Help Me Like My New Rod

[TiNuts]

So I bought a St Croix 7' MHF Avid today to replace my 7'1" MHF *** that I agreed to sell to my brother. I did this with the idea that I'd be upgrading. However, after comparing the two in my driveway, I'm not so sure. I know that playing in the driveway and fishing it aren't the same, and I expected to pay a premium for an American made rod.

Can someone who's used both convince me I made the right decision? Or should I take it back?

Thanks.

[iabass8]

What don't you like about it? Avid's are great rods. If you don't like it though, don't force it. You probably won't enjoy fishing with it if it isn't comfortable. take it back and get something you like.

[tomustang]

That's almost as bad as fully comparing rods by their colors. Fish with it and see if you like it or not.

[Smallmouth Hunter]

IMO, 13 rods tend to feel more crisp then St. Croix rods. St. Croix rods seem to have a bit more flex in the mid portion of the rod even if it is a fast action. I would keep the *** and sell your brother the Avid.

[mnbassman23]

I own both and like them both. The Avid is a bit more sensitive and I prefer a full handle. Fish it and see for yourself, but you got a heck of a rod in the Avid.

[WIGuide]

Pretty hard to judge them without fishing them. Take your Avid out and give it a try and see if your opinions change.

[new2BC4bass]

Take it back.  Buy a Fenwick 7' MHF Aetos.  Just kidding.  Got to agree with trying the rod before making a final decision.  They have a pretty good reputation.  If you don't like it.................then buy the Aetos! 

[TiNuts]

To me it feels quite tip heavy which puts a strain on my wrist when casting. Don't know if I have weak/bad wrists. Maybe I don't cast correctly, who knows. It also just feels a bit more heavy (weight, not power) than the ***.

I'm not sure when I'll be able to actually get out and fish with it. I'm a full time student, work a few days a week, and a couple kids ha ha. Not much time for fishing unfortunately, hence the yard/driveway comparison. My thought that dragging plugs through the grass and asphalt could somewhat simulate dragging a jig across the bottom .

I do really like the rod. The handle is quite comfortable and I love the cork. I prefer split handles, but I prefer it for cosmetics only. I was hoping the full handle would lighten the tip a little.

I'll see if I can't find an hour or so and run out to the lake with it.

[00 mod]

I have 2 of those exact rods in my everyday arsenal.  Never fished the ***, but I really like mine!  I say fish it and then form an opinion!

 

Jeff

[TiNuts]

Take it back.  Buy a Fenwick 7' MHF Aetos.  Just kidding.  Got to agree with trying the rod before making a final decision.  They have a pretty good reputation.  If you don't like it.................then buy the Aetos! 

I thought about an Aetos, but I would really like to try to avoid buying Chinese gear from here on. Plus my BPS doesn't carry them and without rod trade in and a bunch of reward points I wouldn't have been buying a new rod.

[FlipnLimits]

TiNuts

 

Haven't exorcised an *** before but the Avid is a fine rod, if you can give it a chance and get used to it.  Best of luck at the lake with it.

 

FL

[ClackerBuzz]

take it back or sell it to ur brother. to you it's heavier and tip heavy. not a good start. the only thing that could outshine those two qualities are an amazing tip that casts 50+ ft further. and i doubt the rods are that far apart in quality.

always listen to ur gut instinct, with rods and women

[mjseverson24]

What reel do you have on the avid, maybe it is not a good fit for the rod. The avid does have superior blank construction as compared to the ***, but is it almost 100 dollars better? only you can make that choice, to me it doesn't, but the avid is a great rod in its own right...

 

Mitch

[lmbfisherman]

I personally would take it back if that is how you feel about it.  If you think it is tip heavy and don't like it already that is.  You can't force yourself to be happy.  Maybe take a step up and get the LTB?  If you want to stay St. Croix.  Personally I've gotten rid of my St. Croix Avid MH/F rods, I did find them tip heavy and didn't like how they fished compared to my Shimano/Loomis and Fenwick rods.  I've sold all my St. Croix rods but one it is a M/F 6'6", to me this was the best rod in the Avid series.  I'm not knocking St. Croix Avid rods, just didn't suit my preference.  They are a good rod and sensitive, just think there are better bang for your buck rods out there at that price range.  Maybe check out the Tatula rod?  I hear great things about them. 

[TiNuts]

I have revo3 sx on it. I do have a second gen sx. I'll put that on and see how it feels.

[mjseverson24]

I have revo3 sx on it. I do have a second gen sx. I'll put that on and see how it feels.

good idea. A lot of people really swear by these rods, that I would have to believe with the right reel it should feel great...

 

Mitch 

[TiNuts]

Thanks for all the feedback. I appreciate it.

[new2BC4bass]

I thought about an Aetos, but I would really like to try to avoid buying Chinese gear from here on. Plus my BPS doesn't carry them and without rod trade in and a bunch of reward points I wouldn't have been buying a new rod.

 

You have to shop where you can afford to.  If that means BPS because of your reward points, then BPS is where to buy.  Right now you have a full life with not much time or money for fishing.  People should all have a hobby that helps them to relieve stress and bring a little enjoyment into their life.  However, right now your family and education has to be priority number one.  I fished for many years with cheap rods from K-Mart and my trusty Mitchell 300.  Back then I wished I could afford an Ugly Stick because they were the best rod I knew of.  Ignorance is bliss.  I had lots of fun with that sub par gear, although I still don't consider the Mitchell sub par, but the rods no doubt often qualified as such.

 

I understand buying American if possible.  I have more Falcons than any other brand.  However, I will continue to buy rods produced in other countries.  Unfortunately many American companies are getting their blanks (or the whole rod) made in other countries in order to stay competitive.  I work in manufacturing.  It will be 29 years in May at the same machine shop.  I have never seen it so bad.  Owners aren't doing too bad because they invested in other shops in China, Mexico and Lithuania several years ago.  However, we have laid off for the first time since I started in May of '85.

[ColdSVT]

The avid is a piece of crap..ship it me ill pay shipping plus 50bucks. Just kidding lol

Croix never claims to make a light rod but they do make a d**n fine rod and the avid blank is very very nice.

Fish with it a few times and make your final decision. If ya dont like it. Sell it

[JDUB]

I have a 7'mf avid and a 7'1"mh ***, the *** is in my hand a lot more. The *** to me just feels better.

[Arv]

I could like your new rod for you 

[black94gt50]

Nice rod, but just because others like it doesn't mean you have to force yourself to like it. Fish with it some and make your own decision. From experience, the worse thing you can do is try to force yourself to like a product. You'll end up with the rod stuck in your rod box more than fishing with it.

[TiNuts]

I may have found my solution. Apparently cabelas has come out with a new line, American txs. The blanks are made in America. I played with them today during a surprise trip to cabelas. They seem to be very similar to omens; uncoated blank, similar handle design, etc. They felt like very nice rods at $159.

Anyone know anything about them?

I also had to stop myself while walking up to the checkout with a legend tournament. I'm pretty much in love, but pretty sure my wife would divorce me if I showed up with a $250 rod.