Shimano renews Expride's commitment to rodcraft excellence

by Shimano 22 Jun 2022 18:19 PDT

Shimano Expride casting and spinning rods © Jessica Haydahl Photography

Empowering elite angling professionals as they pursue a wide range of techniques and environments, the next generation of Shimano Expride casting and spinning rods offer freshwater anglers the upper hand in any fishing situation. The new lineup extends a legacy of exceptional performance leading to fishing's biggest stages, incorporating the knowledge and manufacturing innovation that only Shimano rodsmiths can apply.

Expride Casting B - photo © Shimano

The redesigned Expride series showcases several of Shimano's premium rod-building technologies to create lighter, stronger and more responsive tackle. Hi-Power X technology gives anglers complete control with rods that exhibit noticeably reduced blank twist and ovalization, translating to improved lure and tip control when casting and fighting fish. In Hi-Power X construction, diagonally wrapped carbon tape forms an array of "X" shapes on the rod blank's outermost layer. Shimano engineers fine-tune the width of the tape, its winding angle and precise locations to craft models with powers and actions that address the demands of specific fisheries and their required presentations.

Expride Casting B - photo © Shimano

Focused on enhancing all parts of the rod and further detailing Shimano's pride in engineering, Expride B series spinning and casting rods incorporate Shimano's proprietary Carbon Monocoque handle. This uniquely designed rear-grip not only shaves weight through its hollow construction but also increases angler acuity, delivering up to 30% more sensitivity and transmitting the lightest vibration from underwater structure, lure action and bites. Shimano's CI4+ reel seats add to the premium appeal of the Expride B series with a design that melds seamlessly from the Carbon Monocoque handle while enhancing the overall sensitivity of the blank. Offering heightened energy transfer and a drastic reduction in rod weight, CI4+ reel seats maximize an angler's connection to the blank and represent the ultimate in strength, sensitivity and comfort.

Perfectly transferring line over differently powered sections of Expride B series blanks, Fuji SiC guides increase responsiveness while minimizing the amount of friction and heat generated across the smooth surface of the ceramic insert. Optimized guide-train alignment with smaller frames also eliminate line slap during the cast, delivering longer and more accurate presentations.

Using the best rods for any given situation gives anglers a much-needed edge, and the expanded Expride B series of technique-driven models specifically designed for versatility, power fishing or throwing large swimbaits provide a new standard of excellence with perfect balance, blank actions and responsiveness. Six spinning and 16 casting rods, including three glass models, cover virtually every length and action any angler could ever desire. The 6'10'' Medium power, Moderate action glass casting rod (EXC610MGB) is ideal for power cranking, while the 8' Extra-Extra Heavy power, Moderate Fast action casting rod (EXC80XXHB) will tame the desires of anglers presenting the largest swimbaits. While many professionals carry dozens of rods on deck, maximum versatility is achievable with the 7'2" Medium Heavy power, Fast action spinning rod (EXS72MHB), allowing anglers to cast a variety of baits accurately in both close quarters and at longer distances. The entire lineup of premium Expride B rods now features a subdued matte black finish and a hook keeper that works perfectly with single and treble hooks.

Command tournament-winning performance with the next generation of exceptionally light and balanced Expride B casting and spinning rods, with MSRPs ranging from $389.99 to $419.99. Look for the Shimano Expride B rod in the ICAST New Product Showcase Freshwater Rod category, and learn more about Shimano's innovative new products by visiting Booth 2244 at ICAST 2022.

Expride B Features