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Rod Review


Shimano's JDM Expride Lands in the US (continued)

Features: The 171H's most significant feature is one we do not score. This rod, and the entire Expride line benefits from yet another cross weave technology that reduces the overall weight of the rod's blank but increases compression strength. This Hi-Power X construction shows the continuing trend in this type of blank technology in Japan.


Shimano makes this reel seat themselves out of CI4 material.

Otherwise, the cork portion of the 171H's grip is of good quality cork though gaps and filler are visible. The guides are Fuji's SS framed SiCs and the rod comes with no hook keeper or rod sleeve. The reel seat on this rod is Shimano's own design and built from their original CI4 material - it's graphite. The reel seat probably has a lot to do with how sensitive the rod is since transfer of vibrations from the tip of the rod to your hand is going through similar materials.

Features Ratings for Shimano Expride 171H

Grip (1-5)
Guides (1-5)
Reel Seat (1-5)
Hook Keeper (1-5)
Rod Sleeve (1-5)
Total
Possible
Rating (= Tot/Pos * 10)
4
4.5
5
1
1
15.5
25
6.2


It is a very comfortable reel seat to fish.

Design/Ergonomics: The Expride 171H has a very solid overall feel. Its weight, at 5 ounces, is about average for its length and power as is its balance point and balancing torque. It's pretty natural for rods of this power rating to feel a bit tip heavy, but it's not too big of an issue as long as they're not overly tip heavy because heavy powered rods are usually fished in tip down techniques anyway.

Lab Results for Shimano Expride 171H

Model
Avg RoD (2-48 oz)
Taper
Measured Weight (oz)
Balance Point (inches)
Balancing Torque (ftlbs)
Shimano Expride 171H
1.37
Fast
5
8
0.19
Daiwa Tatula TAT721HFB
1.42
Fast
4
9
0.19
MBR844C GLX
1.48
Fast
4.7
7.5
--


SiC guide with SS frames.

It is a two-piece rod separating at the handle, so once assembled, you can't even tell. Leave it assembled long enough and you'll even forget it's a two piece stick. The rod's grip is a nice, comfortable diameter with no uncomfortable power bulges and the rod's graphics and color scheme are very subdued. Just the subtle tapers in the grips and change in material give you a hint that this is not a typical USDM rod. The integrated foregrip and reel seat locking mechanism is always a nice touch as well.

Design & Ergonomics Ratings for Shimano Expride 171H

Grip (1-5)
Colors / Graphics (1-5)
Balance (1-5)
Weight (1-5)
Total
Possible
Rating (= Tot/Pos * 10)
4
5
3
3
15
20
7.5


The 171H excels in techniques that are vertically oriented, like jigs and soft plastics.

Application: As alluded to earlier in this review, the 171H excels in techniques that are vertically oriented, like jigs and soft plastics. This stick can be used with moving baits, but better with single hooked moving baits like spinnerbaits and buzzbaits than something like a deep diving crank. It will really do most everything, but it's best with bottom contact baits.

Bass Rod Application Ratings for Shimano Expride 171H

Rip/Jerk (1-5)
Steady (1-5)
Lift & Drop (1-5)
Drag (1-5)
Twitch (1-5)
Total
Possible
Rating (= Tot/Pos * 10)
3
3
5
5
4
20
25
8.0

 

Ratings:

Shimano Expride 171H Ratings (?/10)

Construction/Quality A beautifully crafted stick 10
Performance Performs very well out on the water 9
Price The price overseas for this stick is 20,580 Yen or roughly $173 at today's exchange rate (119jpy/usd) yet it's twice that price to purchase domestically here in the States 5
Features Nice list of components, but missing the little extras to put it over the top 6.2
Design (Ergonomics) In line with other heavy powered sticks out there at a similar length 7.5
Application Very versatile for a heavy powered rod 8.0

Total Score

7.62
Ratings Key: 1 = terrible : 2 = poor : 3 = lacking : 4 = sub par : 5 = mediocre : 6 = fair : 7 = good : 8 = great : 9 = excellent : 10 = unbelievable!
For More Details of the updated rating system visit our explanation here

 

Pluses and Minuses:

Plus

Minus
+ More JDM products from Shimano available here in North America - Price locally is twice what it sells for in Japan
+ Beautifully crafted fishing rod - Limited, one year warranty that must be processed through Shimano
+ Performs very well  

  

Conclusion: I really like everything about this rod from how the blank performs to the components to Shimano's custom CI4 reel seat. It's sensitive, powerful, and versatile - just about all you can ask for in a seven foot one inch, heavy powered rod. My issue? Knowing that this stick retails for half its US price in Japan (given the current exchange rate of 119jpy/usd). That's quite the premium to pay for the opportunity to buy this stick at your local tackle store backed by a very limited one year warranty by Shimano America Corp...

 


I like everything about this rod except for the fact we have to pay double what it normally costs in Japan.

 

It's almost as if Shimano is making the rod series available just so they can silence those asking about all their beautiful Japanese market bass rods, but they don't really want you to have them, so they doubled the price. Even at $250, this rod would be a solid buy competing with the likes of Falcon Cara, Kistler Helium 3, 13 Fishing Envy, Daiwa Zillion, Dobyns Champion, Phenix MBX. But it's difficult to take pride in ownership when you know you're paying double what the product sells for in other markets.

 

Looking for a Shimano Expride fishing rod? Try one of these reputable sources!

 

TackleWarehouse : Hi's Tackle Box : Monster Fishing Tackle


 

   

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