Shimano Expride B SPINNING ROD REVIEW!! Is this THE drop shot rod??

Let's have a chat about the 7'2" ML Shimano Expride B Spinning rod! It's neat.
Gear in this video:
Shimano Expride 7'2" ML Spinning Rod: omnia.direct/4...
Shimano Vanford 3000: omnia.direct/z...
Ichikawa CT-5 Dropshot Hook: omnia.direct/1...
Daiwa J-Braid Grand x8: omnia.direct/Y...
Megabass Hazedong Shad: omnia.direct/B...
Follow me on Instagram! / punchfishing
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Get 15% off at OMNIA Fishing with code: OMPUNCHHJ97G
omnia.direct/o...
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[@familybudgetfisherman]

I definitely agree, Shimano did a marvelous job with the newest iteration of this rod. It seems as if every model was perfectly engineered for its intended purpose. 👏🏿👏🏿🎣

[@briannordberg3184]

I got this very model specifically for drop shotting which it does very well. This past winter I tried it for jerkbait fishing up to and including the 110 size jerkbaits. I’m now sold on using this spinning rod as my main jerkbait rod. I only go to baitcasting for 120 and larger jerkbaits. This light weight rod is a pleasure to use. Thanks for the great reviews.

[@PaytonHatfield86]

Just fished my first expride yesterday (7'2" MH F casting rod), and now I'm making plans to replace a bunch of my rods with exprides and this one is at the top of the list!

[@613BASS_N]

The non-glass version is my current favorite chatterbait rod. 😎

[@codycantrell2780]

I fish all St. Croix LTBs with Daiwa reels and I’m afraid to try the expride for this very reason…

[@waynelagarde7956]

​@codycantrell2780 the only thing better with St. Croix is their warranty. As far as rod performance the expride is miles ahead of the LTB. I started out fishing St. Croix mojo then Avid and LTB. I found out about the expride from Tactical Bassin and I never looked back. Now I have 17 exprides.

[@codycantrell2780]

@@waynelagarde7956 I picked up the 73XH expride used on a great deal. Nervous it’s going to make me hate my full line up of LTB. I have always had St. Croix since I was a Daiwa reel fan, but not a huge Daiwa rod fan. Everyone keeps saying expride is miles better though. Not sure id want to fish my Zillions on a shimano rods either… we’ll see I guess.

[@michaelloucks4448]

Hey Brian thanks so much for the great reviews . Next week I'm going to start purchasing the expride Bs . I've had it useing cheap 100 dollar rod's you seem to have the best video's on the high end equipment.

[@naticedog]

Look into st Croix legend tournament bass series. Not as light as the expride, but it has better sensitivity and 15 year warranty for roughly the same price.

[@davidhidalgo5662]

So glad you did a review of this rod. I am looking at it specifically for 1/8 jig heads with 2.8 paddletails and 1/8 underspins with 2.8 paddletails and maybe 1/4 jig heads.

[@SeanRossMercer]

Great review as always, appreciate the time and effort you put in to each one. I do feel the need to point out that many of us choose tungsten over lead not because of tungsten's supposed increase in sensitivity but because it isn't toxic like lead. As you accurately pointed out though, not everyone can afford it. Keep up the great work! :)

[@PunchFishing]

Yes, keeping lead out of the lakes is absolutely a plus!

[@davidwilliams1805]

Thanks for the review of this rod. I'm really liking it. Seems like it really fits the bill for drop shot and a couple of other techniques. Again, thanks! And as always, #PunchFishing rocks!!!

[@iKenFish]

Been waiting for this review foreverrr! Excited now, i can get a great visual of this rod and buying!!🔥🔥

[@rhodesianhunter9360]

Agreed!! That first 6’10” is a noodle. I haven’t found a use for it. Maybe in the future. For now, I built my own ml spinning on a north fork x ray. I wasn’t to excited about the blank at first, but with a abu zenon on it the combo weighs 7.75 ounce and it has a nice tip with rebound. I’ll find out tomorrow how I like it.

[@Shawn_Lai]

Yeah i am a fan of this rod. Got it right when they came out and it was everything the 7' M was not. The tip is soft enough to cast 1/8 oz pretty easily but it's got the butt to set/drag the fish. The 7' M is hard to throw lighter weights. Good stuff. Now I'm curious about the new 7'6" ML+ spinning that came out this year... I want to get it but I don't think it's going to compete with NRX+ 901/902 or Steez AGS The One.. I have noticed that the matte finish on the outside at the base of the rod near the cork grip gets really bad rash. It's the same with all the B series... it's a little frustrating because the finish on the OG was so durable. I like lead weights too and I can snip off a larger weight to get it to what I need.

