I've been looking to pick up a Victory for some time now. I'm having a hard time deciding between 3 of the models though...My question is uber specific so any input on any 3 of the models I mention would be greatly appreciated.

 

This rod I'm looking to get will be replacing/doing the same job as my 7' MH/F Avid X (3/8-1). I throw swingheads up to 1/2 oz, lighter wire jigs up to 1/2 oz, texas rigs, swimbaits, sometimes spinners and chatters. 

 

My question is which of the following Victory rods would you prefer for these applications, and how are they different from each other?  There are a number of models which spec-wise aren't so different. (I haven't been able to fiddle with them in store yet, but I'm planning on doing so next week). Thanks in advance. Here they are: 

 

7'3 H/XF, 3/8-7/8

7'3 MH/F, 5/16-1 (probably my best bet)

7'1 MH/F, 3/8-3/4

 

Sounds to me like you want the 73MHF. The rod is weirdly more stout than the 71MHF, but loads deeper into the blank than the 73HXF which makes it very versatile. I primarily use mine for swim jigs, t rigs, and dragging footballs around, but it is also a great spinnerbait rod/swimbait rod. I use a mod fast rod for chatterbaits, but thats just me. The only thing it does not do well is toss weightless plastics. Something about the tip action does not like them. 

I have the 7'3" H/XF. It would work for spinnerbaits and bladed jigs, but it's not something I'd want to do often. It would do everything else you listed very well though. I use mine mainly for jigs, swingheads, t-rigs, and small swimbaits. 

22 minutes ago, Bluebasser86 said:

It would work for spinnerbaits and bladed jigs, but it's not something I'd want to do often.

Too stiff for a moving bait? 

25 minutes ago, Finessegenics said:

Too stiff for a moving bait? 

Doesn't load like I would want for moving baits.

On 2/8/2022 at 5:52 PM, Finessegenics said:

Too stiff for a moving bait? 

It has a very soft tip, but a very short tip. For spinnerbaits, I would prefer a tip that loads more into the blank, even if the tip is stiffer. Killer jig rod though.

 

If you're looking for a single rod to do it all, you'll want the 7'3" MH/F. Maybe even the 7'1" MH/F if you are throwing 3/8oz and under chatterbaits with lighter trailers. If you found the power and action of your 7' Avid X MH/F was about right, you'll like the 7'3" MH/F.

1 hour ago, Boomstick said:

It has a very soft tip, but a very short tip. For spinnerbaits, I would prefer a tip that loads more into the blank, even if the tip is stiffer. Killer jig rod though.

 

If you're looking for a single rod to do it all, you'll want the 7'3" MH/F. Maybe even the 7'1" MH/F if you are throwing 3/8oz and under chatterbaits with lighter trailers. If you found the power and action of your 7' Avid X MH/F was about right, you'll like the 7'3" MH/F.

The rod is mostly a bottom contact rod for me. Football jigs, swingheads. But occasionally I just say whatever and throw some spinners and chatters anyways. Sounds like I’ll need to pick up the 7’3 MH/F

12 hours ago, Finessegenics said:

The rod is mostly a bottom contact rod for me. Football jigs, swingheads. But occasionally I just say whatever and throw some spinners and chatters anyways. Sounds like I’ll need to pick up the 7’3 MH/F

That's really is a tough decision, but the 7'3" MH/F is definitely good for all of the above. I'd lean towards that rod for football jigs as well where the H/XF is more for arky heads.