St. Croix Avid Vs. Rage

[Lacustrine]

I do like the lifetime warranty on the LTB's instead of the 15 year (which is still a long time) on the Avids. 

[fishballer06]

I would take the Avid over the Rage any day of the week. If you really prefer the micro guides, the Avid X is the answer for you. 

[Lacustrine]

I would take the Avid over the Rage any day of the week. If you really prefer the micro guides, the Avid X is the answer for you. 

At this point I am leaning towards the Avid X.

[F14A-B]

Avid, Avid,Avid... Made in the USA, cork grips, and Alconites .. Rage, made in Mexico, closed cell foam w a neoprene type of material heat shrunk on, pacbay minima guides ( good )

Rage has 5 year

Avid now is 15 use to be lifetime..

Avid, Avid, Avid..

[Lacustrine]

Avid, Avid,Avid... Made in the USA, cork grips, and Alconites .. Rage, made in Mexico, closed cell foam w a neoprene type of material heat shrunk on, pacbay minima guides ( good )

Rage has 5 year

Avid now is 15 use to be lifetime..

Avid, Avid, Avid..

Whatever rod I get it has to be made in the USA owned by Americans. The St. Croix Avid fits these criteria. I wish it was lifetime warranty, other than that it looks perfect.

[F14A-B]

Whatever rod I get it has to be made in the USA with US citizens as the owners. The St. Croix Avid fits these criteria. I wish it was lifetime warranty, other than that it looks perfect.

St. Croix has stellar service & a high quality product. I have used them for 20 years.. Most dependable rod company in the world, IMO

You don't need a lifetime warranty... It's not a realistic term. They stand behind the product. In other words, they are not going to haggle with you. Buy with confidence..

[tomustang]

The regular avid is still lifetime warranty, the new avid x came out with a 15 year.

[Lacustrine]

Does micro guides make a difference? Is the Avid X better than the original? Its strange how the two rods are the same price yet have different warranty lengths. 

[iabass8]

Does micro guides make a difference? Is the Avid X better than the original? Its strange how the two rods are the same price yet have different warranty lengths. 

Why does it matter? Do you realistically think that after 15 years of use, you break your rod, you are entitled a free replacement under "warranty"? Albeit, it does happen. St. Croix has great customer service. The warranty isn't there for a 15 year mishap. A defect in the rod will show up within the first year or use and more times than not, sooner than later. If you break a rod 10 years down the rod, you are certainly entitled to try to get a new rod and I wouldn't blame you. I wouldn't count on it though. Pick one you feel is more comfortable to fish and use it. Avid is a great line of rods. The differences between the 2 blanks are so minimal it's going to come down to cosmetics, not performance. 

[F14A-B]

Does micro guides make a difference? Is the Avid X better than the original? Its strange how the two rods are the same price yet have different warranty lengths.

They can on the right blank, smaller sizes equates to a potentially lighter tip, more of a balance thing.. Not sure on the "X" rod, don't own it... Other than "weight" I don't think they are a advantage.. But it's not a deal breaker for me either way..( depending on who makes the guides

Kigan appears to be a decent guide maker, maybe someone else can/will shed more on them. About the diff in warranty length, I have no clue, except it's the new trend in many rod co.'s policy to adjust terms of warranty..also, you can call & talk with St.croix.. They are very friendly folks & I'm sure would be helpful to you..

[Lacustrine]

Why does it matter? Do you realistically think that after 15 years of use, you break your rod, you are entitled a free replacement under "warranty"? Albeit, it does happen. St. Croix has great customer service. The warranty isn't there for a 15 year mishap. A defect in the rod will show up within the first year or use and more times than not, sooner than later. If you break a rod 10 years down the rod, you are certainly entitled to try to get a new rod and I wouldn't blame you. I wouldn't count on it though. Pick one you feel is more comfortable to fish and use it. Avid is a great line of rods. The differences between the 2 blanks are so minimal it's going to come down to cosmetics, not performance. 

Thats true. In fifteen years the rods will probably be so outdated anyway.

[S Hovanec]

I'd buy any of the St Croix offerings, even if the warranty was only a month. If it doesn't blow up in the first outing or two, the blank has no defects or wasn't damaged in shipping. Beyond that, its operator error. As for other defects like loose reel seats or grips, I can't say I've ever had a problem in any of my factory built St Croixs. I have a few Avids that are 12+ years old.