I need a all around bait casting rod, 6'6" MH fast action. I'm going to attach my Shimano Curado with 12 lb. test to it. It's between a Shimano Crucial CRC-66MH or a St. Croix Avid AC66MHF.

Also I have another qusetion to ask you guys, where would be the best place to buy fishing rods from. I do most of my shopping online.

I have bought rods from Bass Pro and they just throw the rod in the tube without any padding. You just pray that the rod dosen't come in broken. How does Cabela's or Tackle Warehouse pack there rods for shipping?

Either one is going to be a good choice.  One is cheaper and more sensitive, the other more expensive and has a nicer handle.

Get the Crucial.  I almost bought the rod you are looking at yesterday, but I decided that I needed a new spinning rod more than another baitcaster.  I still bought a Crucial (my third) - a  68 medium dropshot spinning with a Saros 3000.  I am extremely happy with all of my Crucial rods, for the price I don't think they can be beat.

I buy all of my rods from my local tackle store.  His pricing is usually the exactly same as BPS, especially on rods and reels (sometimes cheaper).  I like being able to see the actual rod I'm getting and I like supporting a local business.  

Cabela's sends them in a tube in plastic with a foam pad in a box.

I recently bought an Avid. It's nice. However, I bought medium action and I would prefer medium/heavy. The medium is ok but just a little too flexible for me.

By the way, I got a deal on the BPS Johnny Morris rod, 7', medium heavy and I really like it.

***.....packs them well and free shipping too

Although there is no wrong answer here...I would go with the Avid, based solely on construction and quality.  Weight will slightly favor the Crucial, and sensitivity is probably a tie.  

You cant go wrong either way i dont think. I dont have an Avid nor have i ever fished with one but i do own a 7' MH/F Crucial and I'm definitely buying some more. The Crucial felt lighter than the Avid when i played with them both at BPS.

Well here's the crux...

In my opinion, the MH Avid is about a notch higher in power than the MH Crucial, so the Avid will be a bit stiffer and better with heavier lures.

And the M Avid has a softer tip and is better suited for moving lures, and NOT plastics/jigs.

If you're fishing 3/8 oz and up, I'd recommend the Avid.  For lighter lures, the Crucial is probably a better choice.

And the M Avid has a softer tip and is better suited for moving lures, and NOT plastics/jigs.

Spot on! I consider my AC66MF the perfect "all-around" rod for most treble hooks,

spinnerbaits and buzzbaits. I particularly like this rod for working jerkbaits and

topwater lures. Although I would generally recommend a rod with Moderate Action,

the soft tip on this Avid makes it ideal for a variety of applications. However,

as Chris at Tech noted, "NOT (soft) plastics/jigs".

8-)

Both a good rods, just do not break the Avid and understand their warranty. I found out by mistake. One of my Avids broke next week freeing a snag. Never had a rod do that. In this particular case as their warranty applies. it may cost me $ 50 to replace. I never had any of my Crucials break but have heard from other swho has broken one that the warranty is painless. Just return to place of purchase and they replaced on the spot. Still do not know how St Criox will handle my warranty, just stating how their warranty works which appears to have an escape clause. I own 5 Avids and have been loyal so hopefully this will be reciprocated. Other then that the Avids perform well and are a bit more sensitive that the Crucials.

St. Croix has improved their warranty program, so it is much like the G. Loomis Xpeditor service:

http://www.stcroixrods.com/content.asp?id=14&section=about

8-)

Great info here, as always! To bad *** dosen't carry the Avid line. Looks like I'll go with Cabela's.

Great info here, as always! To bad *** dosen't carry the Avid line. Looks like I'll go with Cabela's.

Reeds offers free shipping:

http://www.reedssports.com/Product/product.taf?_function=detail&_ID=13260

8-)