The expride 6’10” is considered a fantastic jerkbait rod. I don’t throw a lot of jerkbaits but would it be as successful as a dedicated popper rod? I’m a fan of the expride line in general but would appreciate your feedback on performance with poppers (or other smaller topwater lures) before dropping the $ on it. 

I have used the A model for poppers before and it did a decent job.

I haven't used the B model for poppers yet.

It would probably be okay with 3/8 or slightly heavier lures.

The B seems the be slightly more stiff than the A model. But i dont think that will be a huge issues.

I use mine for jerkbaits from fall through early spring and switch it to a popper/walking rod from spring through summer. Great rod for those techniques.