dobyns and im sold on them.