$160-$200 Rod comparisons

[JeziHogg]

I'm looking to get a few cheaper rods. I've been looking @ the Avid X, Crucial and Levante. What rod is the best bang for buck in this price range? (Feel free to mention others if I've missed any).

[QUAKEnSHAKE]

Dont have an X but do have crucial avid ltb cumaras and in the msrp range the Okuma Helios compares favorably well and betters some (weight,balance). And the Helios can be bought for around $140(walmart) for a MH/F 7' 3.5ounce rod making it all that more a bang for the buck. It has micro guides if that is a concern though. You didnt mention power/action the MH/F rated to 1oz so if not needed the M/F is rated to 5/8oz and a little lighter in weight. The tip of the Helios is a bit crisper than what the X's have that Ive looked at getting.

[blckshirt98]

I'd avoid the Levante, but add in the Phenix M1, Powell Max 3D, and older Shimano Cumaras (the grey models not the newer red ones) to this mix.

[roadwarrior]

[Siebert Outdoors]

I would go Avid X.  I fish the St Croix Extremes and couldn't be happier.  You cant beat their warranty policy either.

[JeziHogg]

All my rods I own are either LTB's or Xtremes, that's why I'm pushing towards the Avid X. How does the sensitivity from SCIII compare to the SCIV/SCV?

[JeziHogg]

Anyone got any insight on the Phenix Bass Recon 2?

[smalljaw67]

1 hour ago, JeziHogg said:

All my rods I own are either LTB's or Xtremes, that's why I'm pushing towards the Avid X. How does the sensitivity from SCIII compare to the SCIV/SCV?

I always though the Avid was a good rod, it was light and sensitive but it performed as I thought a $200 should perform. When my buddy got an Avid X of the same length and power as his Avid, I asked why and he let me fish with the Avid for a bit and then the Avid X. The result, I bought a 7'ML-F Avid X spinning rod, I could not believe I was using the same blank. I actually called St. Croix to confirm there isn't any difference in the blank beside cosmetics and I was assured the SCIII blanks for each series is identical. The Avid X just feels more responsive and sensitive and the blank feels alive in my hands, and it is just due to using micro guides and split grip configuration. They also covered the threads on the reel seat which is nice too but that rod is really nice for the price.

[Fishin' Fool]

What about a G Loomis IMX for under $200? I can tell you how if you're interested.

[buzzed bait]

47 minutes ago, JeziHogg said:

Anyone got any insight on the Phenix Bass Recon 2?

i have one i picked up recently and it's a really nice rod in my opinion.  i got the 683 to pair up with my curado 51e with shallow spool for light rigs.  so far, i'm pretty much loving that rod.  phenomenal for weightless 4" senkos which was the primary bait i wanted it for.

1 hour ago, JeziHogg said:

All my rods I own are either LTB's or Xtremes, that's why I'm pushing towards the Avid X. How does the sensitivity from SCIII compare to the SCIV/SCV?

and if you're looking at the avid, could not agree more with smalljaw.  don't even try the regular avid, just get the avid X.  i had and traded an avid pretty quickly, the avid X on the other hand felt like a completely different rod, in the best way possible.

[Turkey sandwich]

The Avid X handles great and feels way more sensitive than you'd ever expect from a $200 stick.  I like mine. A lot. 

[JeziHogg]

25 minutes ago, buzzed bait said:

i have one i picked up recently and it's a really nice rod in my opinion.  i got the 683 to pair up with my curado 51e with shallow spool for light rigs.  so far, i'm pretty much loving that rod.  phenomenal for weightless 4" senkos which was the primary bait i wanted it for.

and if you're looking at the avid, could not agree more with smalljaw.  don't even try the regular avid, just get the avid X.  i had and traded an avid pretty quickly, the avid X on the other hand felt like a completely different rod, in the best way possible.

If you had to pick between the Phenix or Avid X, what would you buy?

I should mention its going to be my secondary DS rod for deeper water. I'm thinking between the AXS70MF or the PHX-S723M.

