The Cadillac
"To be the Cadillac of" is an expression often used in North America, to indicate that one is dealing with a quality product. This refers to the prestigious Cadillac automobile brand, which was a benchmark luxury brand at one time.
Expedition 83 S
Returning to the main subject of this article, the Zenaq Expedition 83 S, this is a 3-section spinning rod with a total length of 2.52 metres and a weight of 40-120 grams.
As soon as you put your hand on this rod, you feel its solidity and you can't help but trust it. An additional ring on the reel seat secures the clamping by acting as a locknut.
The foam handle above the reel seat is triangular rather than round.
Although this may not seem as comfortable as a round handle at first glance, the shape offers a better grip and means you don't have to squeeze the rod as hard to hold it, which is appreciated during long bouts with big fish, to reduce fatigue and tightness in the hands and forearms.
At the other end of this handle is a pommel adapted for combat. It's made of rubber to prevent slipping.
In terms of aesthetics, the cane is very sober, entirely black, which gives it a classy look. The advantage of this color is that it doesn't fade over time, even when exposed to repeated sunlight.
Indeed, some rods of other brands, white or red, for example, quickly change color after being left in the sun, whereas Zenaq rods, with their deep black color, remain as good as new! The thick layer of varnish, perfectly applied, protects the rod from the elements, such as UV and salt. Of course, this doesn't prevent the rod from being rinsed with clear water after each use in the sea.
Its strong point, which is also its weak point, is that it is constructed from 3 strands. The fact that there are only 2 shafts makes it particularly strong and reduces the number of weak points, which are the shafts themselves.
As for these shafts, they're rock-solid and perfectly fitted, and the rod reacts as if it were a single-stranded rod.
However, this 3-strand construction, as opposed to 4 for most equivalent rods, makes the rod less compact, and when folded it measures 89.5 centimetres, which is exactly the maximum length tolerated by most airlines for a bag that travels in the hold.
Rest assured, my cane has made several trips without a hitch. Luckily, airlines have a certain tolerance, but it shouldn't take much longer!
Its soft tip gives the lure a boost when cast, so you can easily cast lures weighing around 20 grams with a powerful rod and line.
This rod's ability to cast light lures makes it particularly interesting for fishing species such as tarpon or tuna. Some big fish focus on small prey, and this rod meets that need. This flexibility also makes it possible to achieve great casting distances, even with lures weighing around twenty grams!
To accompany it
A spinning reel in size 10 000 is the right size to balance the rod properly and remain consistent with its power. A 50- or 60-pound braid will keep the casting capacity very high, while respecting the manufacturer's recommendations, even if you feel the rod could accept more.
Use
My opinion
When it comes to luxury fishing rods, the Zenaq brand quickly springs to mind, and its reputation is well-founded. The Expedition range, which has been in the catalog for many years, remains an absolute reference in the field of top-of-the-range multi-strand rods.
At this price - we're talking ?1077 for the EP 83S - these are rods that you don't change for every trip and that you want to keep for years. Even if they represent a good investment, if you only travel once a year, over the long term, this investment is amply justified, with a rod you can hope to keep for at least fifteen years.
Zenaq was already a forerunner in travel-format rods, and even today, although many new references have appeared, the Zenaq range in these powers remains a safe bet, in no way technologically outdated. The proof is in the pudding: they're still in the 2024 catalog, and still at the top!
Shipping EP83S
- Brand: Zenaq
- Length: 252 centimetres
- Weight: 376 grams
- Power: 40 - 120 grams
- Line power: 60 Lbs
- Overall dimensions: 89.5 centimetres
- Accessories: 1 fabric case + 2 velcro straps
- Price: ?1077
- Distributor France : Way Of Fishing
