kschultz76

I know this post is going to get me crucified but here goes. I've got 4 PQs, 3 different gear ratios. Pleased with all of them, find them to be smooth, cast well, and so far holding up well. I've even learned that I can cast a weightless 5" Senkos on 4/0 EWG hooks very well with my 7.1. They're not perfect, and the brakes can a bit finicky. Now I've just demoed a Chronarch 201e7 and Smoke 101 from TW. I know some like the Smoke, but I found it to be finicky and casting distance was poor. I'd take the PQs over a Smoke even if the Smoke was only 80 bucks, but it's not. Now the Chronarch, solid build, smooth, often felt more refined the the PQ and a bit less effort for the same cast, and a bit more accuracy. Brakes on the Chronarch were more predictable. Now all if that said I have to say I'm struggling to decide if a Chronarch is really 120 bucks better. Maybe if I was fishing tournaments or clubs every weekend, and abusing my gear. But for my use it could be hard to justify. I still see a Chronarch E, or Chronarch CI4, or a Tatula Type R in my future. Not because my PQs aren't good enough, but because I want something different, and see if after extended use I can really see the benefit. But if I was really working on a budget I wouldn't hesitate to stick to the PQs.

I've been trying both of these after initial difficulty with other brands. I'm using 15 lb in the Tatsu and 16 in the Sniper. Pleased with both so far, way more manageable the other brands I've tried in 15lb. I still have some Invisix in 8 lb on a spinning reel that's working well. I've also learned that folks here were right about KVD L&L, definitely improves line handling of fluro.

Those rods look amazing. I hope you plan to be buried with it for that kind of coin.

I suggested the 6'8" M/XF. I think the model is avs68mxf. I have that taper in the Xtreme it's excellent for plastics like weightless Senkos, other finesse presentations. I've not used it for tubes but should handle them very well. You could also go with a 6'6" or 7' M/F.

Reel depends on your budget. I'm so far very happy with my Shimano Stradic FJ and my Stradic CI4+.

St Croix Avid, LTB, Elite or Xtreme in the 6'8" M/XF taper. Fantastic rod for a variety of plastics applications.

As others have pointed out, I'm not speculating. I'm quoting what Shimano states clearly on their website about their warranty process for all to read. Not saying its good or bad, or judging their quality or service.

I just got an Orochi XX Spinnerbait Special. Only fished it twice but loving it. The balance, weight, and finish is outstanding. Looking forward to spending more time with it but its a joy to cast and seems plenty sensitive so far. I see at least one more Orochi XX in my future.

Shimano and other 'over the counter' warranty replacements only do you any good if you live close enough to a dealer that the drive costs you less then shipping. For me if I had to drive to BPS or Cabelas it would cost me about $50 bucks in gas, plus tolls, and whatever else I couldn't resist purchasing while I'm there. If you have to ship your rod back to Shimano because you can't get to a dealer for replacement, guess what, you have to pay the shipping both ways. And Shimano's warranty is only a warranty - if you broke it out of sheer accident/stupidity its not covered. So with St. Croix or Dobyns you get a lifetime warranty and replacement plan no matter how it got broken. Even with the $20-30 in shipping I don't think anyone beats St. Croix or Dobyn's published warranty/service plans. Like others I've had great service with St. Croix. That being said sure it would be nice if all companies ate the shipping on true manufacturer defect warranty returns, but I've never dealt with a company in the fishing industry or any other industry that does. I certainly don't think St. Croix should be dinged because they operate like everyone else in this respect, but otherwise provide top notch service and stand 150% behind their product.

Avids are a great rod and lots if value there. Def worth the upgrade from the Premier. Just keep in mind the MH/F in this rod will handle more like something between a Heavy and Med Heavy. So when you say plastics it wouldn't be ideal for lighter weights or weightless plastics. But it should handle weighted plastics like creature baits, mid to heavy weight trigs, c rigs, spinnerbaits, and jigs very nicely.

Could be the line, could be the knot, hard to say. I've had the opposite experience with it, and find it to be a strong and durable line. Hell I got a bait caught up in a tree limb and nothing I could do would snap the 12lb line I was using. I was turned on to it by a guide in AZ who uses it for all his client gear largemouth and striper fishing. I use 8lb on some of my spinning gear. One thing that could be contributing is how well you're lubricating your knot, get it good and wet with spit. I've lost fish in the past grabbing the line like that with other brand lines. I've since learned to not do that.

