I've been debating picking up a new jerkbait rod for this season. I already own 4 Avid casting rods, and I'm pretty fond of them. I was debating stepping up and getting the 6'8" LTB rod for my jerkbait needs. Having already known how great the Avids are, I figure the LTB has to be even nicer, since it is the next step up in the St. Croix lineup. So last night I went to my local shop and compared the 6'8" LTB and a 6'6" Avid, both in a medium power, fast action. To my surprise, the Avid felt better balanced (with no reel mounted) than the LTB did. Is the blank heavier on the LTB, or could this be because the LTB uses split grips rather than the full cork that the Avid uses? I also felt like the reel seat was much more comfortable as well on the Avid, but maybe this is just because I'm already used to the Avids reel seat? The locking nut on the LTB is definitely different than the Avid.
Anyways, I was looking to see if anyone has any experience with either or both of these rods and could give their opinion. The LTB is $50-60 more, which I have no problem spending if its worth it, but from what I could feel in the store, the Avid felt better. Because of the nature of how you work a jerkbait, having a slightly tip heavy rod isn't so bad. I guess I'm just torn between which of the two I should get
