Shimano Expride rods FULL REVIEW! Casting and Spinning 

I picked up a Expride 7 Light+ to toss hair. I'll review it later. Might be a sleeper Dropshot rod.

Did you use the code??

@@PunchFishing yes, it works! always using it! thanks for it! very happy!

It's so good.

Im hoping I can trade in my busted 7'2 H Expride for that rod.

Hey man! How are ya doing? I'm going to be in Wisconsin a lot this year!

Doing good! Been loving this slightly warmer weather over here (40's). It's got me ready for spring. Where are you planning to go in WI?

@@WI_angler are you on Instagram?

@@PunchFishing built_in_nikname

I'm not super active, but yeah I am.

Thanks for watching!

Heck of a rod. I had one for a few years and loved it.

I've held the new posions and they are ridiculously light.

The 7' M Expride would fit the bill. It's a perfect all around finesse rod. If it's too expensive, the Zodias model would be something to look at.

What don’t think about the dobyns champion hp? Just curious

@@strongarm16able i have tried them, they are amazing rods. I have three different models i would not sell or replace. The 735, 806, and 795. I just like some of the high end japanese stuff to play with.

Thanks... I might grab that one too.

@@PunchFishing It feels pretty awesome so far...obviously have not had a chance to frog with it yet in IL, but thinking it will be a great fit. Planning to take it to florida mid feb and test it out. Will likely be punching with it as well.

JunkFishing101 where in Illinois?

Depends on the weight you throw and what species you target. The Expride would be great for just smallmouth duty. I picked up a Whipsnake and will be reviewing it in a few months.

That's a good idea on paper but there's no metric or process to really measure sensitive in any meaningful way.

@@PunchFishing just your opinion would be cool to know or maybe you can do some tiers instead of actually picking between very close rods

It's one of the best all around 7' M spinning rods I've ever owned

I've been tempted... None of the rods in their line fill a need at the moment. Id love to try a spinning rod but they don't have a 7' yet

You're just talking spinning rods right?

Ha happy to help!

How heavy of a head? I would lean towards Deamos

@@PunchFishing Typically an 1/8 oz Owners Weighted Beast hook but would like the flexibility to go up to 3/8 oz. and to try some swim jig heads.

Daemos would be great then

What did you want to use it for?

Dropshot, but I really only throw 1/4oz and I fish a lot of grass. I prefer a more crisp feel to a rod, not sure the 6-10 is the one.

@@justinsiler866 yea I wouldn't suggest it.

Does the whip snake feel more like what you prefer?

@@justinsiler866 yea but I haven't used it yet. We're in winter mode up in Minnesota

Tough question! What techniques do you like to fish? 852S would be best at bottom contact but if you're doing things like dock skipping, swimbaits or wacky senkos.. id go with the Expride.

punchfishing thanks! This would be primarily for skipping wacky Senkos into bushes (I rarely go under them). No docks on my lakes. Maybe a 2.8 Keitech on a Coolbaits Underspin or similiar baits as well. I want to add a NRX - just don’t know which one.... thanks again, excellent video.

The 6'10 ML would actually be a fantastic trout rod. I didn't even consider that! If you want a pure frog rod, I'd get the 7'3 XH

@@PunchFishing What state do you live in? I just don't know if the 73XH would be necessary in Iowa, where I live.

@@russhaight3225 Minnesota. You're probably right.

punchfishing do you think the Levante Perfect Pitch would be a good frog rod?

@@russhaight3225 yes, many consider the perfect pitch (Levante or Orochi) to be a great frog rod. I probably wouldn't use it for EXTREMELY dense cover, but for most frogging it would be fine. I actually didn't put any time into Levante PP for frogging. Personally I use a megabass Faust for frogging because I like the extra power.

Can't wait to use a 4" lizard in spring again on this rod.

I don't toss a spybait that often but I'd imagine any general 7' to 7'4" medium spinning rod would do the job. I haven't used the Zodias version of the rod but Shimano is quite consistent with their rod up and down the price points.

I've never handled that rod personally, so I can't really give an opinion.

There's a saying that rod nerds use. There's 3 things people want in a rod.. Strong, Light & Cheap. However you can only have two of them.

I actually had the Tatula Elite AGS Ehler rod and it was VERY good if you can find it at a discount. It's not $280 good, but for around $200 they aint bad.. It's not anywhere near as refined as the Expride though. The fit and finish on the Expride is MUCH better. With the AGS Elite's you're paying a premium for the lightweight guides. The Daiwa pro's love to profess how much more "sensitive" the AGS guides are, but honestly I didn't find them to be anything special on the Tatula Elite. On a Steez that might be a different story, but the AGS Elite rods didn't blow my hair back on the sensitivity scale. The 7'M Expride spinning rod is AMAZING. Buy it. Seriously. The Legend Elite 7'M is going to have a softer tip & torzite guides which is a MAJOR upgrade over the SiC guides on the Expride. I have a 7'M Legend X (which is basically the same rod as the Legend Elite, just a split grip) and I'd actually say the Expride is better 'bang for the buck' since it's over $100 less.

