Shimano Expride B

[loomisguy]

I've been late to the party on these but finally got a Expride B. I have to say all the praise that's been heaped on these rods is legit.
The B has the monocoque handle like the Poision Adrena and. HI powerX that has also filtered down and the CI4 reel seat like NRX+
I have the 7ft.2 Heavy .Super impressive for a rod in that price range. I get to fish a lot of rods and I really don't think there's a rod in the $300-$400 price range
that comes close and the Expride is $280.

[Mike Cork]

I have heard a lot about these rods and seen a few on the decks of boats. Anglers love them, good to hear they live up to the hype 

[Minnow]

I've been eyeing one of these. Would like it to be able to pull double duty as a drop shot rod or a 5/8 oz jigging Rap rod using braid.
Is this doable if so which one would you recommend?

[loomisguy]

That's really 2 different rods.  I'd look to a ML spinning rod for a drop shot or Ned's. I'm not sure what you mean by a jigging shad.
If you mean like a Rapala ice jig or a Damiki rig with a 5/8 head I would be up at least a power .
I have a NRX 872s that would work as long as you kept the Damiki to 3/8 or less and fished it more vertically than casted it.

[Minnow]

My bad meant to type Jigging Rap.
I've never fished them before. Most recommendations seem to be MLF or MMF.

[loomisguy]

I would step up tp a medium power if your going to be vertically fishing the jigging rap.