[@jimbo0411]

I still only use for reaction, casting A 6'10 jerkbaits , newer B- 7'3 XH frogs. Great! Had the casting A- MH 7'2 and spinning 7' m and really nice, excellent balance especially that 7'2 but only drawback for me was the sensitivity is ok. You are correct, it's good for price point I can feel fish but not at the level of NRX+, Megabass, Steez. I would say on par with higher priced IMX maybe just a little less than a GLX. Still price point quality the best bang is excellent. Not a fan of the tin feeling monoq handle.

[@tims_always_fishing7117]

I have only used my 7'2 mh with a swimjig and I could feel the bass swimming up to swipe it, insane sensitivity for me atleast. Paired it with a chronarch mgl 151hg, 15#sunline assassin.

[@matthewninness8212]

Thanks Brain. You convinced me that I need one. I love my 7' L Expride B.

[@johnharropfishing]

I use the expride b 7' light rod. I find its almost like a ml-. That being said, I love it for my 1/8-3/8oz drop shots. I paired it up with my stradic fl and it was killer with a flat worm and hazedong shad in sturgeon bay. It's also an AMAZING okashira screwhead with a spark shad as well!!

[@umairfaizuddin3429]

Totally agree with you! Was looking for a lighter dropshot rod, since I tend to set the hook a little harder bending the lighter wire ones, and love the new Expride series so I picked this up. It’s funny how you said this is an amazing rod for okashira head with 3” spark shads. That’s exactly what I use it for as well and caught a decent-sized catfish somehow on it as well 😂. Great to launch those tiny hair jigs as well especially if you add a tiny chunk of soft plastic on the shank if the hook for a little more weight. Trying to think of another use for the 7’0 light. I’ve used it for tiny neds in a pinch as well but prefer a little more power for it. Got any ideas?

[@johnharropfishing]

@@umairfaizuddin3429 Glad someone else is enjoying this rod as much as me. Picked up a vanford and a levante shaky head to throw 1/4-3/8oz tubes. been loving that thing so far as well.

[@chefmatt6299]

@@umairfaizuddin3429I’ve seen people using it for hardbaits; jerk and finesse cranking. I’m trying to figure out if that’s the one for me as a drop/hardbait dual focus rod.

[@kwowwandryan]

Love that rod for spoons when the skipjack are running

[@tims_always_fishing7117]

7' is my jam for spinning, would love to find a used mint expride. Love the first gens. If i had the money i would throw a exsence on it. Murdered out is dope!

[@thomasbean1924]

Love your reviews and appreciate you blasting blauket in regards to FFS. 😁

[@PunchFishing]

🤣🤣

[@chadengels2625]

I have the NRX+ 822 DSR, 7 L Expride B, and had the 7’2” ML Expride B. All 3 great drop shot rods. All 3 will handle a 1/2 oz drop shot without the tip getting overloaded. The NRX DSR is the most sensitive and has the least amount of backbone, the 7’2” ML Expride has the most backbone, and the 7’ L Expride is the Goldilocks, it’s just right, I feel it’s the best of the 3 in terms of blank flex for smallmouth. The 7’2” ML would be my pick for drop shotting largemouth near cover.

[@tims_always_fishing7117]

Man I got to throw a drop shot 1 of these days. I bought a Fury medium which is more like a medium light and a stratic fl just for it but still haven't used it. 😅 figured I'd go budget with a setup I never use.

[@ilyakkin]

Ok real question here -- do you like it BETTER than the Whipsnake for Dropshot? 🤔

[@chefmatt6299]

Agreed. It was said “just as good” but not sure how their power compares etc.

[@timeflies2550]

Agreed. How does this rod compare to the whipsnake?

[@PunchFishing]

Honestly they both are awesome dropshot rods, but for a lot less money the Expride is a compelling option.

[@playingwithmytrains5440]

I went to my local fishing shop last week and while looking at some rods I came across the ML Poison Adrena on sale for $189. I could not pass that up. I am planning on putting a Shimano Twin Power XD 3000 on it. I normally use the Shimano Vanford 2500's but I got my hands on the Twin Power while at the shop and was wowed. That think is buttery smooth.

