Whats everyone's thoughts on the St. Croix Avid X rods? Has anyone used one? Seems the same as the Avid's, but with a new paint job, different guides and and a split handle. I'd like to get some opinions. I'm looking for a another MH rod for the arsenal. 

It's probably close to what I'd have a rod builder make for me, if I was using a SCIII blank.  Though, I'd ditch the front grip, and get a full rear grip, and use an ACS seat.  I've got a lot of Avids, these are nice refresh of a highly regarded line.

Updated look on a great blank is my opinion. The Avid is my favorite spinning rod and I bought 3 blanks to have custom casting rods built on.

 

Allen

Probably just as good as a standard avid but more tip heavy because there's less grip in the back

Probably just as good as a standard avid but more tip heavy because there's less grip in the back

 

You don't think the micro guides offset that?

Hard to say. My 2.90oz NFC drop shot rod and my 3.15oz SCV are tip heavy til you put the reels on them.

All my rods are tip heavy without reels - even my Dobyns DX, lol.  If the balance point was behind the reel seat, then the rod would become tip heavy with the addition of the reel.

I don't like that split grip. I'm just waiting for the old avids to go on sale at TW;)

The old Avids won't be on sale any time soon. They didn't discontinue them. They're still in the 2015 catalog.