I have 3 of the older H2O rods and they seem real nice for only 40 bucks. 7ft rods and pretty light too. I didnt even know about these new H2O rods, they look nice.

http://jasonbaggett.com/2011/03/07/h2o-express-ethos-%e2%80%9cblue-rod%e2%80%9d/

Chance they might be at the shreveport store?
I am going there this weekend.

Hopefully they arent anything like the other rods of theirs they sell there...They arent worth 9.99

JR.... I think Academy did their homework on these. The reviews from those involved in the testing have been very high. People are comparing to Kistler Helium, Falcon Cara, etc.... I can't wait to get my hands on a few more.

They had a bunch of them down here at the expo for the bass master classic in south Louisiana . They were selling like hot cakes. Fuji guides and rod seats , awesome blank . Some of the Academy' s down here have them . I picked up three and absolutely love them . I have always been a Falcon guy but I may be switching over to these H2O's If they continue to impress me like they have so far. I have fished a few tourneys with them and caught numerous fish and even boat flipped some nice 4 -5 pound fish with no issues at all Stong rod and very sensitve . I have four sons that fish also so that makes it even better to be able to set them up with quality gear at an affordable price.

We need more reports on them. My buddy said that he knew someone that had them break. I know that's hearsay, but I would still like to read more experiences with them. I did pick some up to check them out and they did look good, but ...?

As soon as I hear they are in the df/w stores I'm hauling arse..

There was a thread on here about 2 or 3 weeks ago and there were a ton of good reviews . I cant seem to find it . Some guys commented that even tested proto types of the blue rods last year with great success . Maybe someone else can track down this old thread and post a link.

Buddy just told me he saw them on the rack. I asked him several times if they were the new blue ones, he said "Yes Im holding it, its ok nothing to write home about."

Guys, let me help ya out a little bit. Don't want you burnin' that gas up yet to get them. Can't tell ya everything, but these Rods ARE AWESOME! Wouldn't begin looking in stores until towards the end of next week. Most likely Houston stores will be receiving first. More Northern stores a couple days later. But I can promise you will definately enjoy. Wish I could guarantee the time, but you know how shipping is.

Picked up one today, picked up not bought. You can't compare these with any upper end rods. No threat there. maybe a good $59.00 rod, Maybe?

I think I would have to respectfully disagree with you . I normaly fish Falcon Lowriders / Caras . I find them very comparable . I have found myself using them more and more the last few outings , not even hesitating to leave the Falcon on the deck . I would say they are very comparable to that class of rod . Now if you start talking Loomis etc. , thats a different story .

I guess when someone say's" Whats the best this or that " when it comes to fishing equipment, we all have'em, you know. I would hate to be the poor guy that wants to get into this sport, has to be pretty confusing. Anyway, nothing like advice.I don't want to sound to negative, it just is not a fit for me. Good luck,

Central Plano Academy has about 20 of them as of today... there are two different types of the h2o rods. The Ethos, shown earlier in the thread, and the Precip which does not have the split grip.

I am not what I would consider a "high end" rod user. I have fished Castaways and Falcons which are high enough in price for me. With that out of the way, I picked up an h2o Precip "Pitching Stick" and must say I am pretty darned impressed. Cost was $39.00 and it seems like a sweet rod.

As far as the blank, time will tell indeed, but I like knowing I can always go into my local Academy and get a replacement. What other rod can you say that about that costs $39.00?

W