Unfortunately no one caries the Expride around me so I'm basing my thoughts off all the positive reviews.  I just bought a champion 703 xp and a 735 xp.  I like the 703xp but it's not super sensitive for bottom contact and the weight just feels off.  I mostly wade, kayak or bank fish for bass and inshore.  I only want to take 1-3 quality rods with me depending on what I'm going for.  I love my custom inshore ML Mag with a Stradic CI4+ (combo only weighs 10.4 oz.)-great for almost everything up to 1/2 ounce.  I've been impressed with the 735 for light frogging and punching (I don't fish in that nasty of stuff).  So I'm looking for something in the middle for an all around rod.  I also prefer something with more of a soft tip, shorter, light, and sensitive.  I would like to error on a lighter rod and play the fish instead of waterskiing it in :).  Is the upgrade noticeable and what rod would you recommend?  I'm open to other ideas for rods in the $250-$300 price range.

Yes! The Expride is a better rod IMO.

2 hours ago, LegendaryBassin said:

Yes! The Expride is a better rod IMO.

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Hmm, I am considering this exact same question. Does anyone else have experience with both lines and have an opinion?

I'm a big Dobyns fan, but the Expride seems to be the best there is in that price range.