St Croix Avid vs Premier

[Dan:]

this is kind of a continuation of my old thread but I wanted to focus the topic a little more and I figured I'd get more attention if I made a new thread.

I'm looking at pairing either an Avid or Premier rod with my new Stradic 2500 reel. My question is, what is the difference between the Avid and the Premier? I've felt a Premier but I don't have any experience with Avids.  Before I spend the money I just figured I should know what makes the Avid more expensive and if it is something that I would be willing to pay the extra money for.

I'm probably going to get a 7' MLF 2 piece version of either rod.

Thanks for any info, fellas.

[flechero]

Here are the differences (blank, guides, reel seat, warranty.) as the St. Croix website shows them:

PREMIER

Premium-quality SCII graphite.

Outstanding strength, sensitivity and hook setting power.

Finely tuned actions and tapers for superior performance.

Batson Forecast hard aluminum-oxide guides with double-plated black chrome frames.

Fuji® DPS reel seat/frosted silver hoods.

Two coats of Flex Coat slow-cure finish.

Premium-grade cork handle.

5-year warranty backed by unmatched St. Croix service.

Handcrafted in the U.S.A.

AVID

Premium, high-modulus SCIII graphite.

Deliver extreme strength and durability while maintaining an incredibly light, super-sensitive feel.

Specialized, technique-specific designs.

Fuji® Alconite® Concept Guide System with black frames.

Fuji® SKM reel seat/gun-smoke hoods.

Select-grade cork handle.

Two coats of Flex Coat slow-cure finish.

Lifetime limited warranty backed by unmatched St. Croix service.

Handcrafted in the U.S.A.

[dbass]

While I have only built one rod in that blank S370MLF2, I build a lot in the Avid and Premier blanks. I think the difference you would feel would be in the tip section of the rods they are different mandrels giving the rods different tapers, and I have found the Premier tip actions softer than the Avid of the same tip action.

Either way I would recommend that you take the Stradic, to a/the store and feel each rod with the reel mounted..

Tight Lines!!!

[Siebert Outdoors]

IMO, I've delt alot with the two and straight forward.  Pay the 50-60 bucks and get the Avid.  Its one heck of a good rod.  I'm not a fan of the premiers that much.  I'd much rather pay the little difference for a much better rod IMO.

[Dan:]

While I have only built one rod in that blank S370MLF2, I build a lot in the Avid and Premier blanks. I think the difference you would feel would be in the tip section of the rods they are different mandrels giving the rods different tapers, and I have found the Premier tip actions softer than the Avid of the same tip action.

Either way I would recommend that you take the Stradic, to a/the store and feel each rod with the reel mounted..

Tight Lines!!!

Heading off today to try the reel on the rods, hopefully I'll be able to find a Avid to try it on.

So basically what I'm hearing is that the Avid is going to be lighter and more sensitive and has a few higher quality components and a lifetime warranty?

[Siebert Outdoors]

Heading off today to try the reel on the rods, hopefully I'll be able to find a Avid to try it on.

So basically what I'm hearing is that the Avid is going to be lighter and more sensitive and has a few higher quality components and a lifetime warranty?

Yep, exactly.  I dont think they are even comparable.  I hope you find one to compare and see the difference.  Let us know.

[Chris at Tech]

What are you planning on using the rod for?

Reason I ask is that I got a 6'6" Avid MLF for Christmas this past year.  When I mounted a reel to it, it simply felt too whippy.  I swapped it out for a 6'9" ML Extra Fast Avid and I couldn't be happier.  I primarily use it for shakeyheads and splitshot rigs, but I wouldn't hesitate to throw small jerkbaits, etc with it.

I also totally recommend trying the reel/rod combo in the store before purchasing.  My personal preference was that a 2500 series Shimano reel didn't balance very well with the ML St Croix's.  For that reason, I went with a 2000 series Daiwa.  You may be completely comfortable with the 2500, but try it out firsthand before buying

[Guest avid]

I love St. Croix rods.

All I can say under NO circumstances would I ever buy a triumph.

I do not own a premiere, but it is a decent rod, I just like Fenwicks better at that price point.

I think the Avid series (NOT where I got my user id) is where you really start to a feel for the experience and craftsmanship that St. Croix is famous for.

Remember, they have been around a long time.  So a lifetime guarantee from thems means alot.  I have used it and they are great to deal with.

I love it when I see brand new rod companies offer lifetime guarantees and then go out of business.

[Bean Counter]

I have Avids, Premiers ane triumphs and if you can afford the extra $60 get an Avid, it is well worth it. If you can't afford an Avid a Premier is a good rod at its price point.