EOW Xpedite Telescopic Spinning Rod

In years past, telescoping fishing rods used to be so whippy they could only be considered a slow-to-ultra-slow action. So I was surprised when a recent Outdoor Life (or Field & Stream - I can't remember which) article reviewing travel rods recommended a telescoping rod and stated it had decent enough action to be usable for more than just an occasional rod while traveling. The article didn't review this EOW rod and didn't actually provide an Amazon link to the correct product, but in reviewing a selection of travel rods here on Amazon, I found the natural cork and neutral brown rod much more appealing than the garrulous colored Chinese brands with artificial sponge handles. Plus it had decent enough reviews and an appealing enough price to be worth a shot. So I bought the 7'6" version prior to a recent vacation to use surf fishing in Southeast Asia. The package with the extra equipment seemed like a good deal for not much more money, but it only came in the shorter rod lengths and I valued the extra length of the 7'6" rod more than the accessories. To my surprise, the 7'6" rod came in a nice box with a spool of 20lb braided line. I haven't used it yet, since I normally prefer Sufix 832 braided line, which I used with this rod, but it seems of reasonable quality for a four-strand braided line. The rod was of very good quality with no noticeable functional or cosmetic defects. It came with a plastic tip cover that covered all the tops of the sections including the line guides, plus a nylon fabric bag that, unfortunately, does not provide the security of an actual case. With the tip cover in its bag, it has a retracted travel length of 17.25" and fit easily in a 19" hard-sided carryon suitcase (the more compact size that meets smaller airlines' carryon requirements). To give more protection to the rod while it was in my suitcase, I bought a pack of flexible cutting board sheets, rolled one up, and slipped in in the nylon bag to provide some rigidity and security during transit. All telescopic rods tend to be a bit thicker in the first section above the handle than a typical rod of its weight, to accommodate all of the subsequent sections that slide into the first one and this one starts off looking like a medium-heavy or even heavy powered rod for the lower 30 inches or so. It extends easily enough, thinning out toward the tip and stayed securely extended, never collapsing under use. I would characterize the power of this rod as a medium to medium-heavy powered rod. While I did not have a bite the one time I have thus far used it, I suspect it could readily handle a 12lb, maybe a 20lb fish.. Surprisingly, it had more rigidity than I expected from a telescoping rod and I would say that the rod is a fast action, bending mostly at the top 1/3 rather than throughout its length. I mounted a Daiwa Regal in 3000-size on the rod and it was a good fit size-wise for this rod. If you have a spare 2000 through 4000-size reel around, it should work fine with this rod, but if you are buying a new reel specifically to use on this rod, I would go with a 3000-sized reel. I spooled my Daiwa with 15lb Sufix 832 ocean camo braid and that seemed to work well with this rod. Aside from the extra effort of extending the individual sections and aligning the line guides, it functioned every bit the same as a typical one or two-piece spinning rod. I got good casting distance and when I snagged a spoon on a rock, the rod was plenty strong to resolve the situation with the line breaking. I had no trouble casting lures in the 1/4 to 5/8 oz. weight range, including Heddon Spook Juniors, and would be comfortable casting lures up to 1.0 oz. I don't typically use live bait, so I'm not sure how well this rod would do with heavier lead weights one would usually use with a live bait setup. It's not a 10' surf rod you would use to propel a 2-3 oz. weight out to maximum distances, though. Last year I bought an Uglystik four-piece 6'6" travel spinning rod that seemed like it would be a good all-around rod for traveling, albeit it bit short for maximizing casting distance, especially for surf fishing. However, the tip end piece of the rod simply would not stay attached to the other sections and continuously flew off the rod, ending up 30-40 feet out in the water. I discovered that many other people had the exact same problem with this rod so it was an obvious product defect, not just an isolated issue with an unexpected occasional lemon. I contacted Shakespeare/Uglystik customer service not once or twice, but three times and asked them to provide a solution under warranty to this defect that rendered the rod unusable. Uglystik categorically refused to respond. This EOW rod is of higher quality than the Uglystik and cost less, so I would recommend it very highly. I recognize that a single three-hour use of this rod is a less-than-desirable product test length. Unlike most people who post a review somewhat (or often completely) prematurely under the pretext of coming back to update the review if their experience with the product changes, I've been writing detailed product reviews on Amazon for more than 15 years and I actually do update my reviews as warranted. I can heartily recommend this travel rod as far as I have used it, but if under further use I encounter problems, I actually will come back and update the review accordingly. EDIT 12/31/24. I fished for several hours this morning in the Gulf in Florida and found that the rod had a plus and a minus. First, I found the rod just did not cast as well as I had hoped with lighter lures. I got pretty good distance with a half ounce Mirrolure lipless jerkbait, but it was less than typical casting distance with a 7 foot two-piece, medium-heavy rod throwing a 5/8 ounce Heddon Spook, shorter by at least 20 to 30 feet. Light lures such as a 1/4 ounce. Yo Zuri jerk bait really did not cast very well at all. To get decent distance I would recommend a minimum of half an ounce lure. However, I did catch a 20 inch snook and the rod had no trouble handling a tough fighting fish. I think the rod could easily handle up to about a 15-20 pound freshwater fish and a somewhat smaller ocean fish, which fight harder. I still recommend the rod.

