just ordered mine cant wait for it

Never thought about reversing the handle. That would make this rod THE BEST for the money. I hope Shimano watches this video, as you are really on to something. I have 5 of the exprides, one 6'8" medium, two 6'8" medium heavy, all three jerkbaits rods, and two 7'2" medium heavy for soft platic texas rigs and heavier/larger paddle tail swimbaits. They are simply awesome rods!

Just bought it off your recommendation to be a jerkbait primary, Swiss Army knife secondary rod. Tossed a few jerkbaits yesterday before thunderstorms hit and it seems like it’s got the stiffness to manipulate them well. I look forward to seeing if it has the flexibility to keep them pinned on treble hooks as well. Grip works fine for me since I don’t choke up as much as you do, Thanks for the great video!

I have all Zodias Rods I use mostly. Spinning & baitcaster. I use Stradic Ci4+ & the FL. This expride is my next 7' med.

Bought the OrochiXX Swingfire this past week. It’s an amazing small crank and square Bill rod! It is a little light on action but performs absolutely stellar!! I even tried the MegaBass Deep Six crank with it even though it’s over the recommended weight and throws it with out issue! Highly recommended!

Great video! Was looking at getting my 2nd baitcaster I currently have been using a 2020 tatula SV and love it but was wondering if I should try something else that has equivalent ease of casting/braking. Thanks for any input

I just did a review on my 7' Lt+ . These are amazing rods for the price point.

Omnia Fishing! Love those guys!

touching the blank for me it's a good thing mate ... I feel that the sensitivity it's better. cheers man ...

I love how my expride feels with the choked up grip. Maybe I just got used to it but it's my favorite spinning rod I've ever used.

Thanks for the review. Looking for a Spinning Jerkbait set up. Choices are this Expride, Megabass Ronin and or Whipsnake. I prefer the Orchii brand, but Levante will do.

I’m enjoying the content! I love my Exprides, and I’m mostly a saltwater fisherman. More backbone than you’d think just by looking at them. I agree with most of your points. I pair mine with slightly heavier aluminum reels (Sustain and Stradic FL) vs the superlight composite reels (Ci4+ and Ballistic). And the hook keeper is just a minor inconvenience. Interesting take on the grip though, wouldn’t that make it even more tip heavy by putting more material in front for the reel stem?

Man i just picked this rod out and I do agree the sensitivity is not all. It is really good in casting though.

Awesome review. I’ve been looking to get one of these for a while. I have the 6’10 expride and 7’2 MH glass expride and love both. Looking forward to a review on your St Croix Legend extreme spinning rod. I’m interested to see if you like that grip and how it holds up vs cork? I have a couple of their lower end models premier/avid (love the st croix warranty) I am a kayak fisherman so I’m looking at other options vs cork. I have been slowly accumulating Shimano poison adrena rods. If you can get your hands one of those I think you will be impressed. Thanks for review! - Alex

Your videos are very helpful. I also have this Expride rod. Trying to decide between a Shimano FL 2500 or 3000. Any thoughts on preference?

Thanks! Love these reviews. What would you rank the Loomis E6X blanks for sensitivity on a 1 to 10? Looking for a finesse spinning and I’m a fan of Loomis, but for another 80ish I could get an Expride. Torn. Maybe I should just blow it on an NRX and be done.

I used my Expride 7 m over a year and half, really like it for ned rig and shakey. Not as sensitive as Tactbassin says but is real sensitive , helium 3 is little more but Expride is used for a lot. Use with Tat LT 3000 small spool reel. I agree the lock nut cap edge is not comfortable when you choke up on it. It's the same on the Expride casting rods but still awesome rod.

I like the lock nut the way it is. I hold the rod with the reel foot stem between my middle and ring finger. I had a daiwa tatula spinning rod and really like the blank but hated the handle. I felt like the handle should had been reversed. I didn't like all the cork in the front of my hand. If the handle on the daiwa tatula was like the handle on the exprides, I would have a bunch of tatulas. I do wish the exprides had a hook keeper. That's really my only issue. Other than that I really like the exprides. Both spinning and casting.