[@mikem8295]

I own a vanquish, diawa exist, gosas, and a few other nicer reels. The twin power is one I just can't put down. The single most underrated real in the market imho

[@martindupuy4495]

Would love a review on the 7' L Expride B Keep it up!!!

[@brianlee677]

I have never used a spinning rod for DS that would take the fun out of it for me especially with all the BFS options NRX and GLX 803c is the most sensitive bottom contact rods made but do like Expride B for the price point.

[@Michaelpruis]

Love my medium light. The only time it's not my drop shot rod is on mille lacs where I use the orochi shakyhead... something about the mouths of those bass out there needs a little more backbone to drive the hook!

[@decoyn-7782]

I got 3.5oz on my NRX+ 852s, suckers sent me a fatty I guess, lol. You need to get the Ultima ML. It's just insane... sensitivity, crispness, very light (mine came in at 3.3oz) and with a 2023 Vanquish 2500S it balances tip up 3/4-1" into the grip. Combo just floats in your hand, I'm going to need to buy another... I want another ML but I might try a M, have to think about it still.

[@PunchFishing]

I have my eyes on the 7 ft medium

[@decoyn-7782]

Im debating on buying another ML or getting the M... the ML is just so freaking awesome I want another before they stop selling them. They are only bringing over limited amounts of each model and then they will be gone.@@PunchFishing

[@leepao6302]

i used the baitcast version which is also ML too, the 172ML, i have to say it is good rod for jerk bait fishing specially to cast the megabass ito 110 jr. very well and very far, if you can you should give it a try. best reel to pair up with is the Aldebaran 50 MGL with 4-8 lbs flouro

[@jimbo0411]

yep , i still have my 6'10 m on an aldebaron, I can cast 110 jr' in the wind , no problem distance, even small rapala xr 8's.

[@leepao6302]

@@jimbo0411 yes, but the 72ML can cast the those lures much more further due to the longer length rod; if you need to cast far as possible the 72ML will stretch couple of more feet for you though, with the 610M you won't get a bit further than the 72ML, i have both these rods that's how i know or notice while using them both

[@jimbo0411]

​@@leepao6302 yep I realize that, I am sure it will give you a few more feet. Not an issue for me. Only 5"11, don't want to slap the water when have harder downward motions. I have no issues getting distance or catching em on it though. Use the same set up for MB 6'11 One Ten special, happy with the distance.

[@cincinnatiking8008]

Congrats on the 8k subs!

[@mastermouaable]

I bought the Medium model and it feels stiff. The rod feels like a medium heavy rod. I haven’t caught any fish on it yet. I pair it up with 16 Shimano Stratic Ci4 CS2000 reel. It feels so light in your hands; definitely won’t be fatigue at the end the day. I bought the rod thinking bottom contact presentation but this rod seems more like it’s a better rod at reaction instead.

[@fredfunk5150]

Should try the Expride B 6’10” ml. I have it and a nrx+ NRR and I prefer the Expride. Just use both for ned rigs only.

[@paulreal5698]

He said he sold his 6’10” cause it was too soft.

[@DHW448]

I'm grateful for your content. Thank you.

[@PunchFishing]

I appreciate that

[@dariusking2927]

Hey Brian, I am trying to decide between a medium and a medium light 🤷🏻‍♂️ on drop shot weight I pour little football weights for fishing all the rock at Kentucky lake hardly ever lose weight anymore works great

[@613BASS_N]

Great review buddy! EXPRIDE's are 🔥🔥🔥

[@chrisvandermeulen2936]

Had a question. Currently throwing a drop shot and Ned rig on a Dobyns Champion XP 6’8” ML Fast. Looking for my next finesse rod. I throw small plastics on drop shot and use 1/8 weight. I only fish from shore for Largemouth and Smallmouth. Can you make a rod recommendation under $300? Looking at G Loomis GCX, Cashion John Crews, Shimano Zodias or Expride, Daiwa, Megabass and St Croix. Thank you!

[@burgermeister3443]

I know Omnia has 20% off site wide right know, but do they have better discounts ahead? Reason being i cant get everything i want before the 31st when the sale ends. Love the reviews btw!

