Im looking to buy a rod that I can use for mostly drop shot fishing and maybe some other finesse fishing. I was on TW and looking at St Croix rods and noticed that the Bass x and Avid both use the SCll blanks. Is there much of a difference in the rods since they are based off the same blank? Is it worth an extra $100 bucks? Will the 6'10 ML Bass X be good for drop shot fishing. Any good reel suggestions at around $100 bucks?

 

If it matters I fish from the shore or my kayak about 90% of the time.

Avid use SCIII.  SCIII is a pretty decent jump in sensitivity, weight, and overall "crsipness" over SCII.  I have a couple rods that use SCII blanks, and they're great, but not up to the SCIII.  I also have SCIV and SCV rods.  They are incrementally better than the SCIII, though not as big a leap.

 

I have four drop shot rods:

2x AVS63MLXF

2x AVS63MXF

 

I also have the AVS68MXF which would also be an excellent DS rod.  I happen to one of the few that prefers a shorter rod for DS.

Guess I should pay more attention reading, I really thought it said SCll lol. Would it be more worth it to spend the extra money on a rod or splurge on the reel?

Then what would be the major different in the Mojo and Avid at a $70 price difference?

Mojo is made in Mexico, with lower grade components, and a shorter warranty, but built on the same blank.

I didn't like the original Mojo line, but I haven't tried the new ones. 

Thanks for all the input!

I dont think the $70 is worth the jump from the mojo to the avid but to the avid X then its more debatable.

So, basically if you like split grips and microguides, go to Avid X.

its up to you on whether to spend more on a rod or splurge on a reel,

 

imo with spinning you dont need the best reel, most cast the same distance in my experience, retrieve and drag smoothness is the biggest difference.

 

i would say go for the better sensitivity, especially for a finesse rod.

 

 

i will say im not the biggest fan of micro guides.

The 6'10" ML/XF rod is a great dropshot rod. Personally, I put more money into my finesses rods and would advise you to do the same. I haven't got to try the Bass X line yet, but I think spending the extra money on an Avid or Avid X will be well worth the investment. 

Their ML/XF taper spinning rods really are a special mix of perfection for most light, finesse applications.

I have never regretted going to a higher end St. Croix rod.  I also have been in situations where I couldn't afford to go to the higher end and therefore "settled", and happily fished those rods.

 

Bottom line .. if you can afford it, go Avid or Avid-X depending on your preference.   If you can't, go Mojo.  And if you absolutely have to save those last $30, then go with the Bass-X although I really think the current Mojo's you would be happier with long term.  

 

Whatever you choose, fish the heck out of it and have fun.

 

 

 

5 hours ago, J Francho said:

So, basically if you like split grips and microguides, go to Avid X.

Pretty much. However the avid x seems like a much more refined rod than avid when I mess around with them.

Avid X all day.  

Get the avid x way better of,and for finesse applications the extra sensitivity will be worth it.

14 hours ago, Loomis13 said:

Pretty much. However the avid x seems like a much more refined rod than avid when I mess around with them.

 

I can see that, through the smaller guides, and overall less mass on the blank.  Micros and I don't always see eye to eye.  Might have been to the 80 mph runs from spot to spot, and not the rods' fault.

I'm a St. Croix addict. I recently set out to buy a Bass X 6'3" med. X-Fast. Bought the Mojo version last year and wanted to get another in that size. I passed on that Bass X. Got another Mojo. Not feeling it. One less guide and not quite the feel. They are trying to put out a price point Rod. A market thing I think. They should just work on a few more actions in the Mojo Series. But I sure they are good rods. I can see trying to put something new out but new doesn't mean has to be cheaper to be better. 

 

I was checking out some Shimano casting rods at the show. They put out some nice rods that don't break the bank. And have a warranty with them. 

 

I just bought a Shimano Nasci and looking forward to using. Was always a fan of the Symetre. They discontinued it. Try to get to a show if possible. You can take advantage of 10-20% on all that stuff.