Sooo I was finally able to get my first shimano Expride as they are always always sold out or finally get back in stock when I don’t have the money. I picked up a 7 ft 2 H/F to see what the hype is about. I have to say I am pretty impressed. I have rods ranging from G loomis e6x to megabass orochi xx and I think my cheapest is a ST CROIX MOJO bass. I have to say this is an amazing rod.  I think it’s more sensitive than the OROCHI XX and lighter for sure. The only thing I notice is that it’s not as powerful as my other Heavy action rods. It seems like it’s more of a MH than a heavy. It says rates for up to 1 1/2 oz but I definitely wouldn’t go more than an OZ but this would be amazing for anything 3/8 to 1oz range. Super sensitive ! Super lightweight. I guess all the hype was real. 

That reel seat is amazing! It's the same seat on my Zodias. Put a reel on it and just grab it and then grab a few of your other rods. I almost got the Expride but I couldn't find the exact rod I wanted at that time. It's the X wrap that brings the thinner lighter rod to that high rating from what I read.

43 minutes ago, Cravin said:

That reel seat is amazing! It's the same seat on my Zodias. Put a reel on it and just grab it and then grab a few of your other rods. I almost got the Expride but I couldn't find the exact rod I wanted at that time. It's the X wrap that brings the thinner lighter rod to that high rating from what I read.

Yeah I was wondering how it would hold it. I noticed the shimano Zodias and now the Expride seem smaller than most other actions. But it feels very sturdy.  Can’t wait to use it. I have it paired up with a daiwa haha which I know some people would never but idc.  I have the daiwa SV tws and it’s amazing 

I do it all the time.

Daiwa reel on a shimano rod.

Shimano reel on a daiwa rod.

They're both Japanese, so i figure it wouldn't end the world.

26 minutes ago, mrpao said:

I do it all the time.

Daiwa reel on a shimano rod.

Shimano reel on a daiwa rod.

They're both Japanese, so i figure it wouldn't end the world.

Right and I just love those daiwas. Not a fan of any of the shimano reels.  

31 minutes ago, mrpao said:

I do it all the time.

Daiwa reel on a shimano rod.

Shimano reel on a daiwa rod.

They're both Japanese, so i figure it wouldn't end the world.

Right there with you. Have a zillion on my expride and they go together like peanut butter and jelly! 

Well I prefer Diawa spinning reels while I fish Shimano Bait casters almost exclusively.I think it's been hit and miss for both companies in the rod department but both are at the top of the food chain as far as I see it so why would I not want to enjoy what "I" see as two of the best out there.

 

I know there are many great companies out there but it's my preference only, so please don't get offended If your preference's don't match mine. 

15 hours ago, Cravin said:

Well I prefer Diawa spinning reels while I fish Shimano Bait casters almost exclusively.

Same here.

Daiwa makes some great spinning reels. Actually there both do, I just like the Daiwas due to being lighter weight and better looking.

Most of my baitcasters are shimano.

Most of my rods are shimano.