Great reviews, love the videos! I need some help/guidance. I am looking for an all around 7’0” M spinning rod. I have a 7’0” M legend x that I just purchased, very sensitive great rod. However, the reel seat feels awkward in my hand and pinky finger rests on the threads. I was thinking about replacing it with a shimano Expride 7’0” M, I was wondering if the legend X is worth the extra $150, or if the Expride would have similar sensitivity and performance and do the same applications at a cheaper price? I would be throwing a variety of baits, small squares small paddle tails, and fitness rigs. What would you chose if you had to chose between the two?? Thanks for any help and suggestions! Keep up the reviews. I have been spreading the word about your channel!

fantastic review!

Shimano listened to you on this one! The Expride B literally takes care of all your complaints!

I'm on the fence between this rod and the legend x, mainly gonna be using it for neko small swimbaits and senkos. Which of the 2 would you get? Or do you have any other recommendations in the 200 - 400 price range?

Hey Brian have you handled the new Expride B in this model by any chance? If so how comparable are they? I know they did change the lock nut. Looking for a new shaky head spinning rod. Curious if you use this for that at all. Thanks.

Used your code for 173xh and 176h . Thanks for the discount

Loved the double blooper intro😂😂

Had to go with the orochi xx shakey head because of the whole grip situation on the expride spinning rods... orochi shakey head phenomenal 👏

I'd be interested in your measuring reel post to front on this vrs NRX.

how about the bump on the handle does it bother you ,do you notice it for grip location? I am use to a straighter handle like on st Croix mojo.

Great suggestion on going with slightly heavier reel for better balance on the Expride. Which size Stradic FL are you using in this video? 1000? 2500?

Love the lock nut like that. I always have my pointer finger straight to put it along the blank with any spinning rod. Actually hate when I can't get my finger on the blank lol

Agreed about the grip

Great review of a great rod... except as you pointed out, the handle design. Have you seen or used the new Diawa Rebellion? If so, how would they compare to this Expride's sensitivity and weight?

So for wanting to do a little heavier drop-shot (at least a 1/4) ned rig and weightless worm is this a rod to do it?

Dr. Punch and 7'0 Medium spinning Master - I'm also itching for this rod to add to my collection. I don't need another drop shot rod, but I was thinking more in terms of finesse techniques like 1/8 to max 1/4 shaky head rigs (+ trailer), same weights for neko rigs, and was thinking light swimbaits like Keitechs, maybe just up to 1/4 oz. before I move to a baitcaster, or if I wanted I already have this rod in the MH. I know u know your mediums well. B/O your review I think this has some give to the tip, but within the fast action domain, and adequate backbone for the applications I mentioned. I have other rods for T-rigs but assume this would be fine for 1/4 oz.? I know u love this rod so I'm looking for ur blessing before I lower the BOOM!

Hook keeper is on the handle/reel seat. Little slots cut out. At least that's where I hook my lures. Have read others doing so as well. Zodias does not have the slots cut out.

I found many Japanese rods will have screw nuts on top. A few my Japanese inshore rods do that too. I think that’s just how the Japanese market prefers. They want your hand to be able to have contact with the blank. I mostly do finesse hardbaits, tiny plus and I mainly twitch the rod with my index finger. I feel much more in control with my lure doing this way instead of a pure wrist motion. (Palms Quattro, Megabass Triza Lopros, Daiwa air edge)

You are motivating me to get into higher end gear haha!

@PunchFishing how is this rod for crank lures, popper lures? I am trying to buy my first rod so I am a bit inexperienced on this department. Thanks!

Personally I choke up on the rod too but I like having my finger on the blank. I can feel the slightest taps. That's just me. I think they base design off of the middle finger and not the pinky.

Just got this rod in the 6’8” Medium Extra Fast and it is the drop shot rod of your dreams. Would like you to try it out.

For finesse fishing such wacky rigging, do you recommend this rod over the GLoomis NRX? Which one would you choose if money wasnt an issue? Thx.

Hey Brian I have a question ❓ for you do you think the megabass levante is a better balanced rod than Shimano curado. Tell me your thoughts I would appreciate your opinion.