[@dariusking2927]

I ended up getting another Fenwick World Class rod I was gonna get a Expride a try but seen it only has a one year warranty 😂😂 World Class has a lifetime warranty No questions asked

[@Zimbass101]

Great video Bryan Always great when I see one of your videos Have you tried kistler rods Love there KLXs for 300 bucks and constantly on sale Would love to compare one to a exprite

[@jimbo0411]

Was a big Kistler fan. I had a few casting models Northfork KLX, Helium. The blank bend were similar to GLX 853c , sort of softer tip good for many techniques with pretty good sensitivity. Balance to me was terrible and forward heavy compared to when I got Exprides and Falcon Cara's. The KLX heavy frog model was a tank but I caught 6+ lbers on it. Just their weight and balance was my problem. I don't know about the newer Toray blanks they use. It's the same as Falcons now. I laugh at Kistler cause they still look like old 1970 rods with the chrome trim pieces on the locking nut like my grandpa used.

[@Zimbass101]

@@jimbo0411 get you with the basic details The locking nut is super comfy for me The new blanks are great, lighter and more sensitive I use heater reels on the forging and pitching rods and balance great Everyone to there own, personally I want to try a falcon, just can’t buy them here Just though it would be a good rod from Bryan to try. Nice to hear your opinion as I have never fished the old blanks

[@tannerwilson4433]

Sounds perfect for what I want it for! I’m gettin one

[@TKsw191145]

Do it all spinning rod just want one spinning rod for Neko/Wacky, DS, and ned. Shore fish so less than 20ft deep. What do you recommend? Cost doesn’t matter

[@jimbubis2888]

Hello Brian. First and foremost, THANK YOU for all these videos. I have a great deal of respect for your personal opinion. What would be your choice for a Drop Shot rod. I'm on the fence between the St Croix Drop Shot Finesse XL (LBTS 73 MLXF) and the Expride B 7'2" ML The St Croix is currently available, while the Expride is not. I'm not opposed to waiting for the Expride. Thank you very much. enjoy the upcoming season. Jim

[@PunchFishing]

Expride all day

[@carterisweaver6496]

Sorry I am a little late but is this rod fine with throwing weightless Senko's?

[@PunchFishing]

It might be a little light for that? I haven't tried.

[@carterisweaver6496]

@@PunchFishing Ok Thanks

[@crashdsnowman1]

Great content as usual. The Tatula Elite ags and Expride Bs are very close in price, which do you believe are the better rod? exact configuration and use will make a difference but in general what is you opinion?

[@PunchFishing]

Expride over AGS Tatulas

[@gabrielchiodo7454]

I just bought a Stella Reel might match it up with this. What length you recommend? I'll be fishing in Ontario Canada for bass walleye and light trolling g... thx

[@SamAndSamuel]

Nrx 822 DSR is the greatest rod ever made.

[@PunchFishing]

I had one. Didn't wow me personally, but many people do enjoy it.

[@spinningrodfisherman]

The new ones are all dope

[@TheJamesthebob]

steez ml is plus ur discount= money as sensitive as nrx thanks for the discount

[@joshroberts5611]

How does the Steez ML compare to Nrx+852s? The Steez M is more like a MH. 3/16-3/4oz rating.

[@tabbyhankins6511]

Would it handle light shakyheads? 1/8-3/16 with 4-5” finesse worm. I had just ordered this rod for drop shotting, ned, basically anything finesse

[@plumbplumb458]

great sounding rod but a bit out of my price range. I stay around the $200 price.

[@jessehoover9883]

What are your thoughts on the 7'2 MH Spinning? I have been thinking about picking one up.

[@Jasonfisherman81]

where can I get a new one, looked all over online, hard find its becoming. Would a medium be just as good for wacky and drop?...I've been on the croix train but just came back home to shimano and daiwa.

[@iamresta]

How about 822 syr review next???

[@joeypike8187]

I’m looking for a spinning rod for bottom contact I fish in small creeks and rivers for small mouth. Was looking at the orochi whipsnake or Landsat. What would you recommend in any rod or is the expride comparable. Thanks

[@matthewlukas1189]

I ordered the 6’10” ML primarily for Ned rigs at the recommendation of the TacticalBassin guys. Bummer to hear you and others say it’s so underpowered. It has me thinking about switching up. It sounds like you’d recommend this 7’2” ML for neds instead? Have you used the 7’ light at all?

[@structurebe1]

How’s the 610 working out for you for Neds? I was looking at the 610ML, 7L, 72ML and 76ML.

