Ml Spinning Rod, $250 Price Range

[dustin11]

I can't decide which rod I want. I am trying to decide between the Kistler Helium 3, St. Croix LTB or Dobyns Champion in ML power. I currently have 2 ML/XF St. Croix rage rods and I am wanting something lighter and more sensitive. 

 

Can anyone compare any of these rods to the rage rods.

 

I will be using this rod for 1/8 oz. tube jigs and drop shot.

 

Thanks

[F14A-B]

Well, I own and use a kistler Helium LTA.. Spinning the original circa, 2003.. I can tell you my rod is awesome, can't speak to the new one,

I own a 7'11" Rage.... It's not you're classic St. Croix III... American made Avid is Superior, I have owned a couple of the original LTB rods in a couple different PWRs ... I wasn't impressed to much at the price, or what I gained over the avid, but that's me and those rods were bought in 06?

They have been tweaked...In todays market. I cannot speak to the Dobyns rods.

[dustin11]

Thanks for the reply, I was kind leaning towards the kistler.

[tomustang]

Ive never used that ML rage before but I really like the LTB MLXF dropshop rod. Pair that with a CI4 2500 and some 8lb fluro and you'll a good combo.

[Capt.Bob]

Like said, the Rage is no comparison to the Avid, I personally think the Premier is a more sensitive and better feeling rod in a comparable power and actions to the Rage, I had a MLXF 6'10" Rage it was gone after one outing.

 

The Legend Tournament is a very nice rod, but I hate the split handle I have a 6'8" MXF and it is definitely a very lightweight sensitive rod with great backbone, If you are looking at LTB your only choice is the "MLXF" as the bass version is not available in "MLF".  The Walleye version "LTW"  is available in a MLF. I also have Avid's, Legend Elite's and Legend Extremes in MLXF and MLF, each MLXF is not only faster action but has a little more power, the MLF is a little closer to ML rods you mention power wise.

 

I have said it before and I still believe the Avid @ around $180.00 is awful hard to beat, weight, strength, and sensitivity wise, unless you turn to rods costing over $300.00, and I still believe it today. I just built a 6'6" Legend Elite blank in MLF, and it is unbelievable at how lightweight and how sensitive it is, but a $320.00 rod. Still as great as it is, I am now building a 6'6" LF for light lining weightless plastics, tiny jig's (-1/8 oz)  and some live bait vertical jigging and tight lining aps. Lightweight, and sensitivity will be important, and it is being built on an Avid Blank!!! I think they are that good. For a factory built rod I would save $50.00 - $80.00 on your target price and have the better rod and go with an Avid, that would be my suggestion, but please don't think you know the qualities of an Avid or a ScIII blank after using a Rage, it is nowhere near the rod the Avids are, like I said the Premier with a ScII in a comparable model is a lighter, more sensitive rod, and caries the same warranty, in my experience anyway!

[WIGuide]

I've got 3 LTB's and absolutely love them! One of them I do have is the ML/XF their dropshot rod and I can feel everything with it. I've got a couple Xtremes too, and those are even better, but you definitely wouldn't be let down with an LTB. 

[Raul]

If you are having trouble deciding between those, you would have more trouble if you include the GraphiteLeader Veloce, man what a sweet rod !.