I'm looking at purchasing a couple rods in the $200-$220 range and these have both caught my eye. Can anyone offer any opinions on these rods? What other rods in this price range should I be looking at as well?

Thanks.

I am a big fan of the higher end Loomis stuff but the E6X is just okay. I bought 2 of the new IMX rods and I don't like them nearly as much as the old IMX rods I own. If you can't get a GLX or above I would go with the higher end Shimano.

I picked up one of these at Anglers Pro Tackle a while back and I was very impressed with it. Crazy price!

https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Daiwa_Aird_X_Casting_Rods/descpage-DAX.html

I've been super impressed with the Shimano rods. They'll get my vote

Ok, so I own both and the Zodias is superior to the EX6 in every aspect. Bought the EX6 782C at academy, on clearance for $98, and after fishing with it a while I feel like it wasn't a bargain at that price. I have a 6'10" MH Zodias that is my go to worm/lizard pitching rod. Paid around $189 and feel like I got my moneys worth. IMO it's at least as sensitive as my G.Loomis IMX rods, actually closer to GLX.

Also, I agree with Ken A, that the ew IMX series are not as sensitive as the older ones. I actually prefer some of my older Mossyback series over the new IMX. GLX and above are where G.Loomis really shines. NRX are probably the only rods that don't have an equal from another manufacturer. The Daiwa Aird-X are a great value for $50, I have a 7' MH that I use when slab fishing for white bass.

Zodias for sure between that one and the EX6. The EX6 is not that sensitive. I had one and sold it shortly after I got it.
The Shimano Experide is very nice also. I also have several Shimano Crucial rods that I really like, but I am a tackle nut and have a lot of different rods that I like.

I have mostly G Loomis, Falcons and Dobyns. I pick up the Dobyns Champions first, then the Falcons, then the GLX or IMX I have. Don't like the balance of the G Loomis rods in general. To me, Dobyns are right there at the top.

Agreed. The Expride is very nice. It was the highest level Shimano until they came out with the new Poison line. I bought one for a bladed jig and I really like it a lot. I also throw big square bills on it.

I have a Zodias glass rod paired with a Curado DC and absolutely love it...

Between those 2, Zodias for sure.
Only thing I dont like is no hook keeper.

I agree, the Experide doesn't have a hook keeper either.