St. Croix Avid x

[papagravey]

Looking at picking up a new rod for the fall. Just wanted to know is the avid x the best deal in the 200 dollarge price point and how does it compare to the g loomis e6x which I already have.  Thanks in advance. 

[Turkey sandwich]

I have a 6'8 mlxf that I use for finesse plastics and I couldn't be happier with it.  I've never fished the Loomis, so I can't give a comparision, but I can say that it's a lot of rod for $200ish and you won't be disappointed. 

[fishballer06]

In the $200 range, I own the Avid, Avid X, Zodias, and E6X. If I had to rate them, I'd rank them

1. Avid's
2. Zodias
3. E6X

[timsford]

I'd personally get an *** black on clearance at tw right around 200. The avids and zodiac are really nice, but the *** is a more sensitive rod in my hands. The daiwa chronos is right up there with the zodiac and I like the avids better than both of those, but that's just my personal preference. I like looking for deals on used stuff, but you may not. You can get a megabass xx or another 250-300 dollar or more rod in very good shape for 200 bucks. Heck, you can find used glx's for not much more if you shop around various forums a little while and place some Web adds you might be surprised what you find. For example I just got on another forum and saw a near mint glx rod  with a minor handle issue for 150 shipped. Pays to look around sometimes.

Just some ideas to muddy the water a little bit, but the avid X is a very very good buy, so if it looks good to you, I'd definitely get it

[trupp30]

If your going to go St. Croix, go with the Avid, and not the Avid X

[Turkey sandwich]

Search this forum for reviews on the avid X.  You'll find a ton of praise from anyone liking split grips and micro guides.  

[fishnkamp]

Do not leave out Irod Genesis rods and Dobyns rods, they both have some  really nice options in the sub $200 range. Personally, I used to love G Loomis and between my wife and I we own 7, but I am just not as impressed by them after the merge with Shimano. They have cheapened up some of their components. I have had to have a custom rod builder redo some of the stock G Loomis components.

[PJBoudzy]

Avid X. I have the 7' Med.Hvy. and use it as my jig rod. Absolutely love it!

[Incarcerated Otter]

I just got a 6'6" Medium and I can tell you it's very light. This is my first rod with micro guides so Im not sure I will keep it but its made very well. 

[Peide01]

I have the avid x in med fast and I really do like it.  If you like a split grip then I think it's at the top of its class in the price range.   Took some getting used to on the micro guides but I have no complaints.  My next rod I'm looking at will be another avid x in mh.   I also have 2 black rods as mentioned and it has served me well.  One is fairly close in length and same action as my avid x but if if the extra money will not break you then definitely look at the avid x..  Feels better to me and it's I feel it's more sensative,  not buy a huge margin but noticeable especially if you are going to use for plastics.  Hope this helps.  

[Incarcerated Otter]

I was trying to find a 6'6 MH locally but nobody has them. Im thinking of getting one for some inshore fishing. I know the 6'6 M I have feels like a feather.

[James Pondscum]

  Casting or spinning?   If you have large hands the split grip on stcroix rods are too short on my casting rods. Spinning I don't see  as it maters. My loomis and powell rods the handles are long enough in my opinion.  I have had all my ltb rods converted to full grip for this reason.  Just a point to ponder.

[Incarcerated Otter]

Casting..My hand fits perfect on the grip of of M. I tend to hold more of the reel than the rod. I tried a Loomis 7' MH 843C but its too heavy

[Dan_the_fisher]

I like regular avid rods in casting over the avid x rods, as far as they compare to g. Loomis I think they are on par with the imx's (maybe even a little better) 

[smalljaw67]

I prefer the Avid X, in fact I contacted St. Croix after using the Avid and Avid X side by side. I could not believe it was the same blank but it is, the X is more responsive and has a lighter feel and it is due to the split grip and micro guides. Now, if you are using braid with a leader I'd go regular Avid simply because I don't like how leader knots flow through micros but if using straight fluorocarbon or mono the X wins hands down.

[Incarcerated Otter]

I ordered the MH from Dick's. It was free shipping and if I don't like it I can just return it to the local store. I started using the Alberto knot and I can barely hear the knot going through the guides..