I am looking to get a new rod for fishing plastics around the 1/4oz-1/2oz range. I am looking for a 6'8" M rod. Two rods that fit my range is the Pinnacle DHC5 micro 6'8"M and the St. Croix AC68MXF. I am leaning towards the Avid right now. Any other opinions are appreciated.

Avids are great rods

easy choice is the Avid AC68MXF

Not such an easy choice.  The avids are great rods, and I own at least half a dozen of them.  But I am OVERLY impressed with my DCH5 spinning rod, so much so that I would probably choose it over the avid.  Now, the avid does fish a little heavier, keep this in mind.  Also, Pinnacle is releasing the DCH7 at ICast right now, so there might be a deal to be found on the DCH5's soon!

 

Jeff

I really like all the new Fenwick rods out right now, if you are in the price range of the Avid and Pinnacle I suggest you take a look at the Fenwick Aetos in a 6'8" MH-F, it is rated 1/4-3/4 lure weights so it is right in the sweet spot of what you are using. I have a 7'2" MH-XF Aetos and it is my new jig rod, incredibly light and sensitive for $180 but the best part is Fish USA has them on sale with free shipping for $139.99, a killer deal for a rod of that caliber. With that being said you really can't make a bad decision here as all the rods you mention are good ones, the only thing I would say is that if you want the Pinnacle, hold on for a bit because the new DHC7 is coming out so if you wait you are going to get a really good deal on the DHC5. Good luck on your choice.

ONE WORD,,,,,Avid, My only other choice in that price range!  ENJOY!    

The DHC7 rods look like they are technique specific is the only thing. I have been wanting to try a Pinnacle rod. I have heard very little about Pinnacle products but everything you read or hearbis very positive.

To me the Aetos rod handles are just way to skinny. But all the guys in our local tackle shop love them.

Avids are great rods. I do not like the hump they have in their grip and they are under rated on power and are tip heavy. At least all the St Croix rods I have fished have seemed this way.

Thanks for all the input. Still am not 100% sure on what I am going to get. Sounds like I need to check out the Aetos now too.

I own both Pinnacle and St. Croix. Both of the rods you are considering

would be a fine piece of equipment! I know Jeff has been VERY impressed

with his Pinnacle DCH5. That's the rod I would choose.

 

 

 

Definitely the DCH5.  More bang for your buck for sure.  As mentioned, the DCH7 is coming out (sweet rod), so the deals will be coming soon.

I have both the Avid and the Perfecta (not the micro) and this is a tough choice.  I prefer the Perfecta for finesse plastics using 20# Braid (Sufix 832) and leader.  It has a little more backbone in moderate to heavy cover. My girlfriend used it this past week for drop shotting smallies on Saranac Lake. She preferred over the Avid, though that was spooled with 6# Invisx, so the braid probably influenced her newb impression.

What seperates the DCH5 from the Avid. Is sensitivity better in one or the other? Do you guys perfer the DCH5 because it is lighter and better balanced?

I cannot compare apples to apples on this one, as the Pinnacle I have is a spinning rod and the Avids are not.  But what I can tell you is that compared to my St Croix elite spinning rod, the Pinnacle is lighter AND more sensitive.  Just feels better in you hand.  And in this case, it is under half the price....

Love our AC68MF, does a great job at everything

 

 

I cannot compare apples to apples on this one, as the Pinnacle I have is a spinning rod and the Avids are not.  But what I can tell you is that compared to my St Croix elite spinning rod, the Pinnacle is lighter AND more sensitive.  Just feels better in you hand.  And in this case, it is under half the price....

 Well that puts the DCH5 at the top of my list. Probably going to pair it with a Chronarch 50e.

I like the Avid. Lifetime warranty, hand wrapped guides, and made in the USA 

What seperates the DCH5 from the Avid. Is sensitivity better in one or the other? Do you guys perfer the DCH5 because it is lighter and better balanced?

 

Sensitivity is about the same. I can't tell weight wises, that's close too.  The Perfecta's taper is a better fit for the heavier line I'm using with it.  The Avid pairs better with the light fluoro.  It's basically a trial and error/personal preference thing.  Still a tough choice.