Both the Shimano Crucial and Shimano Zodias look very nice and have great reviews. However, the Zodias is only $20 more, so what's the catch? Is it more preference of handle (crucial cork vs zodias eva) or is the zodias really that much better performance wise?

Thanks for any input!

The Zodias rods are serious business. It seems that when Shimano got rid of the lifetime warranty, they put the savings into the rods. I have the 7'2" H and it's an excellent rod for frogs but still fishes a 1/8 oz swim jig and 4" Easy Shiner. Very versatile. If the Ci4 seat works for you, then you can't go wrong.

I have both, zodias is an awesome rod but for me the crucial is probably the best rod i own

The crucial just feels more sturdy, i have 3 zodias and they all have a weird rattle. But your money is well spentbon any of the 2 rods

Cant go wrong with either but the Crucial has more tapers available while the Zodias are all fast to make them more versatile. The Zodias does have the hi power cross wrapped blank though. I do like the thicker handle on the crucial.

Cant go wrong with either but the Crucial has more tapers available while the Zodias are all fast to make them more versatile. The Zodias does have the hi power cross wrapped blank though. I do like the thicker handle on the crucial.

The tapers aren't listed on TW for the Zodias. Are they all fast?

The tapers aren't listed on TW for the Zodias. Are they all fast?

Yeah that's what Bantam1 said on Tt if I recall.

Why not an Avid X?

Why not an Avid X?

I like the more exposed blank at the reel seat of the shimano rods. The avid X only has a small spot

Not to insult you, but have you fished one of the exposed blank rods? I thought I like it at first but it gets really uncomfortable after awhile of fishing it. But different strokes for different folks I suppose.

Depends on which rod, most of mine have exposed blanks and i dont feel them uncomfortable

I have both the crucial and the avid x. I like the exposed blank on the crucial but the avid x just has a better blank feel. More sensitive. But be aware the avid has micro guides. No comment on the zodias since I don't own one. Good luck with your choice