[@structurebe1]

I’m using my G.Loomis DSR mag-light 6’10” for 1/15 ned rig hellgrammites. I want something to be able to cast the same weights, but have a little more backbone. Should I get this 7’2” ML or the 6’10” ML, or stick with the 7’M?

[@nawinchester]

Truly interested to hear your feedback on whether or not from a sensitivity standpoint would you lean towards the Orochi whipsnake or would you lean towards this medium light Expride? I realize, and agree with you, that your position on sensitivity is subjectivr, but in your hand with your roladex of sensitivity, which rod would you lean towards as being more sensitive for the application of drop shotting?

[@PunchFishing]

Good question! I might lean a little towards the XX whipsnake.

[@cadendickey4536]

I mainly fish drop shots with a cover shot, Ned rigs, wacky senkos, and small swim baits. Should I get the medium light expride or the medium I only want one spinning rod because I bank fish.

[@PunchFishing]

Id go medium

[@ReyMorales978]

How does this rod compare to the nrx+ 901 or 902?

[@hunterpro48]

How does this rod compare to the NRX 872s? I like the action of the ML expride and I’m hoping the NRX is similar. Can anyone provide some input?

[@PunchFishing]

The NRX 872 is a stout medium, has a lot more power than this expride

[@fishingbear69]

I just ordered the spinning Shimano EXS610MHSB Expride B Spinning rod , would you know the weight of this rod please , thanks great informative video.

[@PunchFishing]

It's like 5 pounds

[@fishingbear69]

​@@PunchFishingthanks you mean 5 onz

[@zveryok1]

​@fishingbear69 Pretty sure he was kidding 🙂😊

[@fishingbear69]

@zveryok1 uhummm he's a funny guy

[@isaiahbock8174]

Which Expride spinning rod would you choose for weightless wacky rigs?

[@PunchFishing]

Probably the classic 7' Medium

[@victorsimonsen921]

great video thanks for sharing.

[@PunchFishing]

Thanks for watching!

[@samschroeder8019]

TW finally got some in... happy to say I got one of the 4 available but were all gone within an hour of the in-stock email lol

[@PunchFishing]

Awesome sauce

[@garethmorris2042]

What brand of 10lb braid and leader do you use typically? I'm looking to spool up a rod which I could use for largemouth wacky rigs and switch the reel to a lighter rod for drop shotting SM. Thanks

[@PunchFishing]

I use Daiwa JBraid Grand 10lb to 8lb invizix

[@brandonb6327]

​@PunchFishing could you throw smaller cranks, senkos and poppers on the 7'2ML? I'm not sure if I should go the 7' M rod or not.

[@peppermint6253]

How does this rod compare to the Daiwa Tatula MH you previously reviewed, or to a Daiwa Tatula Elite AGS Brent Ehler drop shot rod?

[@PunchFishing]

Compare in regards to what?

[@peppermint6253]

@@PunchFishing I was thinking about a new drop shot/multi-purpose rod. The Daiwa Tatula MH is versatile and cheaper, but do you like the Expride a lot more? I can also get a deal on the Tatula Elite AGS Brent Ehler rod for around $160. Which rod would you recommend?

[@cadendickey4536]

Can this throw a waky rig?

[@shanekelley1824]

Do you think it has the right action for a Texas rig drop shot or is it a nose hook only rod?

[@PunchFishing]

It can definitely do both

[@Jessica37323]

How does it compare to the poison adrena?

[@PunchFishing]

I've never owned any arenas.

[@brandonb6327]

The Omnia promo code doesn't work for Shimano rods, is that right?

[@PunchFishing]

Shimano has always been code protected.

[@gregg2660]

You didn’t mention wacky rigs! Any reason

[@PunchFishing]

I think it's a little soft for waccky fishing, personally

[@joebass4947]

So better than a Tatula Elite AGS?

[@PunchFishing]

I would say yes, IMHO

[@chefmatt6299]

Where do you think this compares to the whipsnake? How does the whipsnake compare to the 7’ L? Trying to find the ultimate dropshot/hardbait rod.

[@marcusvidrine7688]

tungsten for FFS...not feel nessicarily

[@PunchFishing]

I can see the lead just fine 🤷‍♂️

[@jesusblessthesecommentsamen]

Dont know why Americans have strange names for lure rods drop shot ? Why not just call it a soft plastics rod or hardbody rod their designed for japan not usa. Shakey head is another wierd one..

[@glenndaugherity6187]

Typical Omnia they have 0 stock of this !!

[@PunchFishing]

Set an alert!