Rod for newly purchased fuego 2500? Similar to Avid X without breaking the bank

[E-H]

So I went overboard and got the Vanford 3000 and the Avid X  6'6" MLF.  Only used it once for a few hours in heavy wind so I couldn't really enjoy it yet.  I fish in a smaller lake with smallmouth only.  Mainly 10" to 13" but a few are close to 4lb.  I lost many with my previous ultra-light gear and 4lb test.  Moved to 6lb last year - mono.

 

Just picked up a Daiwa 2500DHX reel for my second good setup.

 

Mostly fishing topwater in the summer but will also fish some spinners and go deeper with ned and senkos etc... 

 

I am looking for possibly a MF same length 6'6" rod similar to the Avid X.

 

Trying to stay under $150 on the rod.

 

Researched forever but can't decide.  Would like to stay St. Croix if I can and the split grip premier for $149 MF seems about right at BPS.

 

Anyone used this rod or have any other suggestions?

 

 

[Finessegenics]

Take a look at the Bass X or Mojo Bass 6’8 M/XF. A little longer and a different action than you’re looking for but you’ll like it. It’s an XF but has a soft tip. 

[E-H]

2 minutes ago, Finessegenics said:

Take a look at the Bass X or Mojo Bass 6’8 M/XF. A little longer and a different action than you’re looking for but you’ll like it. It’s an XF but has a soft tip. 

Thanks.  I did look at those at one point.  Not sure XF for topwater though.  Good for the money for sure.

[jimmyjoe]

      If you've got SMB, you've got a bunch of acrobats. You might need a softer action. One of the ML/MF Fenwick Eagle 2 rods, perhaps??????                  jj

[E-H]

2 minutes ago, jimmyjoe said:

      If you've got SMB, you've got a bunch of acrobats. You might need a softer action. One of the ML/MF Fenwick Eagle 2 rods, perhaps??????                  jj

I hadn't looked at those.  They are jumpers for sure....I will check the Fenwick out.  Thanks.

[Finessegenics]

I forgot to mention that there is an Eyecon 6’6 M/F. They’re sold out on st Croix’s website but you may be able to find them elsewhere. 
The blank is made with SCII, like the Bass X and Premier but it has a much more comfortable reel seat than both, at least in my opinion. I owned a 6’6 ML/F Eyecon and I liked it.

[E-H]

15 minutes ago, Finessegenics said:

I forgot to mention that there is an Eyecon 6’6 M/F. They’re sold out on st Croix’s website but you may be able to find them elsewhere. 
The blank is made with SCII, like the Bass X and Premier but it has a much more comfortable reel seat than both, at least in my opinion. I owned a 6’6 ML/F Eyecon and I liked it.

I saw that one in my research but forgot about it.   Not as promoted as the others it seems.  Thanks.  Will check it out.  I see it's touted as a walleye rod.  Not sure if that matters or not.

[E-H]

So has anyone used the premier split grip from BPS?  I am leaning towards that rod 6’6” MF or MLF. 

[Randy Price]

47 minutes ago, E-H said:

So has anyone used the premier split grip from BPS?  I am leaning towards that rod 6’6” MF or MLF. 

@E-H, Yes I bought one several years ago and was very pleased with it.  My understanding is that the only way to get the split grip Premier is through Cabela's/BPS.  Sold it to a friend a couple of years ago when I was thinning the herd.  I really liked it though.

[TBAG]

Mojo Bass

[E-H]

34 minutes ago, Randy Price said:

@E-H, Yes I bought one several years ago and was very pleased with it.  My understanding is that the only way to get the split grip Premier is through Cabela's/BPS.  Sold it to a friend a couple of years ago when I was thinning the herd.  I really liked it though.

Thanks.  Do you have still others in the price range you like better?  If I am going to spend over $100 I want to make sure I am getting something I want to keep for a long time.  Avid X is my other rod, so I don't want to be disappointed when switching out.

19 minutes ago, TBAG said:

Mojo Bass

What do you like about it?  And what do you primarily use on it?  I will only be fishing for smalleys essentially.

