I'm screwed!

[helms83]

I bought my first high-end rod a few weeks ago: a ST Croix Avid. This rod lists at $180, while I saved the money for it and didn't break the bank, I did however create a problem.

The difference between a $50 to a $180 rod is HUGE. The weight, sensitivity, durability, action, responsiviness; everything feels much better in a higher grade rod.

I hope I'm not screwed for the long term, lol.... 

[J Francho]

You bought one the best bang for the buck rods out there.  Not inexpensive, but not over the top.  Great rods, I own 7 or 8 of them.

[WanderLust]

I have one... AVC70MHF. There is a huge difference between it and let's say an Ugly Stick.

Look at it this way... Your fishing will improve.

[Grey Wolf]

The problem is imaginary, enjoy the rod.

[jeb2]

LOL! I hear you. I always tell folks it was hard to justify spending the money on my first high end rod. But it was not difficult at all on all the ones that followed!

[Shane J]

Nice rod, I love my Avid!

[SmokeRise1]

I'm applying the same theory with rods as I do with red wine.  If I start drinking $40 or $50 bottles I won't be able to sit down with a $15 or $20 bottle and enjoy it.  I am sticking with rods under $100 and wines under $20.

[MMan16]

"But how can I put a price tag on something that can enhance my fishing skills" This is what I tell my wife.

[Raul]

I hope I'm not screwed for the long term, lol....

Don 't "hope", there 's nio point in hoping when it has already happend, at this point you can only cheer but at the same time weep cuz it 's just the beginning of the road.

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

Nice choice. The Avid level blank is one of my most recommended to build on.

[BASSclary]

Im in the same boat.

I just returned my Bucoo and payed the difference for a Crucial because the bait monkey wanted it.

Even from 100 to 150 the performance gap is huge IMO

[RussBert]

Im in the same boat.

I just returned my Bucoo and payed the difference for a Crucial because the bait monkey wanted it.

Even from 100 to 150 the performance gap is huge IMO

Oh great, now instead of chanting the "get a bucoo" mantra you will be recommending a Crucial to everyone who should dare ask ...can I get a "Hell ya" Steve Austin style    ;D

[BASSclary]

Im in the same boat.

I just returned my Bucoo and payed the difference for a Crucial because the bait monkey wanted it.

Even from 100 to 150 the performance gap is huge IMO

Oh great, now instead of chanting the "get a bucoo" mantra you will be recommending a Crucial to everyone who should dare ask ...can I get a "Hell ya" Steve Austin style ;D

No. I'll still chant Bucoo for the $100 range. But I wont chant Crucial (Well i might) because there are far too many great options in the $150 range.

[DaveT63]

Many of us here have been in your shoes.  It wont be long before you try to justify replacing ALL your lower end rods with  better quality.  At least you can lessen the pain a bit by buying used through the flea market forum here.  I've gotten Avids for under $100, and a St Croix LTB  for $120.  Great rods of all brands show up there all the time.  Just have a little patience and you can upgrade at MUCH less than retail with no buyers remorse.

Dave

[adclem]

Very nice rod, you will love it.  Only problem you know have is that you cant go back only up!lol  Believe me I know.

Later,

[piscicidal]

I bought my first high-end rod a few weeks ago: a ST Croix Avid. This rod lists at $180, while I saved the money for it and didn't break the bank, I did however create a problem.

The difference between a $50 to a $180 rod is HUGE. The weight, sensitivity, durability, action, responsiviness; everything feels much better in a higher grade rod.

I hope I'm not screwed for the long term, lol....

You absolutely need the sensitivity and responsiveness of a quality rod (like the Avid) for worm/jig/finesse fishing. I have three Avid rods and I love them.

The good thing for us is that I don't think it is necessary to have ultra high tier rods for every application.  I use cheaper IM6 rods for my crankbait/swimbait/flippin/topwater rods. My crankbait rod is a $50 fiberglass rod. My swimbait rod is a 7'6" MH IM6 rod that I use to throw big ez/skinny dippers...that setup has caught +200 bass this year for sure. Paired with braid, it has more than enough sensitivity.  The flippin stick doesn't need to be ultra sensitive, IMO.  It's not hard to tell if you have a bite using a heavy action rod with six feet of 50lb power pro out. Top water...you're going more off sight than feel, so I have a hard time justifying spending $100 extra on the good rod here.

At least these are the justifications I keep telling myself to keep from loading the garage up with Avids 

[tracker01]

I got a Avid from the "bargin cave" at my local Cabela's and it is part of my "A" team now.

[WanderLust]

I love my Avid... Its down for repairs now but it was my favorite rod ever.

While its getting fixed I'm using a Loomis GLX BCR though so I guess I'll get by.

[scrutch]

Been thru that same gradual progression...

Ulgy stick...Abu Conolon (walmart special)...st croix mojo...St croix Avid...Loomis 844...just bought a Dobyn's DX 743C SH....what next?

First rod's under $20...last rod is $330

Its like the bait monkey's got ahold of me by the testes.

[NorcalBassin]

Dude... it's over, you're done. Rewind back to January and I was in your shoes. The nicest rod I had was a Shimano Clarus, and now that poor rod isn't even in my rotation of 6-7 rods I bring out each time. It's an addiction that you'll be struggling with from this point forward. Not to discourage you, but it's just a matter of time before you start doing the same thing with your reels.

;D ;D ;D

[Dave T.]

I bought my first high-end rod a few weeks ago: a ST Croix Avid. This rod lists at $180, while I saved the money for it and didn't break the bank, I did however create a problem.

The difference between a $50 to a $180 rod is HUGE. The weight, sensitivity, durability, action, responsiviness; everything feels much better in a higher grade rod.

I hope I'm not screwed for the long term, lol....

You just purchased a fine fishing tool. Add that to the fact that it is made in the U.S.A. and comes with a nice warranty.

Just get out and fish with it... you'll see what everybody is talking about, and you'll feel great about your decision.

[basscattrent]

I have a few avids and they get the job done. I have a cranking rod and it works great for both cranking and topwater.They make for a nice spinnerbait rod also. If you want to get more feel with your rod use braid with a a mono or fluorocarbon leader and it will make a world of difference whether you are drop shotting in 60ft or throwing a jig etc you will be impressed with the difference. My favorite all around rod is a G loomis MBR843C that rod can be used in so many different ways and can be found used for less than the 180.00 you spent and is still covered by the warranty. I will never buy new again probably because there are much better deals found over the internet with this being one of the sights. Enjoy your new rod it will work fine. I have some friends who have won a lot of money over the years using much cheaper rods than this . In closing just get out there and enjoy the great outdoors and take a kid fishing.