I'm considering a 7' MHF in either the Premier or Avid as my "go to" baitcasting rod for fishing plastics, jigs and spinnerbaits. The Avid cost around $70 more than the Premier at BPS.

 

For those that have experience using both of these rods, how do they compare?

 

Any suggestions for online shopping for St. Croix rods compared to BPS prices?

 

Thanks!

The avid is a better blank(more sensitive), lighter, has a better warranty (lifetime vs 5 year). it fishes well above its price tag. the 7'MHF would be a great choice in the avid line for your intended purpose.

I'm considering a 7' MHF in either the Premier or Avid as my "go to" baitcasting rod for fishing plastics, jigs and spinnerbaits. The Avid cost around $70 more than the Premier at BPS.

 

For those that have experience using both of these rods, how do they compare?

 

Any suggestions for online shopping for St. Croix rods compared to BPS prices?

 

Thanks!

 

Usually a number of online places have 20% off or so during Thanksgiving sales. I bought a Cumara last year for $100 it was on sale plus TG % off

I have a premier casting rod mh, and a avid spinning med. I think that the avid is worth the extra money. The avid is by far the most sensitive rod I own (compared to the entire abu V series, premier and triumph) and the lifetime warranty is nice.

I have both, the premier is a nice rod, very stout and sensitive enough to hold its own. That being said if I had to buy another between the two it would be another avid. The sensitivity is much better, the grip is nicer, the warranty is better

The Avid and Premier are on different levels. Like others have said the Avid is a better rod all around than the Premier, but the Premier is still a good rod. If you have the money for it I'd go for the Avid without a doubt. 

The avid is a better blank(more sensitive), lighter, has a better warranty (lifetime vs 5 year). it fishes well above its price tag. the 7'MHF would be a great choice in the avid line for your intended purpose.

X2 The Avid is in a class by itself. The Premier is a great rod don't get me wrong, but overall I'd step up and get the Avid. If anything the lifetime warranty is worth it.

I'm considering a 7' MHF in either the Premier or Avid as my "go to" baitcasting rod for fishing plastics, jigs and spinnerbaits. The Avid cost around $70 more than the Premier at BPS.

 

For those that have experience using both of these rods, how do they compare?

 

Any suggestions for online shopping for St. Croix rods compared to BPS prices?

 

Thanks!

I have been fishing St. Croix premiers for the last 15 years now have about 20 plus and have never had one break on its own I have broke a tip by my mistake. Sometime BPS has both models in the store but not always the exact one you want so hunt them down then make ur decision with them in you hand.

The Avid is lighter, and more sensitive.  The action is more precise.  It also has a better warranty.  The Avid is assembled in the USA.  The Premier is made in Mexico.

The Avid is lighter, and more sensitive.  The action is more precise.  It also has a better warranty.  The Avid is assembled in the USA.  The Premier is made in Mexico.

Don't think that is accurate. Premiers were always made in Park Falls unless they changed it as of late. Website still reflects that they're USA as well.  Triumph/Mojo/Rage/Eyecon/Panfish are all in the Mexico assembly plant.

 

 

Also to the OP, Cabelas carries a special line of Premiers with split grip handles if that is of any factor to you.  Everything else noted here I agree with that the AVID is all around better. 

I misspoke...was thinking of the Triumphs.

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.

I have a premier MHF and I do really enjoy it! That said I almost bought an avid after I demod one last spring. I ordered a 7ft mhf avid and it was backordered so my impatient butt got a LTB MHF instead

Holy crap I love that rod!

I have an Avid and multiple Mojo Bass rods from St. Croix.  I fished with a Premier once and liked it, I am no expert, but I'd go with the Lifetime warranty.  I have had nothing but great experiences with all my St. Croix products for the last 4 years.  In the same time frame I have gone through 3 cheapo Shakespeare rods and just replaced them with St. Croix's as they break, I'll never go back to another Wal-Mart rod, you can catch fish on any old rod, but in my opinion, I like the St. Croix's better, better balance and "feel" in my hand.  

I have both rods myself. Premier is a nice rod but the Avid is better. Warranty is lifetime. That goes a long way with ST. Croix.

I have 5 LTB's, 4 Avids, 1 mojo, 10 or 12 Premiers and a mediocrely built SCIV custom.   To tell you the truth, I don't notice a hell of a lot of difference between any of them.  I can interchange between any of the models and not really feel like I am missing anything.

I have both also. Like everyone else has said, both are fine rods, but the warranty alone makes the Avid the obvious choice.

It's cute that you think this fine sport is going to only allow you to have ONE go to rod...

Yep, the old days of one all-around rod are long past -- and the manufacturers and retailers are loving it!  I was thinking of a multi-purpose workhorse rod (Premier vs. Avid) before I add a specialty crankbaiter and such.  You know, if the boat is going down and you could only grab one rod...

 

I appreciate everyone's input!!

I have 5 LTB's, 4 Avids, 1 mojo, 10 or 12 Premiers and a mediocrely built SCIV custom.   To tell you the truth, I don't notice a hell of a lot of difference between any of them.  I can interchange between any of the models and not really feel like I am missing anything.

 

It's just that you always have a fish on the end of your string.  That's why you can't tell the difference!