I know the Fenwick Elite Smallmouth has been highly suggested on this board.  I recently just purchased the new elite tech bass version and wondered if anyone could compare the two.  In your opinion, is newer version upgrade, equal or lesser than original?  I know handle looks like has been upgraded.

Personally, I didn't think that the new one was an upgrade. Had I not broken my smallmouth rod, I would have never swapped it for the new one. That said, the new one isn't a slouch either - Plenty sensitive and the action is right. I would have been really happy if they made a 6'9 MXF in the Elite tech bass. The 7'MF (spinning) I owned briefly was quite tip heavy. Hope you've tried it at the store to see whether it balances fine with the reel you intend to use.

I just got the smallmouth 6'9 mh casting about a week ago and fished it today. I love it. The only problem was you could feel the reel moving in the reel seat. I went home and it was an easy fix. Now it's in there with no movement and I'm super pleased w it. 

In more detail.. I love the length. Good mix of casting distance and shortness for tight quarters. It's a true fast action. Sensitivity w yo zuri hybrid 12lb was amazing. I could feel every piece of structure perfectly. I'd rate it a little over my ***. Grip is great on the handle. The reel seat lets your index finger lay perfectly and comfortably on the lock nut and it seems it helps sensitivity. Has a strong backbone. It winched a 2lb 9oz today with a few pounds of salad even tho I thought all the vegetation would be gone but nope. Lol it's quickly becoming my new favorite rod. 

There is a difference between the two. If you had both side by side the smallmouth rod is lighter and more responsive, the new one is a little heavier as they seemed to make them more powerful but kept the sensitivity which is a good thing. Overall I like the smallmouth series better but if I was looking at a jig and worm rod for cover I'd go for the bass series because they are geared toward heavy tactics with stout line but make no mistake, they are still good rods.

the other difference between the two is that the handles are skinnier on the newer bass series. honestly, i'm dumbfounded why manufacturers moved to skinnier handles...are peoples' hands getting smaller? (i don't think so). fenwick went even skinnier with the aetos rods. the smallmouth series felt great...i don't know why they felt they had to change.