Take this for what it's worth as I have no personal experience with the rod. But I've heard directly from someone who owns a retail/online tackle shop that the new Megabass Orochi XX Perfect Pitch rod would be very well suited for your needs. I've also read great feed ack on these rods on other forums. I know there is at least one member here with experience with these rods who is a big fan. I'm looking to try a couple of them in the near future and the Perfect Pitch is one of them. Megabass is a well known and well regarded manufacturer. Only thing is their warranty/service plan is structured differently then Croix or Dobyns. I also am looking to try out some Dobyns. I have several Croix's and love them, but am just too curious to see what else is out there. Good luck!

Ah don't feel bad I still have a couple new rods that have yet to catch a single fish

Congrats glad it worked out for you. Maybe Loomis service isn't as bad as it sounds sometimes.

Race you have some freshwater options in St Croix, like the Avid AVS66LF if you'd compromise for a 6'6", or an AVS70MLF if you'd compromise a bit on the power. The Eyecon series has a ECS70LF which fits your criteria perfectly. And if you have a healthy budget your best option would be a Legend Elite LES70LF again meets your criteria perfectly. If a Croix is what you really want there are plenty of options for you depending on your budget.

Avids are great rods. But be sure you want an XF in a Croix because it really is XF.

First - thank you for your service to your country, I'm sure you've made sacrifices and you deserve your nations gratitude. St Croix rods are excellent, and the Avids are excellent at their price point. You won't be disappointed. If you fish total weights lower then 3/8 oz then you'll want a Medium power. The most versatile would be the Med power Fast action. If you decide you're intereseted in Dobyns rods I'd suggest you contact them directly. I believe they offer a military discount, and a Dobyns Champion series might fit your price range with a discount. The folks at Dobyns can also help you pick the right rod for you, I've had some great communications with them.

Look at the St Croix Legend Elite series, in 7' models they have L/F and ML/F in one piece rods. They also have a 6'8" ML/F rod in the LTB series which is excellent. If you can't find them at a retailer you can call St Croix and order them directly. You might also want to look at the Megabass Orochi XX Dropshot rod, it's their F3 power and handles line 4-12lb, lures 1/16-1/2oz. Well reviewed on tackle tours website.

No doubt my problems are operator error. I'm going keep trying, it def got better when I engage more brakes.

I just tried straight fluorocarbon on a baitcaster this weekend, 15 lb Invisix. Despite what everyone recommends here I didn't get to buy some KVD for it. Had some real trouble casting it, seemed the spool got out of control way easier both pitching and casting, and I had to turn the brakes up. Things got a lil better once I turned the brakes up and got more used to it. But I still continuously backlashes way more then with Pline Floroclear. I also noticed the line felt like a spring under tension on the spool and the tiniest overrun turned into a mAjor explosion every time. Is this something the KVD helps with? Or am I doing something else wrong. I felt pretty defeated and was ready to strip it off and respool.

I have 3 LTBs, 1 Avid, 2 Xtremes. Very happy with the performance of all of them. A few are tip heavy, but so are many other rods out there. I may follow Capt Bobs lead on the balancing once I finalize my reel choices. I don't think you can go wrong with Croix's.

Hey eagon would you be willing to PM me where you found that deal? Thanks!

Thanks for the update Rock. I'm getting ready to pull the trigger on a new rod and you know a Dobyns is a contender for me. Glad to hear you like it so far.

Eagon you're right, a quick look at the St Croix catalog confirms the redesigned Xtremes feature their new TET process, but that's the only difference I could see other then components. Not sure how much difference that will make between the Xtreme and the Elite. You can always call and order from Croix direct if you're having a hard time finding a dealer carrying what you want. I've done it a few times, they're easy to deal with.

Without a doubt the JM was smoother, but the PQs are no slouches especially at their price point. The grips on the JM are those ribbed silicone jobs, for me they felt weird and were hard to hold onto. I prefer the solid grips on the PQ. Another thing that was odd was on the JM a plastic button was used to release the side plate, which honestly seemed like it would be prone to breaking at some point. But the PQ uses a solid aluminum quick release pin that seems much more solid. If you're considering a 159 dollar reel I'd say research the Tatula just a bit. I've not used one but initial feedback on them is positive and they were well reviewed by tackle tour. The PQs are definitely a proven and known quantity in the market.