[EWREX]

daiwa tatula or a daiwa tatula elite

[Randy Price]

34 minutes ago, E-H said:

Thanks.  Do you have still others in the price range you like better?  If I am going to spend over $100 I want to make sure I am getting something I want to keep for a long time.  Avid X is my other rod, so I don't want to be disappointed when switching out.

What do you like about it?  And what do you primarily use on it?  I will only be fishing for smalleys essentially.

@E-H, I used it primarily for SMB.  I'm a SC fanboy so that's all I use.  I like and use the 6'8" MXF Mojo Bass "Wacky Style" and really like it better than the Premier.  The MB has the SCIII graphite like the Avid instead of the SCII like the Premier so it's much more sensitive.  The only plus to me about the Premier is that it is made in WI instead of Mexico like the MB series.  If you can swing the money the MB is a great rod for the $$.  PM me if you have any specific questions.

[new2BC4bass]

17 minutes ago, EWREX said:

daiwa tatula or a daiwa tatula elite

Elite is over his budget.  Tatula at very high end.  Not a St. Croix.  Having said all that, I have been looking at getting a new spinning rod for down sizing my lures.  The Tatulas I am looking at are the 7'1" MLF and 6'10" M-XF.  Seems these rods are very sensitive for the price.  But neither fit the OP's parameters.

 

OP.  Just because the rod says "Walleye" doesn't limit its use to only that species.  Not St. Croix either, but I have been very pleases with the Fenwick rods I own.  I've only handled an Eagle in store, but it felt nice and I almost walked out with one.  There is a 6'6" MLF rated 4-10 lb. and 1/8-5/8 oz. that might work for you.  $60 rod.  I've always felt I got good value from Fenwick.

[E-H]

25 minutes ago, Randy Price said:

@E-H, I used it primarily for SMB.  I'm a SC fanboy so that's all I use.  I like and use the 6'8" MXF Mojo Bass "Wacky Style" and really like it better than the Premier.  The MB has the SCIII graphite like the Avid instead of the SCII like the Premier so it's much more sensitive.  The only plus to me about the Premier is that it is made in WI instead of Mexico like the MB series.  If you can swing the money the MB is a great rod for the $$.  PM me if you have any specific questions.

Thanks.  XF vs F ok for topwater?

31 minutes ago, new2BC4bass said:

Elite is over his budget.  Tatula at very high end.  Not a St. Croix.  Having said all that, I have been looking at getting a new spinning rod for down sizing my lures.  The Tatulas I am looking at are the 7'1" MLF and 6'10" M-XF.  Seems these rods are very sensitive for the price.  But neither fit the OP's parameters.

 

OP.  Just because the rod says "Walleye" doesn't limit its use to only that species.  Not St. Croix either, but I have been very pleases with the Fenwick rods I own.  I've only handled an Eagle in store, but it felt nice and I almost walked out with one.  There is a 6'6" MLF rated 4-10 lb. and 1/8-5/8 oz. that might work for you.  $60 rod.  I've always felt I got good value from Fenwick.

Thanks.  I will look at the Fenwick.  Those specs work.

[E-H]

Also considering going up to the victory line.  A little more but I want to make sure it's comparable to the Avid X.  Supposed to be a great rod.  If I am going 150 another 40 might be worth it for that top quality.  Too may choices....I know that opens up an entire different set of possible rods.

 

I will mostly be using topwater and rapala raps, with occasional ned and senko.

 

I have read different things on which rating/speed is better for topwater and cranks.  Confused.  I went ML/F on the avid x but haven't been able to use it much yet.

[E-H]

Ok - I just went ahead and got the St. Croix Victory 6'10" MLXF.  It was only $30 more than the others I was considering for $150.  I think that's worth it.

 

Thanks all for the input.  Now I am set with 2 great rods and reels.  USA built and nice warranty on the rods.

 

This rod is only 3.1 oz.  I catch up to 100 bass in a day (mostly smaller ones), so the lightweight with good casting distance will do the trick on both avid x and victory.

