Ok, So I bought the new stradic CI4 yesterday, and now I have the bigger decision to make.

I'm not sure I want to go so far as to get the Lommis GLX, mainly because it is tough to find and I'd have to order it without handling it first.

So I'm looking in the next step below.

I've looked at the:

BSR852 MossyBack 7'1" MXF

DSR822S 6'10" MLXF

Cumara 6'10" or 7'2" MXF

Crucial 6'10" or 7'2" MXF

St. Croix LTBS68MXF or LTBS69MLXF

AVS68MXF or AVS69MLXF

(is there a justifiable difference or reason to go with the Legend over the Avid...this one is for you Roadwarrior)

As you can see, I'm having trouble deciding between the 6'8" to 7'2" length and M or ML...

I can't decide which length or action is optimal... If anyone has any advice/breakdown of the pros and cons or specific strengths of any of these traits please share it with me.

I'm planning to use this rod mainly for wacky rigging and light shaky heads, but I would like to also be able to use it for drop-shotting. If it comes down to it, I'm willing to choose two if there is a huge difference on the rods effectiveness in different depths, cover/structure, and even if there are any of these options which would also do well with Smallies and/or Walleye.

I don't want to drop the ball on this because like I mentioned in my last topic, this is a "reward" to myself.

Thanks!

based on what you want to fish, i will recommend the medium 6'8" xf as a better all-around finesse spinning rod.

what weight shakey jigs and what size wacky worms?

i have the 6'9" ml avid and i would not like throwing anything heavier than a 1/8oz jig. it can handle a 4inch senko but id rather toss that on the medium as well. the ml avid has a nice tip for dropshot however.

hope this helps.

I usually fish a 1/16 or 1/8 shaky head with a zoom trick work, and I wacky rig either a 4" or 5" Senko

the BSR852 Mossyback is the balls dude, its a great rod as all Mossybacks are. I currently fish three of them and always looking for good deals on more, the BSR802 is also an option, just a tad shorter at 6.8

Also not sure if this will work for you, but it was designed solely for this purpose in which your intending.  Give it a look.

http://www.***.com/Powell_Max_Wacky_Rig_Spinning_Rod/descpage-PWMS.html

I own an LTBS69MLXF.  I really like it.  It is very soft in the tip and would be great for finesse presentations.  I took it out one day a few weeks ago at a friend's lake fishing from shore and did not have many issues driving hook sets, even with 3/0 and 4/0 hooks and relatively large plastics. 

I think it is a great rod, maybe a little gimmicky with the color and split grips, (which I don't really like) but I got it for a great price.  It has done its job very well.

Cumara all the way... 6'8 but i use the fast

Have you considered a casting rod for this? These were for sale in the flea market from David P's buddy a little while back, and I bought the Dobyns 734. It arrived in near perfect shape. This is very much worth considering.  I almost bought it myself to do the exact same thing as you. These Dobyns are excellent rods, my new favorites along with GLX. Better quality and value than the ones you listed IMO, although the Mossyback and Cumera are close behind.

The Dobyns Champion 702c:

http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1270441581

7' 1pc. 8-14lb, 3/16-3/8oz, Medium Fast Action Shaking Worms, Small Jigs, Dropshot Rigs, Spoons

http://www.dobynsrods.com/rods.html

I usually fish a 1/16 or 1/8 shaky head with a zoom trick work, and I wacky rig either a 4" or 5" Senko

These do not require a FINESSE rod.

IMO, finess means 4-6lb line, light wire hook, small bait (like the 4" finesse worm, 3" bait fish imitators,etc). For these, I use a 6, 6-6 or 7ft MLF rod.

For what you said you want to use, I would go with a 70MF rod; it protects a light line better than an extra-fast rod and casts better); an XF rod doesn't load as well as a fast one.

The 68MXF St Croix rods tend to be a bit on the MH side, compared to some other brands and it works great if lenght of cast is not an issue .

I use a Shimano Crucial 6'8" dropshot rod and don't think there's a better rod for that presentation.  It has a light power fast action tip connected to a good strong butt section.  The tip casts light baits well and has great action on a dropshot or shaking a jig.  You won't miss the extra 4" length casting with that soft tip and you'll have no problem handling 5-6 lb fish with the robust butt section.  If you like light (1/16-3/16 oz) shaky heads with thin wire hooks, it's good for that too.  I haven't used it for wacky rigging but wouldn't hesitate with a Gamakatsu octopus hook.  I don't use it with heavy wire worm hooks or jigs, which require more tip power (baitcasters and 15 lb line are designed for that).  I usually build my own rods, but this one exceeded my expectations.

I agree these rods seem somewhat underpowered for this presentation. That being said, I own a Mossyback BSR 803 and 6 Avids. I would choose an Avid. The best rod for the money IMO.

go with the Cumara 7'2" med. extra fast

St. Croix LTBS68MXF or LTBS69MLXF

AVS68MXF or AVS69MLXF

Well, split grip vs. traditional is obviously the

biggest difference. Next, Medium Power for sure!

I use my AVS66MLF for stocker trout, crappie and

white bass. It's not enough rod for medium weight

baits or medium size bass.

8-)