All Purpose Bc Rod

[Rusty Shackleford]

Ideally, I'm looking for a rod that can handle anything from jigs and soft plastics to possibly cranks and spinnerbaits. More than likely, it will be a MH/F. I'm not married to one brand or the other, but i do strongly prefer full grips rather than split. Some rods I am considering are the Dobyns Champion 703/733 or 704/734 (possible black Friday deal to get into my price range), Falcon Caras/Lowriders, or the St Croix Avids. Any feedback on these rods or any other suggestions on rods in this range would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[tomustang]

I love my premier, I use it everywhere for almost everything (cranks/spinners to 1/8oz jigs/ weightless plastics). I use it more than my medium avid and medium elite.

Go with the avid in MH

[roadwarrior]

Avid AVC68MXF

[NorcalBassin]

I'd second the Avid if you want full grips... tough to beat in that price range, especially with BF deals.

[Quitlimpin]

They don't get a lot of mention, but I love my Lamiglas certified pros. The xc705 is a great all purpose stick. 704 is also pretty versatile, but with a more moderate action.

[Packard]

I love my premier, I use it everywhere for almost everything (cranks/spinners to 1/8oz jigs/ weightless plastics). I use it more than my medium avid and medium elite.

Go with the avid in MH

X2 on the premier, Avid is a great rod as well.

[Jig Man]

You might check out the Fenwick HMG. I like them better than my Avids.

[.ghoti.]

Avid AVC68MXF

This one, or the 7' M-F. One thing to keep in mind is St Croix's penchant for under-rating their rods. A medium power Avid is equivalent to most other's med-heavy. A MH Avid is basically a heavy power rod.

One I've had my eye on, and will probably buy before next season, is the new St Croix Rage rod. From the specs, it sounds like a Avid blank, with micro guides, skinned foam grip and minimalist reel seat. All for a slightly lower price than the Avid series.

If you like the Cara series, TW has Clark Somebody's sig series rods on sale for $100 right now. These are basically Cara rods with foam grips. I'm about to pull the trigger on one of those. I don't have a Cara but I've fished with one of my brothers, and I would rate it on par with an Avid, maybe just a bit better. At $100 these are a true bargain.

I have two more reels than rods, which I find unacceptable. :D

The Rage 7'1" M-F and the Falcon 6'10" MH-F are probably going to be what I buy for those two reels.

[tomustang]

Just holding the Rage in the store, to me, the feel isn't right. Using the sciii blank and ipc it only warrants the 5 yr warrenty, maybe it's the non USA made backing.

[.ghoti.]

Just holding the Rage in the store, to me, the feel isn't right. Using the sciii blank and ipc it only warrants the 5 yr warrenty, maybe it's the non USA made backing.

I haven't done any serious research into these rods. That's why I haven't pulled the trigger on one just yet.

What do mean the non USA made backing? Just curious.

[J Francho]

What do mean the non USA made backing? Just curious.

Rods made in Mexico do not get the lifetime warranty.

[38 Super Fan]

This one, or the 7' M-F. One thing to keep in mind is St Croix's penchant for under-rating their rods. A medium power Avid is equivalent to most other's med-heavy. A MH Avid is basically a heavy power rod.

One I've had my eye on, and will probably buy before next season, is the new St Croix Rage rod. From the specs, it sounds like a Avid blank, with micro guides, skinned foam grip and minimalist reel seat. All for a slightly lower price than the Avid series.

If you like the Cara series, TW has Clark Somebody's sig series rods on sale for $100 right now. These are basically Cara rods with foam grips. I'm about to pull the trigger on one of those. I don't have a Cara but I've fished with one of my brothers, and I would rate it on par with an Avid, maybe just a bit better. At $100 these are a true bargain.

I have two more reels than rods, which I find unacceptable. :D

The Rage 7'1" M-F and the Falcon 6'10" MH-F are probably going to be what I buy for those two reels.

That's the Falcon Clark Wendlandt rod you're speaking of, and they are great rods, just Caras with a split foam handle. I know the OP wants a full handle, and I too prefer a full handle, but I'd consider saving nearly $100 over a regular Cara and going with the Wendlandt. I bought one a couple weeks ago and like it so much I just went ahead and bought another yesterday while TW still has them on sale, amazing value.

[.ghoti.]

Thanks John. I did not know these were made in Mexico. I believe I'll have to get my hands on one, and not order online until I do so.

[.ghoti.]

38 Super, thanks for the clarification. I couldn't remember the correct name.

Which rods do you have. I'm looking at the 6'10 MH. Are the rods you have true to their rating?

I thought the one Cara I tried was under-rated. That was a medium that felt to me like a MH. I want a rod in the MH range; a little softer would be OK. Something heavier would not be so good for my intended application. I'll be putting either a Fuego or a Zillion on it, if that helps.

[tomustang]

Thanks John. I did not know these were made in Mexico. I believe I'll have to get my hands on one, and not order online until I do so.

If you're close by a cabelas, they have several available in store now

[38 Super Fan]

38 Super, thanks for the clarification. I couldn't remember the correct name.

Which rods do you have. I'm looking at the 6'10 MH. Are the rods you have true to their rating?

I thought the one Cara I tried was under-rated. That was a medium that felt to me like a MH. I want a rod in the MH range; a little softer would be OK. Something heavier would not be so good for my intended application. I'll be putting either a Fuego or a Zillion on it, if that helps.

Actually I'm pretty new to casting reels/rods, my Falcon wendlandt and Falcon Original (both MH 6'6 all purpose) are really the only ones I've had a lot of experience with, so my opinion probably won't help much. They do seem heavier than my MH Berkley Lightning Rod for what it's worth.

[new2BC4bass]

I love my premier, I use it everywhere for almost everything (cranks/spinners to 1/8oz jigs/ weightless plastics). I use it more than my medium avid and medium elite.

Go with the avid in MH

I can attest to that fact just as Tom will tell you I like to carry as many rods as I can.