I've narrowed my rod serach down to two:

G Loomis g6x and St Croix avid X (spinning)

Can someone list pros and cons of each and possibly point me in the right direction.

I plan on getting a medium light fast action, spooling 8 lb test on something like a stradic spinning reel.

I plan on using this rod for drop shots, wacky rigging, and small rapalas 1/8-1/4 oz.

You mean the E6X from Loomis and I'll tell you right now, I've only held the E6X but I have actually fished the Avid X and just holding both the difference is night and day. The Avid X is light and responsive and it fishes the same way as it feels, yet it is deceptively powerful and the only way the E6X can come close is by fishing much better than the feel because it is heavy compared to the Avid X and the actions are slower, in fact the Avid X is the next rod on my list. I don't mean to knock the E6X, it does seem to be an upgrade over the GL2 but it isn't on the same level with the Avid X and being only $11 more, the Avid X is a no brainer.

That e6x is definitely an upgrade over the gl2 with a slightly lower price tag. I can't comment on how it fishes, but you could buy a zillion for $30 more and I guarantee you it's leaps and bounds ahead of the Loomis.

I have a 6'8" M spinning E6X. I also own a 7'MH-M Avid X casting rod. While they are totally different rods, I can tell you that the blank on the Avid is much nicer all around than the E6X. Don't get me wrong, the E6X is a nice rod, I would certainly rather have the Avid over it, given the choice. 

I'd go with the Avid-x for sure. Lighter, better build quality, better guides, and great customer service from St.Croix.

Thanks for the info. Any input on reels to pair it with? I was thinking a stradic but I'm not sure I want to spend quite that much.

Stradic's are always very nice reels. If you're looking to save a few bucks off the Stradic and you want to stick with Shimano, I highly recommend the Saros as well. 

I have the E6X and Avid-X in comparable length/ratings in casting rods. I prefer the Avid-X, but the E6X is no slouch. The E6X might have a slight advantage in sensitivity, but I found the Avix-X to be just a bit better in all other aspects. The E6X got a lot of press because its a $200 loomis rod that doesn't come with buyers remorse.

Thanks for the input guys!