LTownFisher764 Posted June 30, 2013 Posted June 30, 2013 I'm looking ot upgrade my rod that I use for lighter t-rigs and jigs. Currently I'm using a St. Croix Triumph 6'6" medium power fast action rod. The rod is paired with a Shimano Chronarch 51E spooled with Sunline Sniper FC. I fish out of a kayak and I have found I like to keep the rods under 7' if I can. 3 rods have really caught my eye. They are the Dobbyns Savvy micro 6'6" MH, Ducket Micro Magic 6'6" Medium or MH, and the St. Croix Avid 6'8" medium extra fast. Out of those 3 I'm leaning towards either the Ducket or the St. Croix because of the medium power. Eventually I would like to get another combo strictly for heavier t-rigs and jigs. Most of the water I fish doesn't have a lot of vegegation or structure where I would need a ton of power to get the fish out of. Sensiivity is my #1 while weight and aesthetics are a close 2nd. I'm lookng for any opinions on these rods or even others that I may have overlooked. I need to keep the price point under $200 but would like to keep it closer to $150 if possible. Quote
Capt.Bob Posted June 30, 2013 Posted June 30, 2013 I'm looking ot upgrade my rod that I use for lighter t-rigs and jigs. the St. Croix Avid 6'8" medium extra fast. I'm leaning towards the St. Croix because of the medium power. Sensiivity is my #1 while weight and aesthetics are a close 2nd. I'm lookng for any opinions on these rods or even others that I may have overlooked. I need to keep the price point under $200 but would like to keep it closer to $150 if possible. Make it easy on your self and get the rod you mentioned above! The Avid is a big step up from a Triumph, all round better graphite, components, and warranty. If you look around the avid can be gotten used around $150.00 shipped with no tax, or a little under, new with tax under your $200.00 budget. They are pretty light in weight and excellent rods, very sensitive and very durable, and hey,,,,,there Legendary St. Croix USA Rods. That would be my choice of the rods you mentioned!! Quote
Virtuoso Posted July 1, 2013 Posted July 1, 2013 I'm looking ot upgrade my rod that I use for lighter t-rigs and jigs. Currently I'm using a St. Croix Triumph 6'6" medium power fast action rod. The rod is paired with a Shimano Chronarch 51E spooled with Sunline Sniper FC. I fish out of a kayak and I have found I like to keep the rods under 7' if I can. 3 rods have really caught my eye. They are the Dobbyns Savvy micro 6'6" MH, Ducket Micro Magic 6'6" Medium or MH, and the St. Croix Avid 6'8" medium extra fast. Out of those 3 I'm leaning towards either the Ducket or the St. Croix because of the medium power. Eventually I would like to get another combo strictly for heavier t-rigs and jigs. Most of the water I fish doesn't have a lot of vegegation or structure where I would need a ton of power to get the fish out of. Sensiivity is my #1 while weight and aesthetics are a close 2nd. I'm lookng for any opinions on these rods or even others that I may have overlooked. I need to keep the price point under $200 but would like to keep it closer to $150 if possible. Under $200 can get you alot for what you are asking. The old Cumara's are certainly a touch more sensitive than a St. Croix avid. I would look for the 6'8'' MXF version for your medium powered rod. For your jig/t-rig rod I would be patient and wait until you see an older model Loomis BCR803 GLX. I have seen plenty go for under $200 and that is when I grabbed mine. It will blow any rod in your price range out of the water. One of the most sensitive rods I have ever used. Quote
Super User rockchalk06 Posted July 1, 2013 Super User Posted July 1, 2013 I am alittle biased in that I really don't care for micro guides at all. I do have an Avid and I love it to death. Mine is the cranking model, but love everything about it. TW should be having their sale any day now and you can get the AC68MXF for around your price range. Quote
Super User WRB Posted July 1, 2013 Super User Posted July 1, 2013 I would contact Alex at ALX custom rods and ask about my 6'10" 4 power jig/worm rod. It's is equal (IMO) to Loomis NRX series 4 power rods at 1/2 the price, lifetime warranty. Tom Quote
Capt.Bob Posted July 1, 2013 Posted July 1, 2013 I would contact Alex at ALX custom rods and ask about my 6'10" 4 power jig/worm rod. It's is equal (IMO) to Loomis NRX series 4 power rods at 1/2 the price, lifetime warranty. Tom It is always worth the weight (small pun intended) for a custom rod done just the way you want it but, you have to be willing to wait. If one could do that they can have almost any rod St. Criox makes and not cost anymore than the factory variation, and on the right blank, still get the lifetime warranty, both would be hand made, but with a custom would have a rod that only you have, and nobody offers more blanks to the custom builders than St. Croix. I don't know what blank yours is Tom, but I have been thinking about having one built on the new Gary Loomis Blanks from North Fork Composites, but I have had such good results from St. Croix for the past 20 years or so over all others I have tried, it's hard to take another chance. But any custom rod build is always more than just a new rod,,,,it's a cool adventure!!! Quote
LTownFisher764 Posted July 1, 2013 Author Posted July 1, 2013 Thanks for the replies guys. Good info all around. I was definitely leaning toward the Avid out of those 3. I'm going to the BPS in Harrisburg at the end of the week and I will check it out. I have thought about the custom route. I have had contact with a few local rod builders and the prices seem to get over my budget very quickly. Quote
MichBassMan Posted July 2, 2013 Posted July 2, 2013 In my opinion, of the three rods you mentioned the Avid M extra fast is the clear winner. Quote
Super User WRB Posted July 3, 2013 Super User Posted July 3, 2013 It is always worth the weight (small pun intended) for a custom rod done just the way you want it but, you have to be willing to wait. If one could do that they can have almost any rod St. Criox makes and not cost anymore than the factory variation, and on the right blank, still get the lifetime warranty, both would be hand made, but with a custom would have a rod that only you have, and nobody offers more blanks to the custom builders than St. Croix. I don't know what blank yours is Tom, but I have been thinking about having one built on the new Gary Loomis Blanks from North Fork Composites, but I have had such good results from St. Croix for the past 20 years or so over all others I have tried, it's hard to take another chance. But any custom rod build is always more than just a new rod,,,,it's a cool adventure!!! The best way to determine what ALX is about is to go to the web site and look at the rod construction features. Call Alex and discuss what you are looking for.ALX uses Hydra scrimless rod blanks that are rated in 1/2 power increments with various tapers. I wanted a rod blank that was light weight and equal Loomis NRX series, with the short fore grip and Alex made the rods shipped them for a 30 day trail, life time warranty, money back garrantee, can't beat that!The rods were better than expected and the reason I have mentioned them. Tom Quote
Super User roadwarrior Posted July 3, 2013 Super User Posted July 3, 2013 The St. Croix Avid AVC68MXF is a great choice! Quote
Arv Posted July 3, 2013 Posted July 3, 2013 St. Croix Avid or Powell Endurance get my vote. Check out the Phenix Recon and M1 as well. Quote
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