Dobyns Sierra vs St. Croix Avid X

[Boomstick]

So I've been looking at getting a proper finesse drop shot rod and have narrowed it down to two rods, the Dobyns Sierra SA 702SF (7', ML/F) or the St. Croix Avid X AXS69MLXF (6'9", ML/XF). I have a Daiwa BG 2000 ready to go, and just need a rod to pair it with.

 

I like the handle on the Avid X better (spinning reels where I place my thumb on the blank give me hand cramps, although better for detecting bites for sure), however the Sierra might be a better buy and according to many, a better rod. Many people complain the Avid X rods are tip heavy, but I have a slightly heavier reel so I think that shouldn't be a problem for me.

 

So for those familiar with either or both rods, what's your thoughts?

[Loomis13]

I have two Avid X casting rods and don't find them to be tip heavy and I like both much more than the regular avid. However it is not apples to apples as I have used the casting rods. However, playing around with them at work, I don't seem to notice any of them being tip heavy.

 

Disclosure: I haven't held a Sierra...probably a fine rod.

[PatrickKnight]

Used both and own a 703 Sierra and for a technique where feel is of the up most importance I would go with an Avid. I hate micro guides though so I would go with a regular Avid (owned a 7 foot ml Avid). The Avid blank is more sensitive than the Sierra but I really like the slightly more moderate action of the Sierra and that's why I don't own the Avid any longer and never purchased an Avid X.

 

With my BG 2500 neither rod is tip heavy with my Stradic FK the Seirra is tip heavy and both the regular Avid and the X balanced just fine.

[Patrickcatalano]

Haven’t held a doblyns rod but I do have an avid x spinning rod. It casts far and is very sensitive. It may be a little stiff but I have an medium power fast action so that’s where I get the stiff feeling from.

[Spankey]

Vote casted for the Avid X because I own that rod and have fished it. Love it. Fish my versions of DS, split shot, lite T rigs, Ned rig and grubs with it. I fish a similar version of a medium and a med. lite version of the Standard Avid and equally as good of a rod. 

 

Have been playing musical reels with it late summer to fall with it. Currently looking for the right 6.2 : 1 reel for it. Thinking the Tutula LT or Abu Revo. Like them both. 

 

No dis to a Dobyns. Don't own one or ever touched one. If I touched one and fished it I would probably like one. 

[Boomstick]

Here's another question, do since the Avid X rods seem to run a bit stiff, would the 7' ML/F Avid X perhaps be a better option than the 6'9'" ML/XF? Would prefer around 7' to be honest.

[Fishin' Fool]

For a St Croix(which tend to run on the heavy side of power) I think a ML drop shot rod makes sense.

[Boomstick]

36 minutes ago, Fishin' Fool said:

For a St Croix(which tend to run on the heavy side of power) I think a ML drop shot rod makes sense.

How about the action? Do you think a fast is good?

[Fishin' Fool]

Fast or Extra Fast.

I drop shot a ton and I use a NRX 872s which I believe is an extra fast. It's overkill but fishing for a lot of smallies I like having a longer rod for when they make last second surges at the boat.

[Boomstick]

9 minutes ago, Fishin' Fool said:

Fast or Extra Fast.

I drop shot a ton and I use a NRX 872s which I believe is an extra fast. It's overkill but fishing for a lot of smallies I like having a longer rod for when they make last second surges at the boat.

Wow, that's a serious rod. I honestly wish that was in my price range to be honest, or even the GLX but that will put a serious dent in the bass boat fund.

 

My personal take is M/F or ML/XF for drop shots, depending on the size of the line and hooks etc but I would like the extra length is really nice if you ever cast a drop shot as well. I was willing to try a fast action with Dobyns just because I am curious to try out their rods and this seems like a good opportunity because a lot of people like them and they recommend the particular model for drop shots.

 

I tend to fish a lot in small lakes in Vermont, and they have some really big smallies up there. Most of the time I have a boat, it's also renting a canoe or rowboat in Vermont...

[Fishohio]

I have the Sierra 702 with a 2500 sustain on it . Balance is good. Use it for shaky head rod. It has a bit of Tip to it.

 

The blank isn't as good as an SCIII( Avid X) and not as fast.

 

I don't drop shot much unless I go to Lake Erie so I don't have a dedicated DS rod.

 

I would go with the X.

 

Rick