Looking to get a dedicated dropshot setup. The 3 rods I am looking at right now are the ML XF Fenwick Elite Tech, ML XF Avid X, and Cousins IM-8 in either the ML XF or the L Fast (which they label as their "drop shot rod"). Anybody have any experience in any of these rods? Thanks!

I like using XF rods for dropshotting because you just need a quick wrist flick/sweep to set the hook!

Can't speak for the other 2, but I have much experience with St. Croix's MLXF.  I've had the Avid, gave it to the wife when I built my LTB.  Gave her the LTB when I built a SCV.  Gave her the SCV when I built the second SCV.  I now have another SCV to build cause you can never have too many DS rods.

Get the Fenwick Elite Tech. I am pretty partial to the ML Fast rod for anything under 3/8 oz. In addition to dropshots, they also work well for flick shakes, shakey heads, ned rigs, and smaller jerkbaits. I have two and really like them for the money.

You don't need a drop shot specific rod to catch bass using a drop shot.

For the $120 price it's hard to beat Don Iovino's new Major Craft finesse 6'10" spinning rod.

Tom

I personally use a St. Croix 6'6" MLXF and I love it. I cant say Ive used the others...

I love the St. Croix ML/XF for drop shotting. I currently have the LTB version but the Avid X would be great too. 

A drop shot terminal rig can very quite a bit in components and application. For vertically fishing finesse plastics the 6'10" ML XF options work well. 

I have the Fenwick mlxf and love it for drppshot and flickshake worms.  I have also used it for keitech spider jigs and small grubs and its great for those also.

They must of just put it up in the last couple of days. Fenwick is coming out with a new model Aetos. It comes in a 6'9" ML XF. I'm going to wait the couple of months and save up a few more dollars and get that one.

I've drop shotted successfully with the St Croix 68MXF LTB.  I drop shot vertically in deep water and it worked well.  The fish in my profile pic was caught dropshotting on 68MXF LTB in about 12 feet of water.  That being said, I added a 610MLXF Elite to replace my venerable 70MLF as a dedicated drop shot/Ned Rig set up.