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Rod Review

 

 

Shimano's JDM-esque Zodias 172MH

 

Date: 9/14/16
Tackle Type: Rod
Manufacturer: Shimano America Corp
Reviewer: Cal






Total Score: 7.74 - GOOD

Introduction:
Though they are a recognized leader in fishing reels, and their JDM rod offerings are highly coveted, Shimano has had to fight hard to gain recognition from enthusiasts in the North American market with their bass rods. In an attempt to rectify this situation, the manufacturer imported their JDM line, Expride, and last year, they introduced a new series of rods with an even more JDM feel - Zodias. But unlike Expride, Zodias was designed for the North American market both in actions and price point. Here now is our review of the $199 Zodias 172MH.

 

Shimano Zodias 172MH Specifications

Material Advanced Hi-Power X Construction Blank
Length 7'-2"
Line Wt. 10-25lb
Lure Wt. 10-30g (~3/8 - 1oz)
Pieces One
Guides 8+tip (Fuji KSeries SS/Alconite Semi-Micro)
Rear Handle Length 10inches
Power Rating Medium Heavy
Taper Fast
Rod Weight 4.5oz
Origin Made in China
MSRP $199.99

 

Quality/Construction: The Zodias 172MH is a seven foot, two inch (7'-2") casting rod built on Shimano's proprietary blank featuring that cross weaving reinforcement seen on so many JDM rod brands. Shimano refers to it as Advanced Hi-Power X Construction. There's a generous gloss coat over the blank. The rod's grip is a split design made from a dense EVA foam and featuring very subtle yet distinct aluminum highlights for color.

 


Introducing the Zodias 172MH.

 

Looking down the length of the rod, we can see the blank is straight and guides are perfectly aligned. Epoxy work around the thread wraps is very clean with the material blending into the rod's clear gloss coat almost seamlessly. It's a super clean build.

 

Quality Ratings for Shimano Zodias 172MH

Finish (1-5)
Grip (1-5)
Epoxy (1-5)
Blank (1-2)
Guides (1-2)
Total
Possible
Rating (= Tot/Pos * 10)
4
5
4
2
2
17
19
8.95

 


This stick features Shimano's Advanced Hi-Power X Construction...

Performance: I paired the Zodias 172MH with my Shimano Japan 2015 Aldebaran 51HG and on a separate occasion, a Quantum Smoke Speed Freak. The 172MH has seen action on Clear Lake, CA as well as the California Delta.


... Fuji Semi-Micro KSeries Alconite Guides with SS Frames...

Casting: The Zodias 172MH is rated from three eighths ounce up to one full ounce (3/8oz - 1oz) in lure weight, so it's on the heavier side of the "medium-heavy" spectrum. It loads fairly well with baits in this range for both casting and pitching presentations and as is my preference for rods that are more powerful, I actually like this stick better as a pitching rod than I do a casting rod. That extra couple of inches in length helps make this stick a nice pitching rod too.


... Black, Red & Silver color scheme ...

Sensitivity: If there's an area where I was a little less thrilled in terms of performance with this stick it was with sensitivity. Because of the CI4+ reel seat and the blank's cross wrapping reinforced design, I just assumed this stick would be more sensitive than average. Unfortunately, that gloss coat over the blank probably takes a little away from the rod's performance here.


... and a CI4+ custom reel seat.

Next Section: Power that translates into solid hooksets

 

   

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