Update - Question/opinions: Getting Ready To Warranty Avid M For Ml Spinning

[Darren.]

Hey gang,

 

I've become quite fond of my BPS Carbonlites

for weight and balance, wasn't extremely fond

of my 6'3" MXF Avid spinning rod for the same

things.

 

The Avid has been broken a few times (don't ask)

and I'm about ready to send it in for a replacement.

 

My question is, will I be happier if I "exchange" it for

the 6'3" MLXF model. I don't want the M again, was

too stiff for my liking.

 

I'll be putting one of my Stradic 1000 reels on it.

 

Also considering a 6' MLF as I like shorter rods in 

general.

 

Only owned the one Avid, and one Premiere, both

M action. Won't go anything below Avid again most

likely.

 

Will I be happier with the ML?

[EvanT123]

Darren,

I think if you like lighter power rods, you will really like the 6'ml. I have ml and mlxf st croix's and for me the ml is more versatile.

[Scott F]

I'm a big fan of St Croix rods but I'm not a fan of the extra fast versions. You might have liked the fast version better.  

[Darren.]

Darren,

I think if you like lighter power rods, you will really like the 6'ml. I have ml and mlxf st croix's and for me the ml is more versatile.

Do you mean the ML Fast is the more versatile of the ML models?

I was looking at the specs and the 6'3" is rated as low as 1/16 oz but the 6' is ⅛. Not that it is a huge deal...

[iabass8]

If I could do it all over again, every spinning rod I own would be a variant of the MLXF st croix. The MXF is a good rod but the only time I use a spinning rod are times when the ML is ideal. Plus they are just so much more fun to fish with. 

[EvanT123]

Do you mean the ML Fast is the more versatile of the ML models?

I was looking at the specs and the 6'3" is rated as low as 1/16 oz but the 6' is ⅛. Not that it is a huge deal...

Yes I think so, I throw everything on the mlf. Mlxf I use for mainly dropshot, grubs, poppers, and the occasional jerkbait. It's splitting hairs but I like the fast models better.

[Dwight Hottle]

Darren if you like split grips take a look at the Avid X. Almost everyone who has compared the two like the X better as it is better balanced and seems more sensitive in hand. I think you will like the ml power better.

[Darren.]

Darren if you like split grips take a look at the Avid X. Almost everyone who has compared the two like the X better as it is better balanced and seems more sensitive in hand. I think you will like the ml power better.

 

I do like the split grips, Dwight, but I was hoping to drop

under the 6'6" minimum that the X series has. Which is

why I was debating between the 6'3" and 6' models in 

ML...

 

I just need to decide between the Fast and X Fast tips.

 

This rod will serve my general fishing style of soft plastics,

i.e., wacky, TX, mojo, Jika, jigs...

 

My Carbonlites are Fast tips, I believe, while my Compre's

are XF.

[Dwight Hottle]

If it were me I would go with the mlf.

[tomustang]

I'm a huge fan of the xf croixs, though I haven't tried a short mlxf so I couldnt comment how they feel. I do have two of the 6'10mlxf rods and they are great. The xtreme does so much work it basically is my main spinning rod. Although I wouldn't jig with a weedguard on it, I've done trig 5" senkos without a problem.

You need the shorter length for kayak?

[Darren.]

I'm a huge fan of the xf croixs, though I haven't tried a short mlxf so I couldnt comment how they feel. I do have two of the 6'10mlxf rods and they are great. The xtreme does so much work it basically is my main spinning rod. Although I wouldn't jig with a weedguard on it, I've done trig 5" senkos without a problem.

You need the shorter length for kayak?

 

I do prefer shorter rods on my yak. I get into

a lot of areas that a longer rod would prevent

my casting. I only went 6'6" because BPS 

didn't make my actions and lengths in the 

Carbonlite series.

 

I'm leaning toward XF right now... Curious as 

to why you wouldn't use a jig with a weedguard

on the XF.

 

I've done so with my Compres over the years

w/o problem. But then again, an XF Shimano

is probably softer than an XF Croix...

[WIGuide]

I'm leaning toward XF right now... Curious as 

to why you wouldn't use a jig with a weedguard

on the XF.

 

I'm just assuming here, but I'd guess because it's a medium light power and he feels it wouldn't have the power to drive a hook home with the weedguard over it. If you fish them on a ML without a problem already, it wouldn't have any trouble, but I know a ML wouldn't be my first pick for that technique. 

[Darren.]

I'm just assuming here, but I'd guess because it's a medium light power and he feels it wouldn't have the power to drive a hook home with the weedguard over it. If you fish them on a ML without a problem already, it wouldn't have any trouble, but I know a ML wouldn't be my first pick for that technique. 

 

I suppose it will boil down to the type of jig, weight, etc.

