Hey bassresource users. So, my St. Croix premier snapped in half while trying to free a snag. /: I've Been looking on St. Croix website and seen their gold star upgrade plan. I'm looking for a spinning rod to fish soft plastics and small football jigs nothing bigger than 1/2oz.. I'll mainly be using T-Rig and drop-Shot techniques.. Maybe some weightless flukes/super flukes

The Avid series caught my attention. Now I need help choosing the best model for it.. I prefer a rod at least 6'6 and nothing over 7'. Which do you guys recommend? Also, how do the original Avids compare to the Avid X in terms of feel and sensitivity. Thanks For your help. Hopefully I can choose soon because I just sent out my premier to the repair center today.

St croix 66mf or 7,0mfThe avid x looks like a nice mix of traditional and new school. Give that a try.

If there is a 7' M/F model, that would be my choice. You really can't beat it for an all-around spinning rod.

I love all my avid x's, but have never used the regular avid before to compare. couldn't go wrong with a m/f, I fish my 7 m/f spinning with a d-shot, shakey head, pretty much does most of my finesse stuff. There great rods

I like 7' for an all purpose rod. The micro guides of the Avid X are the way I'd go in a M/F or ML/F if most of the baits will be closer to 1/4 than 1/2. 

You're going to want either a m/f or a m/xf. The extra fast action is great for finesse fishing, but the fast will give you a bit more versatile of a rod so it kind of depends on what else you have as well as how dedicated you're going to be to those techniques listed. 

 

As far as sensitivity difference, they'll be pretty close. The Avid and Avid X are built on the same blanks, the Avid X is just a modernized version of their proven performer. The Avid X will be a little lighter due to the micro guides as well as the split grip and may balance a little better as well depending on your reel. 

Thanks everyone. I appreciate the help. Looks like I'm going with a 7' MF or the 6'8 M/XF. Can someone explain what the benefit of a XF taper would have? From my understanding the extra fast taper makes the rod stiff. Is this true? Will both tapers work for the techniques I plan to use?. Thanks

I think the 7' M/F would be your best bet.

 

As far as the rod action this may help you understand better: http://www.bassresource.com/fishing/rod-actions-power.html