Since I fish tubes and grubs more than anything else I want to get a nicer rod to throw them on. Currently I am fishing them on a 6'9" ML HMG with a Stradic 3000. Line is 10 lb Power Pro to a leader of 6-10 lb mono. Is there a better option than the Avid in the $200 price point? 

I use a 6'9"MLXF first gen Abu Villian with a Shimano Solstace 1000 that is killer for tubes.

I don't think so but the sc3 is my workhorse blank of choice

Check out the Avid X in that same 69MLXF.  Beautiful rod!

The choice of an Avid or Avid X is a great one. Both have a terrific blank and components, you just have to decide if you want a full cork handle or a split cork handle. My personal choice is the split set on the Avid X. To me St Croix Avid and Avid X rods are a tad bit lighter in the tip compared to other rod makers. So I suggest you look at a 6'8 medium 3/16 to 5/8 rod or the 6'9" ml model that says 1/8 to 1/2.

 

My wife and I use some older G Loomis spin jig rods.  Those things have great blanks. Look on G Loomis's website.  Look for conventional rods, then bass, then classic. Pick a 6'6" or the 6'10 medium 1/8 to 3/8 rod. That should work real well for you.   

48 minutes ago, Angry John said:

I don't think so but the sc3 is my workhorse blank of choice

I also use a New Gen Mojo 6'10" MLXF with either a Saros 2500 or a Stradic Fj 2500

There is quite a sep up from the Mojo to the Avid and Avid X rods and if he is stepping up from his current combo he may as well really step up. IMHO.  Take a good look at the Okuma RTX30 reel to match up with the Avids or G Loomis, That reel is really nice, balances well on the St Croix Avid X and holds plenty of line. I have several friends running that reel on a Avid X 6'8" medium.They throw tubes, grubs, Sencos and light weight texas rigs.

I feel that the avids and e6x I own are in similar ball parks in terms of build quality and overall feel. There are some others rods even cheaper that I feel perform as well or better. 

16 minutes ago, Poolshark said:

I feel that the avids and e6x I own are in similar ball parks in terms of build quality and overall feel. There are some others rods even cheaper that I feel perform as well or better. 

 

Such as?

not trying to sell you against the avid line. But for cheaper rods that I feel perform as well are the Veritas,  Ike series and veracity by Abu Garcia, the carbonlite and Johnny Morris signature by bass pro. The falcon Bucoo series. Etc. etc. There are a slew of 100 to 150 dollar rods that perform as well. But wirh that said, the avid ( to me anyways) has the nicest quality of build+ cork is a bonus. 

I have fished the Carbonlite, Veritas, and Bucoo and all felt in my hands similar to my HMG. I am hoping to gain some sensitivity by going up to the $200 range.

Those rods are in the same class. The Avid X ( or Avid depending on if you like full cork handles or split grips) are more sensitive. The G Loomis Classics are really nice and sensitive. Obviously the higher you go in the G Loomis the blanks get lighter and more sensitive and of course more expensive.  Take a look at the Dobyns Champion series as well. A Dobyns Champion XP DC 683SF might be an answer also.

10 hours ago, fishnkamp said:

Those rods are in the same class. The Avid X ( or Avid depending on if you like full cork handles or split grips) are more sensitive. The G Loomis Classics are really nice and sensitive. Obviously the higher you go in the G Loomis the blanks get lighter and more sensitive and of course more expensive.  Take a look at the Dobyns Champion series as well. A Dobyns Champion XP DC 683SF might be an answer also.

 

I have considered a 703 SF. I am going to a fairly large fishing show in February and hoping to find a good deal on a new rod. Honestly the 703 and the 7 foot medium Avid (I really like the classic look of the Avid over the X) are at the top of my list followed by the 7 foot medium Zodias and Levante shakeyhead rod. Down side is if I am unable to find these are the show the only rod I wont have to buy site unseen is the Avid. Also I am trying to go at least 7 foot due to being a shore bound angler I am hoping to get a bit more distance on my casts.

17 hours ago, PatrickKnight said:

Since I fish tubes and grubs more than anything else I want to get a nicer rod to throw them on. Currently I am fishing them on a 6'9" ML HMG with a Stradic 3000. Line is 10 lb Power Pro to a leader of 6-10 lb mono. Is there a better option than the Avid in the $200 price point? 

 

Probably not. Personally I choose to fish G Loomis rods because I like the in between rod sizes they offer like the 7'3".  Theven extra length comes in handy when smallies make last minute runs at the boat.

16 hours ago, fvogel67 said:

I use a 6'9"MLXF first gen Abu Villian with a Shimano Solstace 1000 that is killer for tubes.

 

Glad to know that.  I have the same rod.  I'm planning on using my spinning gear a little more this upcoming season.  Nice to know what will work the best on some of them.

I think the St. Croix is an excellent choice, but my preference is Medium Power/ Fast Action (MF).

 

 

 

1 hour ago, roadwarrior said:

I think the St. Croix is an excellent choice, but my preference is Medium Power/ Fast Action (MF).

 

 

 

 

That is the one I am looking at sir in a 7 foot length.

Although I have not fished with it yet, I really love the feel of the newer G. Loomis E6X 7'1 Med. Power Jig and Worm rod. it does have the extra fast taper though.

 

The Loomis Classics were mentioned above, and for what its worth, I have the GL3 SJR842 (7 foot, med power, fast action) and it is great for tubes/grubs and just about anything. I use it as an 'all around' rod. sometimes the old standbys are still right up there with the new stuff. That being said, both the GL3 and the E6X I believe feel very similar to the Avid. So whether you go classic Loomis, E6X loomis or Avid its a win win win.

I own several avids and at that price point I don't think you can beat them.I own more expensive rods but again at that price point... and yes I would go with the 7medium over the 69 mlxf.I own that one too and its good for wacky rigs etc but I just feel it's a little light in the tip when you need to bear down a little.also the med makes a good rod for light texas rigs.