Spent 4 hours at BPS last night handling, and trying as many rods as I possibly could.

I finally settled on a St Croix 6'8" medium extra fast Avid. (I had to order it as there was a blemish on the rod there and I did not want it.)

Also the price is now $169.99

I am going to pair this with a Symetre 2500 (as soon as it comes in)

This will be primarily a plastics rod. My BC is used for my heavier lures, as well as my spinners, deep cranks etc.

Will you all give me your opinions on my choice. If I did wrong I will take it back and look in another direction. Thanks for your thoughts as many of you are way more knowledgeable than I

Perfect!

Doesn't get much better than that for the price.  ;D

Perfect!

Avid AVS68MXF is an outsanding rod. I'm sure you will agree!

8-)

Well it is about time you upgraded.

We have been waiting for you to do it and finally, you did.

Congrats.

You did good.

Now, have you checked out the Loomis or Kistler lines?

Enjoy and send in those pics.

And by the way, your 2500 is great reel.

YOU really did good!

Happy New Year.  

i think avid and symetre are probably the best values around.