So..... I snapped a few inches of tip off my St. Croix 6'9" ML Avid EF. Looks they don't make this model in their standard Avid spinning series anymore.

However I do see the same rod spec wise in the Avid Panfish line (1/8 -1/2 oz. lure, ML EF). Wonder if it's the same rod?! 

 

Per the title I'm wondering if anyone has experience with both these rods. If so I'm wondering how they compare other than the obvious based on specs. The old rod was used as an all purpose rod for river smallies. The new rod would serve the same purpose. The 6'9" ML was a little too light at times. Based on specs the 6'8" M sounds like it would be a better rod for my application. 

 

Hoping this will be a warranty thing....does anyone have any other suggestions for an all purpose river rod for smallies from St. Croix? 

 

Thanks!

 

I cant shine any light on river smallies, but Ive got some a lot of experience with the older rods and how they compare to the newer ones.  The new SCs, especially the blended blanks, SC3 or 4+ seem lighter in power for the most part. Really, if they did the make the same rod in the Avid line, the blanks have changed considerably for the most part, especially the ML XF.  They now have a more progressive taper and are softer tipped.  You have to go up in power it seems, to get a similar deflection.  The rods that haven't changed as much are the higher end Legend lines.  They still have that sharp feel and extra fast recovery.

The 7'3 XF SC3+ is closer to that 1/8-1/2 ML XF SC3 action and power wise, then their new MLs are.  They still offer the older style 1/8-1/2 ML in some of the inshore lines, but I think they're only available in 7' and up. 

The best thing you can do, if its possible, is to get them in your hand.  Some people love the newer rods.  The balance and ergonomics have improved drastically, but I've found the softer actions have a detrimental effect on sensitivity, particularly with the lighter power rods.  

I can't speak to the 68md but a St Croix panfish series med-light is a noodle compared to their other medium lights, completely different power and taper.