The Shimano Zodias Spinning Rod is a premium rod in an elite series of rods made of industry-leading materials with a wide range of signature technologies.
That said, this approach to performance and superb quality don’t come in a budget spinning rod, though seasoned anglers know that aggressive fishes require high-quality gear.
However, the previous model is an all-time favorite as the lightweight, sensitivity-rich construction of the graphite core is still able to provide remarkable rigidity for top-tier rod efficiency.
Still, will competitive anglers be willing to pay for this level of performance when you can find a quality rod at a more affordable price?
Contents
Pros
- Reinforced carbon blank
- Great sensitivity throughout
- Excellent guide system
Cons
- Expensive, premium price
- EVA foam handle
- Exclusively fast action
Review
Construction (craftsmanship, make quality)
The Shimano Zodias spin casting rods apply advanced technologies to their graphite blank through the patented Hi-Power X construction that has a massive impact on rod performance.
In this process, the Zodias product takes the outermost layer wraps during construction and arranges the carbon fiber layers in a crisscrossing alignment.
This design benefits anglers in a couple of different ways, but increasing the already excellent strength and durability to fight through underwater structures is huge.
These graphite cores have more than enough backbone to get out of a tight spot without putting undue strain on the premium carbon blank
whether using a 2-piece construction or a one-piece rod.
Rather than the ever-popular Seaguide Aluminum Oxide Guides, the Zodias graphite spinning rods.
Generally, you have to choose between cork handles or foam handles, but these spin casting rods maintain their professional-grade quality with the inclusion of a Carbon Monocoque Grip.
Neither cork handles nor foam handles provide the kind of durability or added sensitivity you get with this design.
Of course, the Shimano Zodias, as the premium-grade product that it is, doesn’t sit pat with arguably the best one-piece rod on the market and includes CI4+ reel seats for performance.
Outside of the actual fishing benefits these reel seats provide, they also offer some of the best fits for a perfect reel fixation.
Length
These spin casting rods come almost exclusively in a one-piece rod build, but they still come in a wide array of different lengths.
That said, even the one-piece rod models tend to be on the longer side with none of the options shorter than 6’8″.
Regardless, you still have five different lengths to choose from, depending on which version you choose, with a range of 6’8″, 6’9″, 7′, 7’3″, and 7’6″.
And while there might not be a rod with a 2-piece construction, mobile anglers shouldn’t fret as this series also features a model with five pieces for one of the smallest travel sizes available.
Material
The carbon tape combined with the winding angle of manufacture with Shimano’s Hi-Power X technology allows far less conventional resin material to be used.
That said, the pole material doesn’t have the kind of impact on rod performance that you might expect compared to competitors, regardless of whether or not Shimano uses industry-leading materials (which it does).
Still, the pole material is only part of the process that makes this a heavy-weight hitter such a well-made product, though that material can be found pretty much throughout the build.
In this instance, it’s carbon fiber graphite that finds its way into almost every other part of the pole and makes for top-tier components.
Whether you’re talking about the Fuji reel seat or the carbon monocoque handle, there’s no question that the materials used for this spinning fishing rod increase the rod’s sensitivity.
You won’t find any soft plastics here, but they also allow you to fish with plenty of power without having to worry about anything breaking.
Still, one of the best choices for materials may be with the guides which opt for alconite inserts that see the ceramic material provide rod power without the fear of pop-outs.
Even better, the SiC material used for the rings ensures that the maximum weight of fish won’t cause any additional issues that would otherwise bring an early end to your fishing trip.
Action
The precise actions of the Zodias one-piece rod provides a nearly unmatched transfer of energy throughout the casting motion, producing a noticeable increase in casting distance.
That said, the casting range will definitely fluctuate which action version you choose as a fast action will provide the kind of results you’re likely used to.
However, the moderate action combination with a long blank, like the 7’6″ model, should give you a nice little bump in your casting distance which is especially important when choosing a rod for saltwater fishing.