 

But with regard to St. Croix MLF and MLFX, will they not

be more akin to a MF and MXF of say a Shimano rod, or

a Carbonlite?

 

That saying that Croix rods are stiffer than counterparts is

in the front of my mind, so I suppose I'm looking for that

info as compared to *other* rods I mention.

[tomustang]

I do prefer shorter rods on my yak. I get into

a lot of areas that a longer rod would prevent

my casting. I only went 6'6" because BPS 

didn't make my actions and lengths in the 

Carbonlite series.

 

I'm leaning toward XF right now... Curious as 

to why you wouldn't use a jig with a weedguard

on the XF.

 

I've done so with my Compres over the years

w/o problem. But then again, an XF Shimano

is probably softer than an XF Croix...

It's mainly because I have 5 rods slated for jig use, 2 of them being dedicated which have 12lb+ fluro on them. I jig with weedguards into cover/structure, just something I don't use a mlxf with 6lb line into.

If I had to I'd try braid with a 10-12lb leader.

[WIGuide]

I suppose it will boil down to the type of jig, weight, etc.

 

But with regard to St. Croix MLF and MLFX, will they not

be more akin to a MF and MXF of say a Shimano rod, or

a Carbonlite?

 

That saying that Croix rods are stiffer than counterparts is

in the front of my mind, so I suppose I'm looking for that

info as compared to *other* rods I mentioned

St. Croix's do run a little stiffer and might be closer to a M in some brands. You did have a medium power St. Croix to compare it to, so it will be a lighter power than that. It's been a while since I've had a hand on either of those rods, but by my best guess, it'll be close to in between say a ML and M in the carbonlite line. 

[EvanT123]

I suppose it will boil down to the type of jig, weight, etc.

But with regard to St. Croix MLF and MLFX, will they not

be more akin to a MF and MXF of say a Shimano rod, or

a Carbonlite?

That saying that Croix rods are stiffer than counterparts is

in the front of my mind, so I suppose I'm looking for that

info as compared to *other* rods I mention.

I had a 6'8 medium compre don't know about bps rods but the ml st croix is nothing like a medium compre. It is to me a special blank, so much so I have 3 of them. If you do anything type of smallmouth fishing this is considered by many rod builders one of the standards.

[Darren.]

So I visited the local BPS last night, poor selection of

anything Avid, but did get hands on a bunch of other

rods which gave me pause to slow down...

 

Guess I'm going to hold fast right now and not plunge

for a replacement Avid -- just yet. Given that I was, in

previous posts moons back, been somewhat critical

of my Avid being slightly tip-heavy, I'm reticent to pull

the trigger on another one.

 

Of course the 6' MLF or 6'3" MLXF will be lighter than 

the 6'3" MXF according to Croix, I'm not sure either 

would be as light as my Carbonlites. Which is one of the

reasons I've been very happy with the CLs. And my 

elbows have been happier.

 

Anyhow, thanks so much for the feedback. I'll refer back

to this and other threads when I decide to dive in. Which,

could be tomorrow. Or never.

[Darren.]

As finicky as I've been -- or on the fence, if you prefer,

I have finally purchased the $15 FedEx return slip for 

my St. Croix Avid.

 

So I'm going to replace it and I've decided to go with the

6'3" MLXF model.

 

I was in Richmond for a soccer game today, afterward I

spent some time at the BPS there, which has a LOT more

freshwater rod selection than the Hampton VA store.

 

Got to hold and futz with many different models of rods,

was impressed with many, but felt replacing the Avid was/is

my best option right now.

 

Looking forward to adding it to my spinning arsenal....

[tomustang]

Let us know how it goes!

That'd defiantly be a option for me if I needed a close quarters rod

[J Francho]

The MLXF in SCIII is a very special taper/power mixture.  I have three 6-2 versions of it.

[Darren.]

Let us know how it goes!

That'd defiantly be a option for me if I needed a close quarters rod

 

Package arrives at St. Croix today. They said it'll be 

about 2 weeks before I get the replacement.

 

I'm already like a kid waiting for Christmas. Can't believe

how I feel about this, LOL. It's just a ROD fer cryin' out loud!!

[Darren.]

The MLXF in SCIII is a very special taper/power mixture.  I have three 6-2 versions of it.

 

Casting rod, I'm assuming? I almost did a swap for that

rather than exchanging for the spinning version.

[J Francho]

I had a casting version, but got rid of it.  They are spinners, and my mistake, they are 6-3 not 6-2.

[Darren.]

I had a casting version, but got rid of it.  They are spinners, and my mistake, they are 6-3 not 6-2.

 

I'm looking to use it with a Stradic 1000 for

my "regular" bass fishing - which is light line

soft plastics, etc.

[J Francho]

One of mine has a Stradic  1000 with the wood knob on it, balances nice.  The other two have 2500 CI4 reels.