Arv Posted August 9, 2014 Posted August 9, 2014 I'm looking at picking up a finesse casting rod to match with an Aldebaran I just got. I'm looking at the Phenix 682/683 and the St. Croix Avid 6'9 ML. I would be throwing small jerkbaits, topwaters, plastics, etc. Does anyone have feedback on which rod they like/would choose? Thanks! Quote
Cgrinder Posted August 10, 2014 Posted August 10, 2014 Phenix 682 or *** Aussie model 6'10" ML, depending how low you'd like to go. 1 Quote
Super User Goose52 Posted August 10, 2014 Super User Posted August 10, 2014 I have the Phenix Recon 682 and the 6'9" ML Avid. Which to choose would be based on how light of bait you want to toss. The 682 is quite a bit lighter in power. I have a Daiwa PX Type R with 6lb line on the 682 and use it primarily for weightless 5inch grubs and other small weightless soft plastics. The Avid has a Conquest 50 with (usually) 8lb line and I use that for small weighted worms and craws, plus small lipless cranks and other light hardbaits.The Avid is the more verstile rod and might suit your needs better. The 682 IMO is more of a specialized tool.BTW - Which Aldebaran did you get - the Mg or the BFS ? If you got the BFS, perhaps the 682 is a better match.I don't have a file photo of the Avid, but here's a shot of the 682 with a 4.7 LMB - a very fun fish on that light-power rod. 1 Quote
Super User webertime Posted August 10, 2014 Super User Posted August 10, 2014 By small Jerkbaits and Topwaters, are you saying baits along the lines of Pointer 78's and Pop-R's? 1 Quote
Arv Posted August 10, 2014 Author Posted August 10, 2014 Thanks for the replies everyone. By small Jerkbaits and Topwaters, are you saying baits along the lines of Pointer 78's and Pop-R's? The heaviest I plan on throwing with this rod would be 3/8oz, so yeah, along those lines that you mentioned. I have the Phenix Recon 682 and the 6'9" ML Avid. Which to choose would be based on how light of bait you want to toss. The 682 is quite a bit lighter in power. I have a Daiwa PX Type R with 6lb line on the 682 and use it primarily for weightless 5inch grubs and other small weightless soft plastics. The Avid has a Conquest 50 with (usually) 8lb line and I use that for small weighted worms and craws, plus small lipless cranks and other light hardbaits.The Avid is the more verstile rod and might suit your needs better. The 682 IMO is more of a specialized tool.BTW - Which Aldebaran did you get - the Mg or the BFS ? If you got the BFS, perhaps the 682 is a better match.I don't have a file photo of the Avid, but here's a shot of the 682 with a 4.7 LMB - a very fun fish on that light-power rod. I did get the BFS. I would like to be able to throw the small weightless plastics you mentioned, like grubs, trick worms, etc. but I would also like to be able to throw things like 1/4oz traps as well. Quote
Super User iabass8 Posted August 10, 2014 Super User Posted August 10, 2014 The heaviest I plan on throwing with this rod would be 3/8oz, so yeah, along those lines that you mentioned. If you're going 1/4oz poppers and pointer 78s, I would opt for the 68mxf avid. I use the LTB for the same baits 1 Quote
Smallmouth Hunter Posted August 10, 2014 Posted August 10, 2014 Check out the 6'9" ml xf avid. I used one about a year ago on one trip and it was one sweet stick! That is coming from someone who doesnt like xf action rods for the most part too. I believe the same rod is in the LTB line too. 1 Quote
Arv Posted August 10, 2014 Author Posted August 10, 2014 If you're going 1/4oz poppers and pointer 78s, I would opt for the 68mxf avid. I use the LTB for the same baits Check out the 6'9" ml xf avid. I used one about a year ago on one trip and it was one sweet stick! That is coming from someone who doesnt like xf action rods for the most part too. I believe the same rod is in the LTB line too. How would these handle small weightless plastics? Quote
Super User iabass8 Posted August 10, 2014 Super User Posted August 10, 2014 How would these handle small weightless plastics? What kind of weightless plastics? Quote
Super User Jrob78 Posted August 10, 2014 Super User Posted August 10, 2014 My experience has been that if you really want to utilize your BFS reel, you need to go as light as possible on the rod. I love St. Croix rods but they are normally under rated, at least in the heavier powers. I have no experience with the Phenix but if you're going to be throwing weightless finesse worms and stuff like that, go as light as you can. 1 Quote
Arv Posted August 10, 2014 Author Posted August 10, 2014 What kind of weightless plastics? grubs, trick worms, stuff like that Quote
Super User iabass8 Posted August 10, 2014 Super User Posted August 10, 2014 grubs, trick worms, stuff like that Go with the 69mlxf if you go the st croix route for those. 2 Quote
Super User tomustang Posted August 10, 2014 Super User Posted August 10, 2014 I've used the LT mlxf spinning for up to 78 pointers and even some t-rigged (1-16oz) 5" senkos just fine. I would look at the baitcasting version of it. I don't know how different the avid would be but the LT has a very nice feel when it comes to extra fast 1 Quote
thehooligan Posted August 10, 2014 Posted August 10, 2014 I had that bfs paired with a phenix recon 682. Was too whippy for me, felt like a noodle. I'd go for the 683 if you go the recon route. Would be a killer finnese combo. 2 Quote
Arv Posted August 10, 2014 Author Posted August 10, 2014 I had that bfs paired with a phenix recon 682. Was too whippy for me, felt like a noodle. I'd go for the 683 if you go the recon route. Would be a killer finnese combo. The more I research and think about it, I think that's the way I'm going to go. I really liked my M1, I wouldn't mind trying the Recon. Quote
Super User webertime Posted August 10, 2014 Super User Posted August 10, 2014 Thehoologan got it. 683 1 Quote
Super User Goose52 Posted August 10, 2014 Super User Posted August 10, 2014 If you want to go Phenix, sure, the 683 would be the more versatile rod. Don't have a 683, but here's the other players. They have a lot of overlap in capability...but each is a bit different, with the 682 being the real niche player. 2 Quote
thehooligan Posted August 10, 2014 Posted August 10, 2014 If you go for the recon, hit up hi's tackle, they have a good price and free shipping i believe. 1 Quote
Super User Goose52 Posted August 10, 2014 Super User Posted August 10, 2014 If you go for the recon, hit up hi's tackle, they have a good price and free shipping i believe. Yep - that's where I got my 682. Quote
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