Hi,

I'm not sure which rod to get for Ned rigs, weightless senkos, and drop shot.  I'll be using my CI4+3000 so I'm also looking for balance.  Currently I'm using my inshore custom med. light mag/mod fast.  I prefer a rod with a softer tip to help load light baits but something with a good backbone.  It would be nice if I could use it for 3/4oz. corky lures but I know that is a lot to ask.

 

I'm thinking about the medium, medium light or light plus.

If you were only looking a Expride spinning rods, I would go with the ML for Ned and drop shot. The L+ is too light for what I normally use for Ned and Drop shot.

 

Weightless senkos are actually pretty heavy even without a weight. I personally use a MH casting rod for those, but I am sure others have other setups. 

 

I wouldn't try 3/4oz on anything less then a MH Expride. 

 

I cant help with balance of a 3000 sized reel, I only have 1000s on my Exprides.

I'm open to other rod ideas.  It seems like the Expride is the hot option right now but no one carries it in the Houston area. I'd like to keep in the $250-$300 range.  

 

FWIW, I have the Champion Ext 742 for my drop shot, Kietech finesse and Neko rigs. Exceptional balance, but on a 2500 Ci4. 

I have the champion xp in a 703 and 735 so I'm not opposed.

I use separate rods for Ned and weightless Senkos, as a weightless Senko is actually quite heavy.

 

I love my 702s for Neds.

I had the Expride 6'8MXF spinning rod and found that it didn't load up enough to whip 1/6oz Neds out there (so lighter ones would be even tougher). If the tip was a little softer/if the action was a little slower, it would have been perfect. Super sensitive rod though, wish I didn't break it! It would likely work for everything else you want though, even 3/4oz jigs.