picked up an abu garcia winch yesterday for a crankin set up... for moving baits everyone has been suggesting the stcroix avid. so i assume that would be a great choice here. but how do the powell rods compare to the avid for a crankbait rod

I never used the St. Croix, but I love the Powell glass 703CB.  It balances so nice with the Winch.  Casts great, has a really nice tip and bend that keeps the fish hooked during the fight.

can anyone else advice me between the powell and the avid

id get the powell

Seems like you've been mulling over this for a while. As a result, I can only give the one true, bait monkey answer, one that resonates well with the dark side...

Get both!  ;D

lol yea... i cant hold these rods (not that i would really know what to feel for since this year will be my first year attempting crankbaits and topwater.) Just don't want to be at a disadvantage in my learning due to the wrong rod

if you are gonna get a Powell , get the 804c , it's a 8' glass rod that is light and has an excellent taper to it for shallow, medium, and even deep diving crankbaits . another good choice is the dobyns 'Randy McAbee" 805cbrm rod . if you have never fished with a 8' crankbait rod , you will are in for a treat !!! you will not want to fish with anything shorter , trust me 

if you are gonna get a Powell , get the 804c , it's a 8' glass rod that is light and has an excellent taper to it for shallow, medium, and even deep diving crankbaits . another good choice is the dobyns 'Randy McAbee" 805cbrm rod . if you have never fished with a 8' crankbait rod , you will are in for a treat !!! you will not want to fish with anything shorter , trust me

8 foot? Wow! And I thought my new 7 foot rod was really long!!! I always fished light equipment. Longest rod was 6 foot before getting my first baitcasting equipment last month.

You guys are killing me. I'll have to rob a bank! Philly, here I come. ;D ;D

Since you mentioned topwater as well as cranks, how about the Powell Spook and Trap rod? It is only at Tackle warehouse I believe.

Just don't want to be at a disadvantage in my learning due to the wrong rod

either rod is going to be great. stop torturing yourself and pull the trigger.