Final 3.

[stk44]

OK guys, I have narrowed my search for a dropshot/ small jerkbait rod to three rods:

 

• Dobyns Savvy Spin Rod 6'9" Med Lt 692
• G. Loomis E6X Drop Shot Spin Rod 6'10" Mag Lt 820S DSR
• Avid Spinning 6'9" Md Lt Xfast Dropshot

 

I plan on running 8 lb flouro on something like a 2000 series stradic.

 

Please give me some feedback on how they perform on the water.

 

Thanks,

 

Steve

[stk44]

C'mon man, I'm trying to narrow this down without buying every rod on the market LOL

 

What can you tell me about that rod?

[MIbassyaker]

Ah, the famous "Buridan's Donkey" Paradox:

 

A hungry donkey sits between two bales of hay. The bales are equally delicious and equally close. Yet, the donkey starves to death because he never has a good reason to prefer one over the other, and therefore never chooses one to eat.

 

 

Those are some pretty nice rods. What are the chances, do you think, that after buying any one of them, you'd really wish you'd gotten one of the other two instead? I'm pretty sure I know what the answer would be for me: Slim to none.

[stk44]

 

On this forum, on several occasions, I've heard people say things like," That's not a $200 rod." But it does in fact cost $200. I'm trying to avoid paying top dollar prices for a particular brand when I could get a better value with another, which is why I'm trying to get others' opinions. That's what I did for my Dobyns champ and I feel I made the right decision.

 

BTW, do you have $100 worth of hay that I can buy for $200?

​

[MIbassyaker]

 

On this forum, on several occasions, I've heard people say things like," That's not a $200 rod." But it does in fact cost $200. I'm trying to avoid paying top dollar prices for a particular brand when I could get a better value with another, which is why I'm trying to get others' opinions. That's what I did for my Dobyns champ and I feel I made the right decision.

 

BTW, do you have $100 worth of hay that I can buy for $200?

​

 

 

haha, I understand -- my approach is usually just to locate a target price point, and then find the best discount/markdown deal i can on something better that happens to have dropped to that point.

[NorcalBassin]

Out of those 3 the Avid gives you the best bang for your buck. That being said, all 3 of those manufacturers make fine rods with solid warranties so you'll be happy with whichever you end up choosing. Best of luck!

[S Hovanec]

OK guys, I have narrowed my search for a dropshot/ small jerkbait rod.......

Please give me some feedback on how they perform on the water.

If the Loomis Mag Lite is anything like the NFC Mag Lite, it will be underpowered for throwing the jerkbait, IMO. I have no experience with the Dobyns. I am very familiar with Croixs, especially the MLXF. That one would be my choice.

[Klebs01]

I've have a 7'3" mf *** and have many avids. There is a reason...the avid is a much better rod and worth the extra cost to me. The mlxf is a blast to fish. Definitely my favorite ned rig rod. It may be a little light for a jerk bait, but that's nit picking between that an a 66 medium. Now I just need to find a way to sneak a mlxf legend elite into the house. Lol.

[cueball]

I would go with the Avid X over the standard Avid.  Really nice build for a factory rod.

[rangerjockey]

I've fished the DSR820 a bunch... It's a nice dropshot / ned rig rod...wouldn't be my first choice for a stickbait rod...

[bigfruits]

avid. if you break a st. croix you can upgrade it or have it replaced for a fee. loomis has similar warranty (without the upgrade option) but i cannot comment on the e6x. not sure if dobyns offers similar replacement.

 

i have a AVS69MLXF and its nice for light dropshot.

[shaggydog]

Get the Avid.  I use the rage model,  I think its 6'10".  Its pretty nice but I only buy st croix now.  Good luck.

[smalljaw67]

I would go with the Avid X over the standard Avid.  Really nice build for a factory rod.

 

I agree with Cueball, I'd go with the 6'9" ML-XF Avid X. I have used both the Avid and the Avid X side by side and you'd never know the rods were made with the same blank for the same price. If I didn't know any better I'd say the Avid X would have been at least $50 more as it is that much better. The guides along with a perfectly balanced split grip really made the blank come to life, the 7' ML-F is going to be my next rod. The model is the same by the same company for the same price, it is a no brainer!!

[Chris at Tech]

I have that Avid and it's a great stick.  I've never fished one myself, but I've seen many posts indicating that the Savvy rods are quite underwhelming in the sensitivity dept.

[NavyVet]

Of the three rods you mentioned I would go with the Avid. Have used several St. Croix rods and have been satisfied with all of them. Customer service I have found to be the best in the business.