@@PunchFishing Thanks, I'll wait until Monday to decide. The line rating on the Expride only goes up to 10lbs which seems low for a medium. You have problems with that in your on water experience? I currently use 15lb braid to 10lb leaders on my Dobyns Champ HP 7'1" M spinning, which has line rating of 8-17lbs. I want to find something a little lighter power but won't overlap with my 6'10" ML Legend Elite.

BTW, I use Tatula LT spinning reels like you.

@@nyewang I wouldn't pay any attention to the line ratings. The 7' M could handle 10-20lb braid easily.

I don't own any, yet.

That rod only comes in Fast action, but truthfully there's no real standard for action from any of the rod companies. It's entirely subjective. I've actually started mostly ignoring fast vs extra fast because it's not terribly quantifiable. One companies extra fast might feel like another companies fast. It's all silly and confusing in rod marketing terms.

Thank you very much for your response. Yes, I've heard that before but wanted to make sure I was looking at the same rod you were speaking of. I currently own two Shimano Expride A Spinning Rod 7' Light+ and love them. After watching your videos I've ordered the Expride B 7' medium and I'm waiting for the Expride B 7'2" Med/Lt to come back in stock. Thanks again! Loved your videos. @@PunchFishing

I picked up a Whipsnake this winter and I'll be using it for dropshot this spring. I'll post a review in a few months.

I'm not sure what your price range is but I'd consider a 7' Medium Daiwa Tatula spinning rod or the 7' Medium Shimano Expride.

I've only handled that rod at a tackle show, so i'm not TOO familiar with it. I'm assuming it'll toss chatterbaits just fine, but it'll probably be very good for bottom contact like jigs & texas rigs. It might be a bit stiff for cranking though.

I have this rod, and what they refer to a "regular" action is very similar to everyone's fast action rods. Very similar action to a dobyns 734. The poison adrena is very light 3.8oz and I would say the most sensitive rod I've ever fished. I think due to the handle design.

todd grafe I have both of those model exprides, 1/2 for both rods is fine I think that weight maxes the mh out and it’s light for the H models also thickness of wire in hook matters.

I think a glx 853 and the 72 MH Expride would be very similar rods. If you like tossing 1/2, 5/8 or 3/4 jigs then you want the 7'2 H. The 72H can also frog and toss swimbaits (within the weight rating of course). The 7'2mh would be very capable of tossing 1/2 tho if that's your favorite size.

It's hard to "rank sensitivity" since it's really subjective. I'd take the Expride over every Loomis rod under an NRX. I like them way better than the GLXs I've had.

The Expride will be a way more versatile rod. The FMJ is very stiff.. a true extra fast action. If you want a pure jig fishing tool, go with the FMJ. If you want a rod that zan do jigs but also be more all-around rod go for the Expride. I did a full review on the FMJ if you check my feed.

@@PunchFishing I watched it like 3 times lol. Thanks for getting g back to me . Probably just buy both . Withe the expride be good for Texas rigs ,ba c k in the day fishing Redman tournaments and club tournaments all i ever threw were 6 inch worms with a 1/8 to 1/4 weights so the expride has a soft enough tip for worms? How would the damoes be for worming

@@stanbanas8891 both would be great for Texas rig worming. Deamos and the 7'2 MH Expride are very smiliar, with the Deamos being slightly more parabolic down the blank. The Expride is also a fantastic swim jig rod

@@stanbanas8891 I'm actually going to do a review on the Deamos next. Probably this week.

@@PunchFishing thanks man👍

I actually JUST picked up the 7+ last week! I got it for hair jigs and I want to try it for Dropshot. Ill probably do a review on it later this summer.

PunchFishing with your initial handling of it , is it stout enough for the underspins and weightless senkos? but soft enough for drop shot ? how much of a difference do it feel then the medium ?

PunchFishing sorry for the crazy amount of questions , no one local has them so i gotta order unseen

It kind of depends on which rod you're interested in, but the couple expride casting rods I have are more "fast" than Extra fast. They definitely have some give at the tip. They are fantastic rods all around.

I see this is pretty recent. I know you didn't ask but i have the 7'4" Heavy Poison Adrena and it as an amazing 6inch magdraft rod. its pretty versatile for most heavier applications too. I've thrown swimjigs, 1/2-3/4 footballs, even small frogs like the jackall kaera is sparce cover.

I don't have experience with either of those rods so I'm not sure. I don't like to BS people about sticks I've never owner or handled.

@@PunchFishing OK Dawg.

Medium for sure.

PunchFishing thank you sir , I’m new to Expride products and don’t know the strength of them. I live and fish in Texas. So larger bass and baits here . Most people say medium heavy for spinning with a medium light for say Ned rig or really small swimbaits. Love your videos , cause I love Megabass products. I’m selling my Dobyns line rods to go more Expride. Dobyns are really good but dare I say maybe a little boring for the money minus they do balance well. Look forward to more of your videos and I will try and stock up on Expride’s when They are in stock and pair them with Metanium MGL 150B reels.

