I’m looking at buying a St. Croix avid or legend tournament 6 8 M/xf spinning rod(will probably be for general use/all around rod). I can’t decide what rod to go with both feel good. Should I spend a little more $$ and go with the Legend tournament?

I was about to ask the same question.

For a sub $300 rod the LTB is hands down the best rod you can buy. That being saod the Avid is no push over either.

I own numerous ltb's and avids, and I would go with the avid and save the money. K series guides are nice in the ltb's, but I HATE the reel seat.

I had the same question earlier this year and the consensus was that the LTB was a nice rod but not really worth it over the Avid.

They are both great sticks and I don't think you can go wrong with either of them, but I really love my LTB's. 

the ltb 6'8" mxf is my favorite spinning rod. Its the only spinning rod I typically carry with me.

Both great rods and quality blanks. For the money you get a bit more with the LTB. However I'd suggest you make this choice based on comfort of the grip and reel seat for you. Paying the extra for the LTB isn't worth it if you end up hating the reel seat.

That model happens to be one of my favorite blanks as well, love it for Senkos. But a very versatile rod.

Finesse spinning tackle is where I would spring for the higher end blank ( assuming the seat is not a deal breaker) if you are so inclined. The Avid level rods are perfectly capable though. 

Finesse spinning tackle is where I would spring for the higher end blank ( assuming the seat is not a deal breaker) if you are so inclined. The Avid level rods are perfectly capable though. 

 

Is there a way to change the reel seat on a factory LTB without destroying the rod?  I have the Spinning LTB 68MXF and it still has the tags on it because I'm not sure what I think about the reel seat in my hands...

some people have the reel seat some dont. I personally like the reel seat in my LTB (its a casting rod though).  Unfortunately most retailers will NOT accept st croix rod returns, you can ask them of course.

 

I personally think that fenwick Elitetech smallmouth spinning rod has the best reel seat even made. the elitetech bass rod is similar but not the same.

Is there a way to change the reel seat on a factory LTB without destroying the rod?

There is, but you might as well get a custom built for what the rod plus modifications would cost.

Give DVT a shout and see what he can do for you.

There is, but you might as well get a custom built for what the rod plus modifications would cost.

Give DVT a shout and see what he can do for you.

Just what I was going to say. St Croix makes blanks available to custom builders along with tons of other options. Let me know what you think of the seat after you handle it a little.

I think I'm leaning toward the avid feels better in my hands. I have split grip rods but prefer the solid cork grip myself. 

Finesse spinning tackle is where I would spring for the higher end blank ( assuming the seat is not a deal breaker) if you are so inclined. The Avid level rods are perfectly capable though. 

Why on a spinning for the higher end rod? What reel would you match it with?

To me, light baits and light bites require the most sensitivity. Hence my finesse spinning comment. I don't understand the connection between split vs full grip comfort wise. I don't ever really touch the middle of the grip where the split would be. I can see if the grip is real short and / or steeply tapered.

You may want to take a look at the Avid X series. It has a much more comfortable reel seat/grip setup than the regular Avid. I have several St Croix rods; Avids, LTBs, and one LE. As far as sensitivity goes, there isn't that much difference between them. How they feel in hand is a different story.

 

The Avid spinning grip is too small for me. I have two of those rods; which I do not use. My wife uses them when she makes a rare trip to fish. Otherwise I leave them at my cabin for whoever to use.

 

The current LTB spinning rods have what may be the worst spinning reel seat ever designed; the Fuji SK. I suggest you mount a reel to one of those, and see what it feels like to you before a purchase.

 

The Avid X has a VSS reel seat. The last three spinning rods I've built have that seat, and it is very nice in hand.

the ltb 6'8" mxf is my favorite spinning rod. Its the only spinning rod I typically carry with me.

 

what reel do you have mounted on yours?  I'm having trouble finding one that balances well which puts my hand awkwardly on the reels seat.

I'm sure it's to each his own, but I'm not sure what makes people think the LTB spinning reel seat is uncomfortable. I was thinking it was the exact opposite and love how it feels in my hands. 

The split seat is a love it or hate it proposition for most. I like the minimal almost non-existent grip on the LTB but prefer a full seat with a larger diameter usually 18mm

Lol... the majority of people dislike the reel seats on the LTBs.. I love em.

Lol... the majority of people dislike the reel seats on the LTBs.. I love em.

So do I

No other way to show that Personal Preference is paramount when asking questions like these.

what reel do you have mounted on yours? I'm having trouble finding one that balances well which puts my hand awkwardly on the reels seat.

I have a stradic 2500fj. I don't know the balance point, but it's very comfortable setup to fish.

Lol... the majority of people dislike the reel seats on the LTBs.. I love em.

Ditto