St Croix Lovers Tell Me Your Opinion On Avid Vs Ltb Vs Lxt

[The Young Gun]

So help me out here, I currently own and love my brand new Avid 69MLXF with a 2500 Shimano Sahara combo... But, I want to treat myself to something better. I know the avid is on a SC3 Blank which is in my opinion a lot more sensitive than SC2 blanks such as premiers and triumphs. But, how does a Legend Tournament sc4 blank compare to the avid? Is it a much noticeable difference??? Now going to legend xtreme which is sc4 and sc5 blank is that night and day difference?? I'm looking for another do all spinning rod... I've caught walleyes up to 29", countless muskies, 5# smallies, and even panfish on my avid and I love it. But I'm just wondering if there is a huge sensitivity difference in the higher st croix line up...

 

Thanks!

[Bluebasser86]

I think if you really want to "treat yourself", you should start looking at a custom. I love my St. Croix rods, but they're still mass produced, which means you have to pick from what they offer and deal with any little thing you don't like. On the other hand, a custom you can get everything exactly as you want it down to what color thread is on the guides and if it has a hook hanger or not, the options are limitless. In fact, one of our sponsors produces some of the best blanks and components you can get.

http://batsonenterprises.com/

[smalljaw67]

The performance difference between the Avid and LTB doesn't match the price difference, the LTB is a little more responsive but not by a lot, sort of like the difference between a G.Loomis GL3 and the IMX. Now, the Avid X is nice and feels and fishes better than the regular Avid and the price is the same, it is amazing what a split grip and micro guides do to that blank, you don't realize it is the same rod. I agree with a custom rod but they aren't for everyone, it is great if you know exactly what you want but if you are just exploring and getting into better rods, then you still will benefit from a factory rod simply because they will have a length an action you will like. I have 2 custom rods but they were made because I needed spinnerbait rods with a different reel seat other than the Fuji ECS but that is another discussion. To truly benefit from a custom you will know what reel seat you want, what action, what type of guides and what type of grip and to me it sounds as if you are just starting to experience a better performing rod and please forgive me if it isn't the case but I'm just trying to help. So if you don't want to go custom, I'd go with a new Legend Elite 7' ML-F, for $380 they have the new Fuji reel seat with titanium framed Torzite guides, the difference in that compared to what you have now is going to be worlds apart.

[Alpha Male]

I have both avid and ltb rods. I feel the difference and it is slight but its up to you to decide if its worth it. I was on the fence 2yrs ago like you i had the avid first and wondered fit was worth it. I went for it and my LTB ismy favorite rod. I read an article, that I wish I could find again, the goes through the drastic differences between the sc3 and sc4 blanks. Thearticle also says that the 5&6 blanks are amazing. (NO...the article was written by St.Croix)

I say go for it

[iabass8]

I actually own the Xtreme 69mlxf spinning rod and the older LTB and used to have the avid. I think the Xtreme is noticably "crisper" vs the LTB counter than the LTB to the avid if that makes sense. I can't say enough good thinks about the Xtreme 69mlxf. The SCV blank is fantastic and feels right up there /w my NRXs. Hands down the best(and favorite) spinning rod I own

[davecon]

I have several St Croix's and love all of them. I fish mostly for snook using small size 6 and 8 rapalas (matches the size of the baitfish). Use a 3000 Shimano Symmetre with 15 lb power pro.

The Legend in 7', ml is by far and away my favorite. Have caught bluegills, redfish to 33 inches, snook to 39 inches, bass to 9lbs, tarpon to 50 pounds all on the same outfit.

The Avid is a little more sensitive in my opinion but simply does not cast as comfortably as the less expensive Legend. Plus, using the no-stretch braid compensates for some of the reduced sensitivity in the Legend.

I know the next one I buy will probably be another Legend.

[WIGuide]

There will be a slight bit of the law of diminishing returns as you get towards the upper end. The biggest difference in the St. Croix line is between the SCII and SCIII, but there is a noticeable difference between that and the SCIV and again into the SCIV/V blend. It's not as drastic, but it's still there and it's a difference you can feel. Whether it's worth the difference in money is up to you. I know I could get by with all Avid's as they are great rods, but by far my two favorite rod lines are the LTB & the Xtremes as I feel they are worth the money. 

[Jeff H]

My idea of a "treat" from St. Croix would be the new Legend Elite series.  I was just about to get me one but I'll have to wait awhile now.

[shaggydog]

unless you like the blue color of the ltb,  I have a 6'6' avid mf casting and it s just a darn good rod.  legend elites are quite a bit nicer. I have fished the heck out of some ltb's but now I would either get avids or elite/extremes.  ltbs are good rods but i wont buy another one.

[tomustang]

SCII to SCIII noticeable difference.

SCIII to SCIV tiny increase in sensitivity and crispness.

SCIV to SCV noticeable difference.

The 3 to the 4 isn't much of an upgrade, the 4 to 5 is noticeable just like jumping from the 2 to the 3.

[Capt.Bob]

I have em all and continue to state that in my opinion the Avid is the best buy on the planet,,, but not a real fan of the LTB, but will say yes the Legends are that good the Elite and Extreme are only noticeable in the grip. I have a few of each, I prefer the Elite, but I recommend having the Legend blank built the way you want, and if you the lightest most sensitive build you can have on either blank,,,, go with Rec guides,,, a little pricey but after building one rod with them,,, my last 4 have all been built with their guides, and are the absolute most responsive and sensitive rods I have ever fished with..... bar none!

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

Each step up is a little less dramatic. The scII and scIII are night and day. The scIV is noticeable and the step to scV is splitting hairs. Bob is right. If you're going to invest in a rod to treat yourself go custom.

[Molay1292]

I own a few of each, the old Avid is a good rod, they just always feel tip heavy in my opinion.  The LTB in my hands is crisper and just has an overall better feel to it than the Avid.  The Extreme is a nice rod also, but I don't feel like there is a night and day difference between it and the LTB.   I have not used the new Avid X model but if it were my money I would spend it on the LTB, for 40 dollars more I feel like it is well worth it.

[offsidewing]

I own many SC rods across several different lines they offer. I have the Avid X in casting and LTB in spinning. The Avid X is a heck of a deal for the price point. I prefer it over the E6X. Keep in mind, St Croix has some of the best customer service out there.

[Molay1292]

Keep in mind, St Croix has some of the best customer service out there.

 

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