(Provided by Shimano)

Crankbait and heavy cover rods added to Shimano Zodias Bass Rod Series.

Shimano has added three rods to its Zodias bass rod line-up deisgned for crankbaiting or heavy cover braided line applications.

While existing Zodias series provide anglers with rods designed to perform for various applications, the new Zodias rods are constructed for specific lure and situation use. The 7-foot ZDS 170M-G and 7-foot-6 inch ZDS 176M-G crankbaits rods have longer reargrips for long-casting leverage, and include glass composite material within their Hi-Power X blank for the softer action needed. The heavy power 7-foot-5-inch ZDS 175H is ideal for braided line applications, especially when launching frogs into heavy grass. A long reargrip provides added casting distance leverage.

All the Zodias rods blanks feature Hi-Power X construction, eliminating blank twist for both better casting distance and accuracy. Hi-Power X is a unique process to support the lightweight blanks, with carbon tape added in a 45-dgreee ëXí pattern on the outside of the blank. The tape process provides what is called ëtorsional rigidityí to keep the blank from twisting during the cast ñ and with it, more distance and a more accurate lure presentation.

The new Zodias rods also include the sensitivity and strength of lightweight CI4+ material reel seats, plus lightweight semi-micro guides. The new models are now available through tackle dealers and will be priced at under $200.