I was looking at several avids in the 6-7 foot range for general purpose bass fishing.  Do you guys recommend the fast or the extra fast action?   I am debating which would be better and my gut tells me to get an extra fast.  

I have an AS68MXF, an AS66MHF, AS66MF and an AS60MLF and out of the four I would go with the AS66MF for a general purpose rod.  It can handle just about anything.  The extra fast tip (AS68MXF) I use just for soft plastic.  I find it hard to cast some crankbaits accurately with this rod.

I have an AS68MXF, an AS66MHF, AS66MF and an AS60MLF and out of the four I would go with the AS66MF for a general purpose rod. It can handle just about anything. The extra fast tip (AS68MXF) I use just for soft plastic. I find it hard to cast some crankbaits accurately with this rod.

Is this a great board or what?

Man, there's an answer from someone that's got a few comps for reference.

Thanks! That is a GREAT post.

8-)

Thanks.

Also, I have to give props to RW.  I have read his post about power versus action numerous times.  These forums are great (except that I want to constantly want to upgrade my equipment and spend money).  

I have an AS68MXF, an AS66MHF, AS66MF and an AS60MLF and out of the four I would go with the AS66MF for a general purpose rod.  It can handle just about anything.  The extra fast tip (AS68MXF) I use just for soft plastic.  I find it hard to cast some crankbaits accurately with this rod.

Is this a great board or what?

Man, there's an answer from someone that's got a few comps for reference.

Thanks! That is a GREAT post.

8-)

I'm SHOCKED, RW

You didn't inform Lard_Bass that the AC66MF is not suited for plastics or jigs?

In any event, I use the AC66MF for topwater, jerkbaits, shallow to med cranks, and traps.  It works well for that, but I would not recommend this rod for plastics.

FishTank says AS66MF, I say AS66MF as well. ;D I have the two-piece variant (AS66MF2), and it is my favorite all-purpose spinning rod at the moment. Just an all-around great rod. 8-)

Well, after a second reading, you are ABSOLUTELY right! my mistake.

It probably makes sense for everything EXCEPT jigs and soft plastics.

The tip is too soft for those applications.

What would you guys recommend for jigs and plastics? Also, any opinions on the AS66MLF (Medium Light Power)?  

The AS68MXF is probably a good recommendation for light to medium weight jigs and soft plastics.

I own the AS66MLF which is a fun rod for white bass, stocker trout and bass under 5 lbs. However, the tip is soft, so plan accordingly.

The AS66MF works fine for me with soft plastic but jigs are different story.  I usually fish a baitcaster and a Loomis BCR803 or MBR844 when it comes to jigs.  

The tip on the AS66MF is softer than the AS68MXF and I prefer the extra fast tip when it comes to weightless Senkos and Dingers but for Brush Hogs, Kreatures, and Lizards the AS66MF works great.  With that said, I have fished it with all sorts of soft plastics and never had an issue with the tip being to soft.  

I guess if I had to rethink it, I would get the AS68MXF if you fish a lot of soft plastic but if not then I would still pick the AS66MF.

However, the tip is soft, so plan accordingly.

Soft?  Please help explain to me, OB1.  Thanks.

"Fast" Action simply means the rod loads in the upper 25% of the blank (where the bend occurs). This portion of the rod can be "firm" (stiff) or "soft" (wimpy). A firm tip is especially desirable for jigs and soft plastics because it does not "give" much on the hook-set. A soft tip acts as a shock absorber and is generally preferred for treble hook lures.

I'm a huge plastics man.

I also own the AS68XF.

Highly recommend it.

Have had zero issues using it with jerkbaits or spinnerbaits either.

I'm a huge plastics man.

I also own the AS68XF.

Highly recommend it.

Have had zero issues using it with jerkbaits or spinnerbaits either.

x2

This rod is great for soft plastics and finesse jigs.

What would you guys recommend for jigs and plastics? Also, any opinions on the AS66MLF (Medium Light Power)?  

How heavy jigs and plastics?  I'd say the AC68XF or the AC70MH

The AS66MLF is alright if you're throwing 1/4oz and under inline spinners or maribou jigs for panfish, but I don't think this is a good rod for general bass fishing.  I got one for Xmas last year, but returned it shortly thereafter because it was just too whippy for my tastes.

How heavy jigs and plastics?  I'd say the AC68XF or the AC70MH

Between 1/4 to 1/2 oz for jigs.

I fish mainly cranks and plastics.  The bait monkey is telling me that not one rod will solve all my needs.  

How heavy jigs and plastics?  I'd say the AC68XF or the AC70MH

Between 1/4 to 1/2 oz for jigs.

I fish mainly cranks and plastics.  The bait monkey is telling me that not one rod will solve all my needs.  

I'm certainly no expert, but it seems like cranks alway mess up the '"all-purpose rod" search.  When they're in the equation, along with other bass fishing staples like worms and jigs, you're not likely to find one rod that will serve you well in both arenas.

Solution, the Avids are on sale.  Get 2

Solution, the Avids are on sale. Get 2

I did. The AS66MF and AS68MXF. Those 2 should cover all my needs. Thanks for all your help guys.

Okay, I am anxiously awaiting these 2 rods.  I need some help with using the right rod for the right application:

AS66MF- cranks, topwaters, spinnerbaits, jerkbaits, spoons, spinners

AS68MXF - T/C rig worms, jigs, flukes, tubes, frogs, drop shotting, finessing

Does the above look right?

Okay, I am anxiously awaiting these 2 rods. I need some help with using the right rod for the right application:

AS66MF- cranks, topwaters, spinnerbaits, jerkbaits, spoons, spinners

AS68MXF - T/C rig worms, jigs, flukes, tubes, frogs, drop shotting, finessing

Does the above look right?

I have those two exact same rods, and I use them for the same things you just mentioned (except spoons and spinners, I have never really used them much before).

The AS68MXF is probably a good recommendation for light to medium weight jigs and soft plastics.

I own the AS66MLF which is a fun rod for white bass, stocker trout and bass under 5 lbs. However, the tip is soft, so plan accordingly.

hey rw   kb here may i ask you a personal question.  is there any st croix rod you dont have  or had  you have to be one of the most knowledgeable person on this subject.  i know you have saved me  money on what the correct rod to buy and i thank you  kb