http://www.academy.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_10051_998986_-1?cm_mmc=pla-_-Fishing+Fishing+Rods+Spinning+Rods-_-Google-_-H2O+Xpress+Ethos+Nano+Spinning+Rod&kwid=productads-plaid%5E151817661918-sku%5E025741968-adType%5EPLA-device%5Ec-adid%5E69707527278

 

Thinking I need to step up my drop shot / shakey head game.  I have a couple of spinning outfits, but I generally loan them to friends who don't have a lot of gear, etc.  So I have been using casting rigs.  Anyway, I was wondering if anyone out there has used the Ethos Nano spinning rod?  The only H2O Xpress stuff I have bought are their square bill crank baits and deep divers, both of which are pretty high quality for not a lot of money.  Anyway, not sure if the price-to-quality ratio holds true in the rod and reel department.  Also, not so sure about the micro-guide in the first eyelet concept either.  Any help / input is appreciated.

 

Thx!

 

EGS

I have the H20 Ethos 6'8"M ($60) I've used for many years dropshotting.  Had a 7'3"Ethos, didn't like the handle length and sold it.  I've never had an issue with it, good action, sensitive, and well built.  Still fish 2 of their casting rods from the same line up as well (7ft MH and the 6'10"MH Micro). 

I have 8 or 9 Ethos rods. All mine are the standard guides or micro guides and I have zero complaints about any of them. A buddy of mine has the 6' 8" Nano and loves it. The H20 lineup is solid all the way around as far as I'm concerned. 

I have 8 or 9 Ethos rods. All mine are the standard guides or micro guides and I have zero complaints about any of them. A buddy of mine has the 6' 8" Nano and loves it. The H20 lineup is solid all the way around as far as I'm concerned. 

The Ethos are honestly probably the best $60-80 rod around(price depending on either standard or micro).  Compares to much higher priced rods. 

Thanks for the input - I think I will give the Nano a try.

 

-EGS

Bluebasser, I've been eyeballing this same rod for some time now.  Closest Academy is 80 miles away though.  Its looks very well built.  Does this one ever go on sale?

 

http://www.academy.com/shop/pdp/h2o-xpress-ethos-nano-casting-rod?repChildCatid=997234

Bluebasser, I've been eyeballing this same rod for some time now. Closest Academy is 80 miles away though. Its looks very well built. Does this one ever go on sale?

http://www.academy.com/shop/pdp/h2o-xpress-ethos-nano-casting-rod?repChildCatid=997234

All their rods go on sale from time to time for up to $20 off.

Since 90% of my fishing is done from a kayak or a canoe, I didn't need, or want, another 7' + rod.  And unfortunately they only offer this rod in a 7'2" MH fast or a 6'8" M moderate fast, so I went with the medium - I hope it has enough backbone.  The "press the tip on the floor test" revealed that it seems to be a _relatively_ firm medium, and the equally unscientific bow test seemed right in line with a medium fast action bend.  Paired it up with a Daiwa Exceler 2500, 50lb braid + 17lb fluoro leader and a 3/8oz shakey head.  I'm gonna give it a spin (no pun intended) on a couple outings this weekend.  Thanks again for the feedback.

 

-EGS