I haven't used this rod yet, but it seems to be a decent enough rod for the small amount of $$$. I'm sure it would be fine for stocker trout, small basss, panfish, etc. But my intent is to put it up against pink salmon this summer, and if it survives that, silver salmon the following month. I'm always up for trying new things. The rod extends as it should, with all sections snugging up nicely. The quality seems okay, but with all low end rods, the eyes are suspect with me until they've proven themselves. Often times low end materials are used in low end eyes on low end rods, leading to premature breakage or grooves cut into the top eyelet. I'm also concerned about the tip section, which is very thin compared to other rods I own. But that's understandable considering the rod's telescoping nature. A plastic eye cover is included for protection, along with a sleeve. Because of these concerns I plan on using 8-strand 20 lb braid, which is softer and less abrasive than 4-strand braid. I also plan to initially use a lighter drag setting on the reel, which will place less stress on the rod. Once and if I gain confidence in this rod, I'll adjust the drag accordingly. As for portability, these are second to none. I also own 2 other EOW telescoping rods (blue blanks, 1 spinning, 1 casting), and store/transport them with reels attached in a 20" plastic Plano tool box, along with a couple small boxes of spinners and other terminal gear. I can toss this in a pickup, car, or RV underneath storage and have available anywhere. I'm absolutely convinced that if I do everything right, these rods are capable of handling pink and coho salmon. I've already landed fast, strong, drag-squealing silver salmon up to 12 lbs with ultralight setups with 4 lb. mono, so these should be up to the task, right? I get to test that theory in a few months, and will update with both good/bad as necessary.

This pole works as described, it is lightweight and compact. It is super easy to use and extends and collapses nice. Only complaint I had was upon opening the package I noticed that part of rod had a chip on the finish, nothing that would affect performance but just sucks that it has the chip but still a good quality rod for the price.

Good quality and sensitive with a nice action I was very surprised

I really like the glass ferules and cork over the metal ones so many telescoping rods have. The design is good and the windings and coating on my copy is pretty good too. The cork has a few holes filled but is holding up fine so far and they aren't noticeable in use. The telescopic design makes it stiffer and faster than usual for its size. The guide cover is handy and wraps around your lure when it's on the hook storage. I had no trouble flipping a 1/8oz kastmaster spoon 50+ft across the river with 4lb line, and the rod held up to the inevitable tree thrashing(I got it back!). The only test remaining is an actual big fish. Note to EOW: I hope you will consider making a slimmer spinning version with a light/ultralight action with shorter sections and butt/storage for trout fishing. I'd be glad to test one if you do!

Bought the 6’ spinning rod for a “portable” pond bluegill/bass rig. The rod has a nice quality handle/grip. While I don’t like “stubby” grips on my spinning rods, this one is almost too long. The manufacturer could easily lopp off 2-3”, and it would still be a good length, while shortening the collapsed rod down to a 14-15” total (rather than the near 17” I measured). The rod is stiffer than other telescoping rods I’ve had. Certainly stiffer than the Eagle Claw. Plenty of flexibility in the most distal couple of sections, though. Light enough for bluegill, but stiff enough for the average black or sand bass. The orange color of the tip section is a nice touch, for visibility. I DO wish the makers of telescoping rods would imprint “index” marks on the back of each rod section, so you didn’t always have to futz around trying to line up all the guides, every time you use these poles. Just a thought… The guides are as good, or better, and just as durable, as you’d find on any solid spinning rod, not fragile. I put a Plueger President underspin reel on it. Nice combo. In order to allow the included rod bag to fit on the combo (it won’t fit if you keep a reel attached to the rod), I cut a slit up the side of the nylon bag, then “surged” the cut with a lighter (to prevent fraying). I added a neoprene reel cover to complete the package (and there’s enough room in there to stuff a few Roadrunners or Beetle spins, if you don’t want to drag along a tackle box). Makes a nice/compact 17” long package, that will easily fit under many truck seats or out of the way.

These are good poles for hiking and backpacking. I've caught a lot of fish with it on trails in various places. I come across a lake or stream and just cast out with a meps spinner and it's a good time. I got one for my son too. I have no complaints and they're pretty cheap. Makes it easy to fish wherever you are.

So, I was excited to use this new rod on a canoe trip. It was the first opportunity I've had to try it out after picking it up a month ago. I was able to catch several small trout without issue to start my day, but after collapsing it to navigate a rough stretch the plug in the bottom popped out and was lost to the river. Also, when tightening down the reel to the pole the decretive cover wasn't attached well and kept spinning without increasing tension. It also falls off, but cannot be removed without some way to cut through the plastic as the eyes of the pole stop you from just removing the darn thing. I'm disappointed in this purchase and would not recommend.