[buzzed bait]

1 minute ago, JeziHogg said:

If you had to pick between the Phenix or Avid X, what would you buy?

well i'm not sure what techniques you're looking at the rod for, but i really like the sensitivity of the recon and how well it casts the lighter baits.  i was feeling every subtle little bite on the recon, and it made casting a breeze.  i feel like it's true to the ML rating as well.

my experience with st croix is that i'd nearly have to have a Light power rod to cast a weightless 4" senko because of their rods just being overpowered, but that's my VERY uneducated opinion though.  i honestly don't think you could go wrong with either one.  the avid x is a very nice rod, head and shoulders above the regular avid.

[blckshirt98]

If you're considering the Bass Recon 2 I strongly suggest giving the Phenix M1 MXS72M consideration.  It's my primarly DS rod and I've caught more fish on that than all my other rods combined.  The M1s are built like tanks as well, they tested the blank lifting 6lb weights off the ground which equates to like 90lbs of lift.

[JeziHogg]

23 minutes ago, blckshirt98 said:

If you're considering the Bass Recon 2 I strongly suggest giving the Phenix M1 MXS72M consideration.  It's my primarly DS rod and I've caught more fish on that than all my other rods combined.  The M1s are built like tanks as well, they tested the blank lifting 6lb weights off the ground which equates to like 90lbs of lift.

Performance wise, I'm assuming the Recon 2 and the M1 are almost the same? I looked at the MXS72M, but man those reel seats are ugly, lol.

[lmbfisherman]

3 hours ago, smalljaw67 said:

I always though the Avid was a good rod, it was light and sensitive but it performed as I thought a $200 should perform. When my buddy got an Avid X of the same length and power as his Avid, I asked why and he let me fish with the Avid for a bit and then the Avid X. The result, I bought a 7'ML-F Avid X spinning rod, I could not believe I was using the same blank. I actually called St. Croix to confirm there isn't any difference in the blank beside cosmetics and I was assured the SCIII blanks for each series is identical. The Avid X just feels more responsive and sensitive and the blank feels alive in my hands, and it is just due to using micro guides and split grip configuration. They also covered the threads on the reel seat which is nice too but that rod is really nice for the price.

I wish Fenwick didn't upgrade the ET rods, otherwise hands down I would recommend it.  I'm regretting not nabbing the last two at my local shop.  Good to hear the Avid X is better but it is still not the action I like.  But still was a good sensitive rod.

[Vlad Val Yevdash]

11 hours ago, Fishin' Fool said:

What about a G Loomis IMX for under $200? I can tell you how if you're interested.

i would like to know how??

[BassThumb]

Have you fished a Dobyns Champion? They're the first rod that really 'wowed' me with their quality, having previously been a G.Loomis and St.Croix guy. I have nothing to gain from pushing Dobyns , BTW.

I never paid more than 150-$200 for a Champion, and I have about 10.

[I.rar]

Imo my avid x is more sensitive than the recon I had.

I can't speak for the other powers and lengths but the 7' ml/f avid x spinning fishes in line with its ratings unlike the premiers and triumphs I've had in the past. 

I'm in a similar situation with my next rod purchase so I'll definitely be following this thread. My top choices are another avid x or a dobyns champion.

I actually called dobyns to get their input and the guy on the phone was very helpful and had a couple return rods available but were only 10% off with minor cosmetic issues. I passed. 

[offsidewing]

I have two Avid X casting rods, 70MF and 70MHF, and love them both.  Liked them better than the Loomis E6Xs I had.  Both rods balance well. I can't say enough good things about St Croix customer service.  

[Fishin' Fool]

11 minutes ago, I.rar said:

Imo my avid x is more sensitive than the recon I had.

I can't speak for the other powers and lengths but the 7' ml/f avid x spinning fishes in line with its ratings unlike the premiers and triumphs I've had in the past. 

I'm in a similar situation with my next rod purchase so I'll definitely be following this thread. My top choices are another avid x or a dobyns champion.

I actually called dobyns to get their input and the guy on the phone was very helpful and had a couple return rods available but were only 10% off with minor cosmetic issues. I passed. 

Given the fact the Dobyns Champion 7'MH is $50 more than the Avid X I would expect it to be a better rod. If it's anywhere close in comparison I'd just go with the Avid X.