Expedition EP73S
Aesthetically, the Expedition 73 cane from Zenaq is very sober - to put it simply, it's all black!
The thick layer of varnish on the blank gives it a classy sheen, and protects it from external elements such as salt and shock, which is perfect for withstanding the abuse we put our rods through on our travels.
The rings used for this rod are solid and of very good quality. Ligatures and sub-ligatures are also solid. A guarantee of Zenaq quality, they are hand-made and simply perfect!
The rod is constructed from three equal sections, and the joints between them are precise, reinforced and solid.
The rod measures 2.21 metres, but has a relatively long handle of around 50 centimetres, giving the impression of having a shorter rod in hand.
The foam used to cover the handle is different from the majority of rods on the market. It is softer and very pleasant to the touch. The reel seat is also pleasant to hold, and a ring secures the reel by acting as a counter-nut.
This handle length gives you plenty of leverage for intense fights! And yes, you shouldn't reserve this rod for fish weighing less than five kilograms - it's made to tackle fish weighing up to ten kilograms.
Its action, rather soft at the tip, allows you to use a wide range of lures, such as top water, soft lures or jerkbait minnow.
The indicated power of 20-90 grams is consistent and realistic, so I don't have to re-evaluate it.
Finally, the EP73S comes with a cloth sheath and two straps to attach the 3 sections together. Unfortunately, it doesn't come with a rigid carry tube, which is a shame for a so-called "travel" rod.
To accompany it
A spinning reel in size 4000 with a powerful drag and 30 to 40-pound braid is what best balances this rod. The result is a super-light, super-powerful package that's a pleasure to use all day long.
Use
Even though the rod is tactile and the slightest touch is easily detected, in terms of combat, you still need to be dealing with a serious fighter to keep up with the power of this rod, and enjoy the fight.
As a result, I find this rod a little too powerful for pike or peacock bass. On the other hand, it's exceptional for roosterfish, amara, striped bass, small tarpon, barracuda, dorado, taimen, barramundi and a multitude of fighting species in the 10 to 20 kilogram range!
My opinion
This rod may have been in the Way of Fishing catalog for several years, but it's still probably one of the best multi-strand spinning rods on the market today! It's light, powerful, tactile, solid - in short, it's got it all!
With a line weight of 40 lb, this is a rod that allows you to have fun on medium-sized species, while still retaining some power should a nice fish come along.
Even if it represents a certain investment, with a price tag of ?1020, we can trust it to accompany us for many years in all our travels, and this with great reliability!
I must have had mine for six years and I have absolutely no plans to replace it. It's a complementary rod for both light and heavy fishing, allowing me to adapt to the situation.
Expedition EP73S
Brand: Zenaq
Length: 221 centimetres
Composition: 3 strands
Overall dimensions: 79 centimetres
Weight: 193 grams
Power: 20-90 grams
Line power = PE 4
Accessories = 1 compartmentalized scabbard and 2 rod straps
Distributor France = Way of Fishing
Price = ?1020
