In search of a "true" medium spinning

[weemofisher]

Ok, I know there really is no such thing. I have a 6'9 elite tech walleye ML XF that is just a touch light for my needs. Looking in the $150-$250 range. I know I could probably do the 7'2 m f in the elite tech but was kind of wanting something else. I'm guessing a loomis m f would work but the only thing in my budget from them is the e6x which gets mixed reviews on here. Is the croix medium too big a step up in power? Croix ML possible? I had also considered a zodias but unsure on the m vs ml from them as well. Mostly throwing 3/16 jigs w plastics. I know my fenwick should be fine w this but it just feels heavy for accurate casting  I'm much more of a casting rod guy so I'm sure this is part of the issue 

3/16 total weight. Not 3/16 jig weight

[Paul Roberts]

Tons of great rods out there. And all with likely do the job. Best bet, for the subjectivity involved, would be to go somewhere you can see them for yourself. Bring your favorite reel with you. Otherwise, you are relying on guesswork, or here, someone else's guesswork.

[Finessegenics]

I had the 7’2 M/F elite tech. I’d say it’s a true M but it felt more like a Mod Fast than a fast to me. If you already like your 6’9 elite tech then the 7’2 is what I’d go with it. You know what you’re getting with it. I’d say 3/16 total weight is definitely doable on it. 
 

If not, I’d suggest the 7’1 M/F mojo bass. IMO it is a true M but a lot of people say it feels like a MH. I disagree. And besides, there is no industry standard so a M vs MH “feel” is different for everyone.

[weemofisher]

I think my elite tech is just "ok". It's hard to describe but just doesn't feel crisp to me. 

[Finessegenics]

18 minutes ago, weemofisher said:

I think my elite tech is just "ok". It's hard to describe but just doesn't feel crisp to me. 

 
That’s exactly why I sold my 7’2 M/F. Don’t get me wrong, the fit and finish on the rod was great. The paint, guides, high quality cork and a nice reel seat. I can’t describe it but I just didn’t feel “connected” to the rig I was throwing. I think on another post here I used your exact words, that the rod didn’t feel crisp. I have to say the 7’1 M/F mojo bass I bought to replace it, has that crispness.

[WRB]

My favorite finesse spinning rod is Iovino Major Craft rod 6’8” Medium fast.

Tom

[new2BC4bass]

No experience with one, but it is a rod I'd like to try.  Feather 7'1" MF rated 1/8-3/4 oz.  Normally not a range I would prefer for 3/16 oz. total weight, but everyone says they fish light so I wouldn't hesitate using 3/16 oz. on it.  Even tho it fishes light, a 3/4 oz. top end should give it plenty of power for your use.

 

From what I read the ALX Zolo is a nice rod.  Towards the high end of your budget.  I've got a couple casting models, but extremely little time with them.  Or an Ikos.  I'm a fan of Falcon rods.  Don't have any of the new models, but would love an Expert or two.

[jimmyjoe]

    I'm familiar with that rod. It has a soft tip, so I used it for smaller cranks. IMO, not a good jig rod. They had one that was like 5'-08" or 5'-09" that was a great jig rod. Friend of mine has it, and he loves it.

   Yes, you might want to consider a St. Croix Avid-X 6'-06" ML/F or 6'-09 ML/XF. Try them in a store, though. Some people think that they feel "heavy". I don't; I think they feel fine. I have the 7' ML/F, and I've used it with both braid and mono. I have mono on it right now. It's my favorite spinning rod.

   Be aware that choice of line can have a huge effect on the "feel" of the rig.

 

   Whichever way you go, I wish you good luck!        jj

[GetFishorDieTryin]

7 hours ago, weemofisher said:

Ok, I know there really is no such thing. I have a 6'9 elite tech walleye ML XF that is just a touch light for my needs. Looking in the $150-$250 range. I know I could probably do the 7'2 m f in the elite tech but was kind of wanting something else. I'm guessing a loomis m f would work but the only thing in my budget from them is the e6x which gets mixed reviews on here. Is the croix medium too big a step up in power? Croix ML possible? I had also considered a zodias but unsure on the m vs ml from them as well. Mostly throwing 3/16 jigs w plastics. I know my fenwick should be fine w this but it just feels heavy for accurate casting  I'm much more of a casting rod guy so I'm sure this is part of the issue 

3/16 total weight. Not 3/16 jig weight

The e6x Ms feel light to me, but I havent fished with one so I cant comment on that.  I have fished fished with SC ML and Ms though.  You could get away with a ML XF if the jig has a lighter wire hook as long as your not fishing really deep or trying to set the hook at the end of long casts.  I think a SC M would be a better then the ML especially if you have to punch through a weed guard.  The 7'1 ML F Tatula would be good if a like a rod with some tip.  It got a soft tip with the backbone of a M, kind of like a MagL.

1 hour ago, jimmyjoe said:

    I'm familiar with that rod. It has a soft tip, so I used it for smaller cranks. IMO, not a good jig rod. They had one that was like 5'-08" or 5'-09" that was a great jig rod. Friend of mine has it, and he loves it.

   Yes, you might want to consider a St. Croix Avid-X 6'-06" ML/F or 6'-09 ML/XF. Try them in a store, though. Some people think that they feel "heavy". I don't; I think they feel fine. I have the 7' ML/F, and I've used it with both braid and mono. I have mono on it right now. It's my favorite spinning rod.

   Be aware that choice of line can have a huge effect on the "feel" of the rig.

 

   Whichever way you go, I wish you good luck!        jj

Avids arent heavy, the people saying that must be using really light reels.

[Sphynx]

My favorite MF rod is a St. Croix Mojo Bass, but I am definitely biased and own 7 or 8 of the rods in that line, so it's fair to say I'm pretty well sold on it.

[weemofisher]

Glad to see the mojo get some love. I have the MH casting rod and think it's a very good for the price. I am curious if the people giving the mojo love have tried the avid in the same power. Looking at the specs all the mojo rods in spinning and casting labeled as "plastics" are a touch lighter than the same length and power in the avid line.

34 minutes ago, GetFishorDieTryin said:

The e6x Ms feel light to me, but I havent fished with one so I cant comment on that.  I have fished fished with SC ML and Ms though.  You could get away with a ML XF if the jig has a lighter wire hook as long as your not fishing really deep or trying to set the hook at the end of long casts.  I think a SC M would be a better then the ML especially if you have to punch through a weed guard.  The 7'1 ML F Tatula would be good if a like a rod with some tip.  It got a soft tip with the backbone of a M, kind of like a MagL.

Avids arent heavy, the people saying that must be using really light reels.

I won't be punching through weedguards. I meant open jig heads with grubs or finesse swimbaits

[optimator]

I've gone a little overboard on the M & ML spinning rods. I really enjoy fishing them though.

E6X 842s SJR

Tatula 6' 10" M/XF 

Avid-X 7' ML/F 

Sierra 692s

 

 

[Allen Der]

St Croix Premier medium fast would be my suggestions.  very versatile

[E-rude dude]

I’ve converted to almost all St Croix BassX or Mojo Bass for everything. Good rods for the money IMO.