St Croix Avid Vs Tournament Bass. Significant Difference Between The Two?

[webertime]

So I have a broken Avid and am thinking of doing the upgrade program to a Tournament Bass model. For those of you who have fished both, is the performance difference worth the $$$?

I'm looking at the following models

Avid X 7'4

Avid 70MHxf

Tournament Bass 7'3"MHf (Carolina Rig)

[aavery2]

If you can afford the upgrade cost I feel like the difference between the two rods is worth it.

[Alpha Male]

I have a 70mhf avid and it's pretty stout. If you have already fished one then you know what it felt like. I also have a tbc71mf that I really like and it's not night and day but it a little better. That said I got it brand new for 185$ and even if it was full price I would get it again.

[S Hovanec]

IMO, there isn't much difference between the SCIII and the SCIV. From my experience, you need to jump 2 model series to see change.

[Alpha Male]

IMO, there isn't much difference between the SCIII and the SCIV. From my experience, you need to jump 2 model series to see change.

I read an article when I was deciding between the two rods that said that the scIV graphite was a great advancement in graphite over a lot of other "strains" if I can find it I will link it.

And no the article was not from st Croix.

[FishTank]

I have fished both the 6'8" x-fast spinning rods.  I own the avid though.  An old friend of mine had the LT version.  

 

Side by side, the LT is a better built rod.  Fishing them though, there did not seem much difference.  The LT is slightly more sensitive and maybe a fuzz lighter at the tip but it balanced and casts about the same.

 

IMHO, I don't care much for the looks of the Avid X and for a couple extra bucks the LT is a nice rod.  So if you have a couple of extra bucks, I say go for it; now's the time.

[OntarioFishingGuy]

The LTB looks better to some, is a bit lighter and has more backbone.

[FishTank]

Almost forgot, the split grip did feel weird at first on the LT, just something to consider.

[webertime]

I do have a 70MHf Avid already and I love it. So I have BIG hands and was a bit concerned with the LTB grip. So now which Avid...

[iabass8]

It isn't a huge upgrade in performance but I think it's worth it. The jump up to the scV blank is steep and that is a special blank. I will say make sure you hold the LTB. It uses the Sk2 fuji reel seat. Personally, I felt it is the most uncomfortable reel seat ever made but there are some who like it. 

[QUAKEnSHAKE]

I do have a 70MHf Avid already and I love it. So I have BIG hands and was a bit concerned with the LTB grip. So now which Avid...

 

And you should be. The grip area is short  this combined with not the best balance sort of digs into my palm some through a days use, not comfortable. If it was 1' to 1-1/2" longer I think problem would be solved.

I also agree with S Hovanec.

[Angry John]

It isn't a huge upgrade in performance but I think it's worth it. The jump up to the scV blank is steep and that is a special blank. I will say make sure you hold the LTB. It uses the Sk2 fuji reel seat. Personally, I felt it is the most uncomfortable reel seat ever made but there are some who like it. 

I felt the very same way so i tracked down an older version that has a full handle.  Sometimes new is not better!

[TrippyJai]

In terms of sensitivity, there isn't much of a different. The LTB is a much nicer rod though in terms of the build quality and components used. The LTB has a faster action than Avid.

 

If you like a full cork rod, go with the Avid, split grip, choose the LTB. Never held an Avid X, but on paper it's supposed to be the same as the Avid with split grips and different guides.

[The Next KVD]

I love the LTB blank but hate the reel seat.  The threaded area on the reel seat is too long and I can't put my finger directly on the blank.  That's why I choose to build mine.  If you can, get to a store to make sure you like the reel seat first.

[tomustang]

I'm a huge Croix guy, though I passed on the LT carolina rod and picked a dobyns 735.

The LT is still a nice rod, weighs less but is less balanced. The sensitivity is on par with each other.

If I didn't get the 735 at such a great price (thanks Arv) I would've bought the LT carolina. The tip heavyness is minor enough to not worry about it to me.

As others have said the upgrade from the avid is slight but it's slight all over with the blank, handle, and guide components.

[J Francho]

SCIV possesses a certain crispness over SCIII. I have more Avids than LTBs, but they're both a solid choice. I'd go with an LTB if sensitivity were key.

[Poolshark]

I think the ltb is a much nicer built rod, the guides are nicer as well as the overall craftsmanship. I feel like I get farther casts with the ltb being that it uses smaller guides. But overall I feel like it is similar to the avid in overall performance. Also, being a fan of st croix I hate to say it, but once you get to the 7ft m/h range, both the avid and the ltb are tip heavy and could be balanced better, especially for the price. If u have the money to burn, buy the ltb. But honestly for the lengths and actions you are looking at, I wouldn't prefer either.

[ww2farmer]

I have had both, flip a coin. I liked the LTB better, but not because of any perceived performance up-grade, they were just a hair lighter, and better balanced, and action for action, not quite as stiff  as Avids. I have neither now, and have gone to cheaper rods of a different brand, and have not looked back, so take my opinion FWIW..............which is not much. LOL

[WIGuide]

They're both great sticks, but there is going to be a bit of a difference in sensitivity between the two, so if you're looking for a bottom contact type rod, the LTB is definitely the better choice. It also has a better build quality and better components. As for the reel seat and handle, those could be a personal preference. I have big hands as well and I palm my reel when fishing and I find the reel seat/handle very comfortable. Either way you can't go wrong, but I'd pick the LTB.