[new2BC4bass]

26 minutes ago, E-H said:

Ok - I just went ahead and got the St. Croix Victory 6'10" MLXF.  It was only $30 more than the others I was considering for $150.  I think that's worth it.

 

Thanks all for the input.  Now I am set with 2 great rods and reels.  USA built and nice warranty on the rods.

 

This rod is only 3.1 oz.  I catch up to 100 bass in a day (mostly smaller ones), so the lightweight with good casting distance will do the trick on both avid x and victory.

  Yeah.  So many good choices.  So little money and so little time to try them all.  I can't help but think you will be very pleased with your choice.

[Randy Price]

55 minutes ago, E-H said:

Ok - I just went ahead and got the St. Croix Victory 6'10" MLXF.  It was only $30 more than the others I was considering for $150.  I think that's worth it.

 

Thanks all for the input.  Now I am set with 2 great rods and reels.  USA built and nice warranty on the rods.

 

This rod is only 3.1 oz.  I catch up to 100 bass in a day (mostly smaller ones), so the lightweight with good casting distance will do the trick on both avid x and victory.

@E-H, I think you will be very pleased with that rod.  I have the same rod in the Legend X spinning rod series.  It is one of my favorite "all around" rods.  Let us know how you like it after you use it.  Best Wishes, Randy Price

[Deplorable Fisherman]

5 hours ago, E-H said:

So has anyone used the premier split grip from BPS?  I am leaning towards that rod 6’6” MF or MLF. 

I have a 6' MF I use for skipping tubes under docs. Great rod. Held up very well and sensitive. 

[WRB]

St Croix Victory is $164 shipped from ALF with 10% discount. 

Tom

[GetFishorDieTryin]

3 hours ago, E-H said:

So has anyone used the premier split grip from BPS?  I am leaning towards that rod 6’6” MF or MLF. 

I bought one when they first came out (7" M F 2pc) quite a few years back.  I guess SC wanted to get a split grip Premier on the market ASAP so they just put a split grip on the Premier without taking into account balance or ergonomics.  The result with the 7 M F was an extremely tip heavy rod that needs 12oz reel to balance anywhere close to the shorter fore grip.  They also kept that same thin wire square hook keeper and put it about 3/4" above the fore grip on the underside of the rod right where your index finger should be, which is extremely uncomfortable.  Im pretty sure they redesigned them since then, because most people seem to like them but I think there are much better rods for 150$.

 

13 hours ago, E-H said:

I am looking for possibly a MF same length 6'6" rod similar to the Avid X.

 

Trying to stay under $150 on the rod.

 

Researched forever but can't decide.  Would like to stay St. Croix if I can and the split grip premier for $149 MF seems about right at BPS.

The 6'10 ML XF Mojo Bass is a good rod, its a little faster action then 6'6 ML F Avids.  The Victory is great rod for another 30$ but the 6'10 ML XF Victory is even faster then the Mojo and IMO its a little to stiff for a do it all ML.  The 13 Omen Black is a really good rod for the money @120$-130$ for a 36T blank.  IMO they feel and fish really similar to an Avid except the Omens XF is closer an Avid F in action.  

The #1 rod I would recommend if you're willing to try another brand would be the 7'1 ML F Tatula.  The sensitivity is as good as an Avid and is the same weight or maybe even lighter.  Compared to a 7' ML F Avid, which I think makes it perform a little better with light wire hooks.  The handle is really comfortable and practical.  I have an Exceler on 2500 (same eight as the Fuego 2500) and the the rod balance is just about perfect.  If your going to be throwing lighter baits down to 1/16 on braid, 10lb will perform much better then 15lb or higher distance wise.   Its 10$ over your budget, but it could be one of the best 10$ investments you may ever make.   

[WRB]

Victory MLXF 6’10” isn’t stiff if anything it’s tip soft, good drop shot rod. 

Tom

[E-H]

27 minutes ago, WRB said:

St Croix Victory is $164 shipped from ALF with 10% discount. 

Tom

Ugh - Could have saved $15 - but it already shipped.  Appreciate it though.