I've been looking get the NRX 872s jwr after I saw your review on how great the 872 is for deep water swimbait. I mainly fish from the bank in deep lakes resevoirs. The med expride seems great according to your review. Do you think the expride medium has the same castability(distance) as the 872? Which one would better suited for heavier lures over 3/8 oz? Which one would you recommend between the nrx 872s and expride?

My only complaint about this rod is a lack of a hook keeper.

Me personally i grip the rod between the middle and ring finger so the grip works fine

The newer versions in the spinning models seem way stiffer then the previous models. My medium feels Almost a half power stronger. I’d love to hear your opinion on the updated exprides!

How can you compare the Shimano rod over the orochi XX are they close enough

Are there big differences between expride and zodias?

will you be doing a new review on the new expride? you might like it now since your last complaint about the expride was the handle.

Is this a good Neko rig rod

I wanted to buy this rod but the lock grip feel on my index finger and the lack of hook keeper turned me away. I really wish the grip was reversed as well.

I’m looking for a megabass rod to be my general purpose jig and Texas rig setup..I was looking at the orochi xx versatile..do you have a better recommendation. I’ve heard that the rod is a little to stiff. I’m looking for basically a 7ft medium heavy fast..in a megabass.

Have you been able to use the expride 72mh-g vs the Megabass Valkyrie 71mh hybrid?

Have you tried any of the Expride B Spinning rods? Thanks

Just got a 6'8" for 220 Shipped. Had to go shorter as I'm in a Kayak in tighter situations. So excited!

I have a super light Ballistic LT. Any recommendations for rod in terms of balance?

Where do the st croix legend tournament compare? They have a newer version out.

I think the grip gripe is personal preference. I prefer spinning rods with the locking nut in front, after using a daiwa Tatula elite rod with the front grip I found it very uncomfortable they way I hold the rod (two fingers ahead of the reel spine and two behind). Not trying to bash your opinion i just think it comes down to how people like to hold a rod.

Do you know when the new zodias will be available?

Please review the bunker buster ASAP!

Shimano expride is best rod in your price range?

What is the specific mode # of this rod?

Hate the Stradic FL. The heavy inertia and flywheel effect just don’t do it for me. Had one for a week and couldn’t get rid of it quick enough

This or megabass brigand, which is the best out of the two? Thanks 👍

Have you done or will you be doing a review on the new Expride B version?

Hey bud I plan on getting a go pro. Wanna link up again and so some fishing???

You should do one on the Shimano Intenza

Great review how can.i get the discount thank you

Looks like they watched your video. The B version has the grip reversed plus a hook keeper which is another common complaint.

The Expride B spinning took your advice! Lock nut from the butt and more grippy cork in front.

Looking for a dedicated casting senko rod thinking about a nrx 852c or should I go with 172ml expride or maybe glx?

Will this work OK for jerkbaits?

Better rod, Megabass Destroyer or Shimano Expride?

What code do u have bro

megabass destroyer flyssa please do a review on that rod please

I beg to differ, many anglers hold their rod below the reel seat stem, mainly the ones who fishes for the first time. 😁😁

Agree. Handle design is garbage. That's why I stick with Loomis GLX and Megabass Destroyer....and even Daiwa. They all have it figured out!!

Ultralight, Light, Medium etc would describe the Power of the rod. Xtra Fast, Fast, Moderate etc would describe the Action of the rod.

On your scale of 1-10 where does the fmj land?

What size stradic fl ?

Daiwa Tatula 7' M action. No need spend more.

My heart is saying yes... my wallet is saying no :(

I hated now that it’s flipped.

You are totally wrong about handle. If you have a big fish, or even pulling hard on a snag, the front part of reel leg will push on the seat. The back half of reel seat will try to pull away from rod blank. Is much better to have the solid clamp in the back part of the reel. Also the weight of the reel will be suported by the solid clamp from back, when you keep the rod ar 45 degrees. If you put them the other way you will need to constantly tight the lock.

You have a hard on for japanese companies it's pretty clear but anyways.

Sorry ..but I would disagree on flipping the grip

No hook keeper is as annoying as the grip.$220 dollars and no hook keeper really?

I don't care how good it is . It's made in China I'm not interested.

I love shmanio reels, and love most of my shmanio rods. This rod to fragile to seriously bass fish with.