Having sold my old rod I used for jigs (didn't like it very much, just never felt right), I'm in the market for a new rod. This will be used for jigs and Texas rigs. As a secondary use I may use it for spinnerbaits/chatterbaits but I am perfectly willing to get a second rod for those. Jigs and Texas rigs are the thing here, so sensitivity and balance are important.

At this point I'm torn between a couple models.

St. Croix Legend Tournament 7'1" Jigs & Baits

Dobyns Champion 734

Kistler KLX 7'3 MH or H

St. Croix Avid or Avid X 7' MH F

 

So far from what I can tell, it seems as though pros and cons are as follows:

LTB:

Pros: Very sensitive, excellent warranty

Cons: Very tip heavy, balance isn't the greatest

 

Champion:

Pros: Excellent balance, great construction, decent warranty

Cons: Not quite as sensitive as the LTB

KLX:

Pros: Sensitive, great blank

Cons: Mid-tier rod, performance not quite on par with LTB or Champion.

 

Avid:

Pros: Less expensive, decent warranty, good value

Cons: Not as sensitive, performance not on par with LTB or Champion.

 

I'm looking for some guidance from folks who've used these rods. It's the biggest single rod purchase I've made yet and I don't want to wind up with something I don't like!

I know this and similar questions have been asked in the past. I'd just like some fresh info and opinions from people familiar with the rods. The reel I'll be pairing with the rod will be a Shimano Curado 200HG, 7.2:1 gear ratio. I'll likely use 17 lb. fluorocarbon for the line.

Thanks!

My father actually has the 7'0 MH avid, 7'3 H KLX, and the 7'1 MH LTB.  He almost exclusively throws jigs 1/2 oz - 3/4 oz.  He tried them with the LTB and didn't care for it for that purpose (he now uses it for bladed jigs).  He likes the KLX the best.  I have a few as well and I love them.  They're as sensitive as the Avids if not more so but definitely lack the solid warranty of St. Croix.  Kistlers are also powered a little less than St Croix.  The MH avid and H KLX are pretty close in power. No experience with Dobyns but I hear they are also a little under-powered.

You really can't go wrong with any of these.  They're all nice rods that won't break the bank.

1 hour ago, RichF said:

My father actually has the 7'0 MH avid, 7'3 H KLX, and the 7'1 MH LTB.  He almost exclusively throws jigs 1/2 oz - 3/4 oz.  He tried them with the LTB and didn't care for it for that purpose (he now uses it for bladed jigs).  He likes the KLX the best.  I have a few as well and I love them.  They're as sensitive as the Avids if not more so but definitely lack the solid warranty of St. Croix.  Kistlers are also powered a little less than St Croix.  The MH avid and H KLX are pretty close in power. No experience with Dobyns but I hear they are also a little under-powered.

You really can't go wrong with any of these.  They're all nice rods that won't break the bank.

Thanks for that insight, that's exactly what I'm looking for. Valuable information!