Has anyone tried H2o Xpress Rods before? Academy has a $130 Tac-40 on sale for $65 right now which is pretty tempting. I hear that something at this price as a house brand will fish like a $200 rod. If anyone has tried them out before I'd love to hear how they compare to something along the lines of a Dobyns Fury or Daiwa Tatula, etc. Thanks!!

I have 2-3 of the Red Aduro rods. They ran 80 buck got 2 on sale for 40 and 27 bucks. They are nice rods but compared to Phoenix, Cashion and Loomis it’s not a fair fight .

I have had a few different H2O rods over the years. Still got a couple in the rod box now. For the value I like them. Never any issues. You just have to feel the rods for your self. I got a medium stamped rod the feels more medium light. And a heavy rod I would call medium heavy. Other than that. Put a ton of fish in the boat on them. Only one rod broke. And it was really my fault.

I have 2 H2O Xpress Ethos rods. A 7’ medium spinning rod and a 7’3” heavy flipping stick casting rod.

The spinning rod is pretty versatile and I’ve used it for bass as well as crappie fishing. The heavy rod I have used for flipping and pitching and large crankbaits, swimbaits, whopper ploppers, and large topwater plastics.

For the money I have been super impressed with the rods. Normal price is $70 but I got both of mine on sale and they just might be the best rod out there at that price point, along with the Falcon HD rods which academy also sells.

The tag said the rods were constructed of IM8 graphite and portugese cork handles. They also come with Fuji ceramic guides and Fuji reel seats. Lots of high end components for a low price. The rods feel plenty sensitive and very well balanced.

I have the spinning rod paired to a Pflueger President 6930 and the casting rod has a Shimano SLX 150.

I’ve had no problem with the rods or any of the components breaking.

I haven’t used the Tac-40 rods before, but if the $70’ rod is as good as it is, then the $130 rod would hopefully feel amazing. If you can get it for $65, I’d call that a deal and wouldn’t hesitate to give it a try for that price.

I fish 2 of them. 7' mh and 7'3 heavy. I agree with cool arrow that the H feels like a mh+ and the mh feels lighter than my other mh rods. They have decent sensitivity for their price and have held up so far. Plus they do have that good ole academy warranty. I'd purchase again for $65.

I’ve noticed that, too. They are definitely lighter than my St. Croix rods with the same power rating.

Wow I would love to pick up that Tac 40 on sale. But it is always $120 when I go in the store. I do have the premiere edition H2O rod which I got on close out for $29 and must say I have been pleasantly surprised but the sensitivity and backbone the rod offers. Don’t think I would try to compare it to any of my more expensive Loomis or Falcon rods. But it is very capable and works great for my boys or for friends who fish with me