In the market for my first heavy rod. Have a giftcard for BPS. So budget around $120. Im wanting a heavy fast rod for A-rigs mostly but will also try out frogs and heavier jigs on it. Maybe big swimbaits when I decide to buy some. With my budget and selections at BPS, the best I could work with is a 7'4" heavy fast St. Croix Bass X. Is this a viable option? Not familiar with St. Croix. Any advice is welcome.

That was the model I was gonna recommend before even clicking onto this thread. I began using the 7’4 H/F from st Croix this past season. They really are do it all. They’re marketed as frog rods, but you can punch with them and I think they make a good jig rod too. I have a Mojo and older version of the Bass X. The taper is really nice, not too stiff, it’s not a broomstick by any means. 
 

 

I'll just throw out the SLX 7'2" (or 7'5") heavy/fast. I use it for frogs and big jigs, but it does well with A rigs also.

My son has used a 7'4" H St. Croix Rage for years on Guntersville for jigs and frogs and such.  Very versatile heavy action rod.  The newer MOJO with the same specs should be very similar. 

You are going to have a weight limit with swimbaits. That said, you probably do want a rod on the heavier side. I normally recommend something like a Dobyns 735C in whatever line you can afford or the 7'1" Tatula Heavy rod for an all around heavy, but something a little heavier like the the 7'4" Mojo Bass or Bass X is probably a good choice here.

9 hours ago, Aaron_H said:

I'll just throw out the SLX 7'2" (or 7'5") heavy/fast. I use it for frogs and big jigs, but it does well with A rigs also.

This is my choice.  I’ve throw big flippin jigs, a-rigs, and big swimbaits on mine.  Arashi glides seem to be the max for this rod.  I have thrown a DRT Tiny Klash on it too.  

If I put braid on it, it could throw a frog.

Maverick MK735C at 99 bucks is a good option. 

I have a Mojo Bass 7'4" heavy. It's a good rod for the money. Has a soft enough tip to work frogs and pitch with accuracy. 

Thank you all for the replies. I have a medium SLX combo for jerkbaits and I love it, but unfortunately BPS doesnt carry them that I could find. 

1 hour ago, JoeDeal55 said:

Thank you all for the replies. I have a medium SLX combo for jerkbaits and I love it, but unfortunately BPS doesnt carry them that I could find. 

 

Ahh, I forgot that BPS doesn't carry any of Shimano's freshwater rods (weirdly). Your original choice for the 7'4" H/F Bass X would be the move in this case IMO.

Falcon Lowrider Amistad

I have the 7' St. Croix Premier split grip from BPS and it's a pool cue but for things 3/4oz and up, it's not bad. Between 1oz and 1.5oz is were it performs the best. It's not very sensitive but it's great for pulling fish out heavy cover.