Granted, the overwhelming majority of options see fast action rods providing the accuracy and sensitivity that serves all fishing sessions well.
Power
The rod power rating of a fishing pole is vital to get right, but while you need plenty of power, it’s more important to get the right rating from the variety of power specs for your fishing needs specifically.
Thankfully, this fishing pole offers a wide variety of power ratings, so you can choose the rod power accordingly.
That said, the Zodias takes this a step further with plenty of backbone while still offering a balance of power and sensitivity.
Even better, some of the heavy weight options even provide plenty of power in a rod for saltwater fishing sessions, though the maximum weight of this series definitely skews it far more towards inshore anglers.
Rod Guides
These spin casting rods take a complete right turn from everyone’s expectation by eschewing the use of Seaguide Aluminum Oxide Guides in favor of a more unusual approach.
While the rings may look like your standard black oxide guides, the Zodias provides some of the strongest rings around with Fuji Alconite inserts and SiC guides.
Unlike the more common aluminum-oxide or stainless steel you find on budget-friendly and even mid-tier models, the Zodias spinner uses ceramic guide inserts that provide additional strength and prevent pop-outs.
However, it’s the SiC rings that really stand out as they are not only durable and smooth but further increase sensitivity.
Handle (material, shape, etc)
This spinning fishing rod, surprising no one, puts the same level and attention to detail to its handle as every other part and exceeds all cork handles.
Instead, this fishing pole opts for a Carbon Monocoque high sensitivity rear grip that should thrill versatile anglers by affording them the ability to feel even the test nibbles skittish species use.
The hollow structure of the carbon monocoque butt section transfers far more vibrations into the palm of angler hands than either a foam grip or cork handles.
That said, there are definitely some people who might not be thrilled with the carbon-molded grip’s comfort and prefer the more comfortable and ergonomic fit of foam handles for longer fishing sessions.
Uses (Who is this good for)
Because of its superb quality, the Zodias product is the ideal choice for a multi-species angler, because it works for a broad range of fishing styles.
Regardless of your target fish species, even seasoned anglers will appreciate that this model can work well enough as an all-purpose fishing rod for saltwater fishing.
Still, this spinning casting rod’s price range puts it squarely in the experienced, competitive anglers’ market with a graphite blank that can handle virtually anything you want to throw at it.
However, even versatile anglers looking for something that works for any fishing session from estuary fishing to fishing for bream should take notice.
On the other hand, these graphite spinning rods probably aren’t the best choice for starting fishermen– though that isn’t a statement against the fishing pole’s quality.
In those instances, you generally look for an option that offers a good blend of price and performance so it’s not such a big loss if the beginner doesn’t continue to pursue the sport.
Reel and Real Seat Compatibility
The Shimano Zodias reel seat utilizes an extremely technical material with the CI4+ carbon fiber graphite blend to surprising results.
Because of the attention paid to this part of the design, these are reel seats for performance, and they show up in a big way.
For starters, this reel seat can handle pretty much any reel you want to throw on the rod.
With an exceptional fit, the real benefit comes from its ability to transfer vibration, enabling you to feel the slightest nibble, even throughout all-day fishing sessions.
Even better, the CI4+ material is amazingly strong for a reel seat with the composite manufacturing reinforcing its durability without also adding too much weight.
Conclusion (Wrap Up)
The level of performance from the Shimano Zodias spinning rod is, in large part, due to the superb quality of its hollow Carbon fiber rod blank and range of signature technologies.
While never a budget rod, even the previous model was regarded as an awesome product by mobile anglers thanks to a lightweight, sensitivity-rich construction and an absence of soft plastics.
However, despite being an all-time favorite for the multi-species angler whether estuary fishing or fishing for bream, the premium carbon blank can still serve as a capable finesse rod.
While the price range of these spin casting rods might spook some beginner fishermen, the blank construction alone makes it professional-grade largemouth bass fishing gear.