The Dobyns are much heavier and not as sensitive (imho).

Posion Adrena is very parabolic, I wouldn't be using one for heavy cover.

@@PunchFishing Thx for your reply,, ended up with the Legend X, 7'4 Hf ..Fished it today,, jus what l was looking for! Sensitive n the power l wanted! 👍👌

The 7'7 is a purpose built swimbait rod, id avoid it for punching. The 7'11 is their flippin stick for heavy cover.

@@PunchFishing not looking for punching or anything heavy. Something that would be good for around weed edges, wood, docks. Something that could get seat with 1/2, 5/8, 3/4 range

@@makcatchem9614 the 7'2 heavy may be what you're after. The 7'7 has a parabolic bend for hucking big swimbaits long distances.

@@PunchFishing ok great thank you so much

They have been around for like 2 years? They are located in Golden Valley MN. They have a warehouse and are growing fast! They are newer. I love their cash back premium account. You get free shipping and 10% back in credit (plus you can stack codes!).

Oh and on the Megabass rods front, Megabass is very picky and selective about who can sell their rods. Maybe Omnia will land them eventually.

Oh and thank you for the support!

I own a Whipsnake BUT I haven't had a chance to use it yet. The lakes are iced up now.

@@PunchFishing why didn't you choose the orochi xx for drop shotting ?? I actually have one coming, but I am interested to hear your thoughts on the megabass say over an NRX 820 or 822 (knowing you like Loomis)? Thanks and look forward to your reply.

@@nawinchester I picked up a Orochi XX Whipsnake for dropshot fishing next summer.

@@PunchFishing sorry, stupid small buttons on my phone and bad eye sight. :-) What I meant to ask was WHY DID you (versus didn't you which I erroneously types). You have the same love of quality spinning rods I do so I am interested in hearing what brought you to the megabass whipsnake over a Loomis NRX 822 or 820? Your video has me thinking of doing a similar video of my line up, all 24 of my spinning rod setups. :-)

@@nawinchester the action on the Whipsnake is REALLY cool vs the NRX 822 DSR. The snake has a smooth, more parabolic bend vs a more traditional fast tip of the NRX. The NRX dropshot rod is surprisingly stiff.. the backbone kicks in pretty high up the blank.

Cranks

@@PunchFishing thanks, that’s what I was thinking. Just maybe a little short.

Either would be fantastic!

I use a Megabass Daemos for tossing 3/8th paddle tails, but for 1/4oz I use spinning rods. I've been using either a Megabass Orochi Swingfire or the Javelin for DT4/DT6.

The NRX 852s is lighter and a little more stiff than the Expride 7' M.

I have not! I'm not sure what I would use it for.

PunchFishing Ned rig, shaky head, small jerk baits , spy baits . Was thinking it might be good for stuff like that . Never held one before but it looks tempting to buy . Thanks for the reply , enjoy your videos , good information on them .

Usually on Facebook or BBC

The 6'10 is a NOODLE compared to the Whipsnake. The 6'10 Expride is a true medium light.

The popular models don't stay in stock for long these days. It can be a tricky rod to get ahold of.

No lite? as in weight? it's very light weight, as all the exprides are.

And is it also good for small whopper plopers

The 7'2 is all graphite, the MHG is a 60/40 blend of graphite and glass. The glass is much softer and has a more parabolic action.

Depends on your budget! If you can afford the Expride, yes go for it.

The EXS70MB weighs 3.6oz

The 7'2H expride has a firmer tip than the PP

I've never owned those models in the Levante series.

@@PunchFishing what about in general ?

Cheaper handle configuration, cheaper guides and I'm assuming the blank is different? I'm not sure about the blank differences honestly.

I've found that price at shops, not online sales. Shops will give you a nice, unadvertised discount.

Facebook and Instagram

Sadly there isn't a "deep cranking" stick in the Exprides line. However, there is a 7'6 MH glass cranking rod in the Zodias line you might want to look at. Personally I don't deep crank that much, but I use a megabass destroyer Javelin if I do.

If you dont mind spending some money g loomis imx pro cranking rods are awesome. 906 is a great 6xd rod and they have some 8 footer options as well for bigger baits.

Almost everything is made in China.

Bro, when Shimano makes a super lightweight jet-black reel that I can get for under $160 i'll buy one!

punchfishing , bite the bullet and get the Exsence 3000

@@NFiltr8Red man.. after using Tatula LTs for a while now I'm totally happy with them. I sold all Ci4s. I've almost got an Exsence on a few occasions but I don't think I need $300 more reel.

punchfishing, check out Mad River Steelhead Junkies on FB. I slayed a 30 lb Salmon on my Daiwa Exist and Steez AGS rod. Snapped my St. Croix a week earlier and had to use my bass set up. I have pics and video on there to prove it too. Crazy! But you get what you pay for, a lot of guys on the River have $100-300 set ups and they get smashed all day. If I hook em, they are done!

punchfishing , I do have a Shimano Stella FJ 3000, I have no complaints about it either.