I would like to pic up a St. Croix avid but the cork in front of the reel seat is so "Bulky" is there anyway to shave it down and it not being rough? 

If you find it too bulky, pick another brand.

 

 

 

 

Have you actually handled it? I thought the same thing until I held one. Didn't bother me.

Like road warrior said, I'd pick another rod. I wouldn't recommend shaving the cork

I have 2 avids and don't find the cork overly bulky. They are great rods, but I would not recommend shaving the cork.

I would like to pic up a St. Croix avid but the cork in front of the reel seat is so "Bulky" is there anyway to shave it down and it not being rough? 

 

I agree it is bulky, but for me I went from the previous-gen Compre which is my all around favorite handle of any rod. I did sand mine Avid down, found other forums where people did the same thing. But if I had it to do all over again, I'd pick a different brand with a handle setup more to my (your) liking.

Exactly why I don't use the Avids in baitcasting.. That hump.... In 1999 I bought a 7'11" straight handled fipping pitching stix.... Diameter was huge... I called St. Croix... They said if I altered the handle I would void the warranty.... So many people over the years talk about that handle.... You would think they could make a better handle but they are the most hard headed rod company around... They don't change unless its cheaper labour..... I still like the spinning version real well, I use mostly loomis cause their handles are very nice. ( Baitcast ).

I was worried about the same thing when I got mine but when I handled it it felt like I was handling a unicorn pen. . .

I find it to be very comfortable. But I also liked bass pros powerhumps.

I prefer a fore grip and actually like the Avids because of this!

 

Jeff

Wrap some masking tape around the blank in front of where your are going to be sanding it down so if the sand paper touches the blank it wont scratch it. Get some sand paper in various grits a rough, middle and smooth like a 600 grit. I dont know the rest of the grits off the top of my head an 80/100 grit is rough. Cut a piece of sand paper alittle bigger than your palm and twist away. It might take awhile and your forearms might look like popeye when you are done but it can be done.

You would think they could make a better handle but they are the most hard headed rod company around... They don't change unless its cheaper labour.....

You dont think the handles on the rage and legend extreme rods are a departure from the ordinary? They may not be your cup of tea but they are certainly different from many other companies designs. The nice thing about st.croix if you dont like how they do it you can build one the way you like it. That cant be said for many other companies

Exactly why I don't use the Avids in baitcasting.. That hump.... In 1999 I bought a 7'11" straight handled fipping pitching stix.... Diameter was huge... I called St. Croix... They said if I altered the handle I would void the warranty.... So many people over the years talk about that handle.... You would think they could make a better handle but they are the most hard headed rod company around... They don't change unless its cheaper labour..... I still like the spinning version real well, I use mostly loomis cause their handles are very nice. ( Baitcast ).

To illustrate the issue of personal preference, I really like the handle and especially the feel of the slight hump but will not use the Avid spinning because it is too narrow in my hand and thus awkward. You really need to handle one and see how it feels for yourself. I don't find the cork in front of the reel seat a problem at all.

Exactly why I don't use the Avids in baitcasting.. That hump.... In 1999 I bought a 7'11" straight handled fipping pitching stix.... Diameter was huge... I called St. Croix... They said if I altered the handle I would void the warranty.... So many people over the years talk about that handle.... You would think they could make a better handle but they are the most hard headed rod company around... They don't change unless its cheaper labour..... I still like the spinning version real well, I use mostly loomis cause their handles are very nice. ( Baitcast ).

I think they have listened and have rite as well, most I find do prefer it, as for cheaper labor, the labor cost today for building an avid is higher than ever, the only labor that is cheaper you refer to, are rods they build over seas and do not back for life, they do this to compete with cheap rods, and accommodate those that want a St. Croix but don't want to spend the money for a top of the line rod, such as the Avid and Legends. The oldest American company that still builds them in America on their own American Made Blanks must have something rite!! I would say they have listened to the majority very well, like most others, I like mine, all 8 of em!!    

Ok, fellas didn't mean to get everyone riled up! Lol..... Look I love St. Croix rod co. Have for over a decade and a half... I just wish the handle was without the hump.... Love the avid blank... I use a rage 7'11" I like it ok... But I have to use other rods ... Maybe I will have one built with the handle I like.... But let's get it straight... Iam a St. Croix fan!!!

Ok, fellas didn't mean to get everyone riled up! Lol..... Look I love St. Croix rod co. Have for over a decade and a half... I just wish the handle was without the hump.... Love the avid blank... I use a rage 7'11" I like it ok... But I have to use other rods ... Maybe I will have one built with the handle I like.... But let's get it straight... Iam a St. Croix fan!!!

That is the other great thing about St. Croix, you can buy their blanks and build them your way and keep the lifetime warranty. I would also say you talked to the wrong people at St Croix, I have 2 highly altered Extremes, and 5 Customs, all are 100% still backed by St. Croix warranty,,,,,the Blank only, but still covered. Altering a handle properly will not void the warranty as long as it was properly done.

St.Croix Avid is one of the best rods out in my opinion. Most importantly USA made with lifetime warranty.

I prefer a fore grip and actually like the Avids because of this!

 

Jeff

Wouldn't own a rod without a foregrip.

Like several people have mentioned before. Have you handled this rod already? I have owned this rod for several years and its a great tough rod. The thickness of the cork has never effected me. But, if you feel you have to alter the cork to suit you, I will also agree with other members who have mentioned it, go find another rod.