Hey guys im tossed between shaky head and drop-shot rods and was just wondering the opinions of people who have used some of the ones i have listed. Heres what is on my list.

St.Croix Avid 6'9ml/xf

Dobyn SS702fs

Shimano Crucial 7ft ml/xf

Haven't used the specific model Crucial you listed, I've got a pair of the 7'2" M XFast DS rods though.  That thing is a fantastic rod.

The Avid  your asking about is a good dropshot rod, but a poor shaky head rod. If it were me, I would get a good multi-purpose spinning rod, and adapt drop shotting to it, rather than vice versa. I'd go with the 6'8 M/XF St Croix, while it's not the best DS'ing rod, it's a much better all purpose stick than the 6'9" ML/XF

The 702 is decent combo rod. I use the Powell 702 but I had a Dobyns as well they are very similar.

I haven't used the 702 Savvy, but have used the 702 Champion and Extreme a lot. The 702s are great Shaky head / drop shot rods, but without having fished the actual 702 Savvy I can't say much more. I have fished numerous other Savvy rods and think they're awesome rods for the price!

The Avid your asking about is a good dropshot rod, but a poor shaky head rod. If it were me, I would get a good multi-purpose spinning rod, and adapt drop shotting to it, rather than vice versa. I'd go with the 6'8 M/XF St Croix, while it's not the best DS'ing rod, it's a much better all purpose stick than the 6'9" ML/XF

x2 , although i dont think the 69mlxf is a "poor" shaky head rod. its ok with lighter jigheads...

The 6'9" ML/XF St Croix is one of my favorite blanks for drop-shotting and finesse fishing in general. It would do ok as a shakey head rod with a small jig, super sharp hook and thin tex-posed plastic, but the typical shakey head is probably better suited to a Med power rod. I agree w/ ww2farmer, err on the heavyside if you need a more multi-purpose setup.

Poor was the wrong choice of words...........but you guys got the jist of it. 

I like a plain old medium power, fast action for shaky heads, slider heads, grubs, and split shots.  6-6 to 7' is fine.  For drop shot, in open water, I'm more picky.

Then again, I should fess up...I don't throw shaky heads anymore  :-X

I might toss them again, but smaller jigs have been better for me the past two years.

I haven't fished any of the rods on your list, but if you can afford a Loomis DSR for dropshotting, you won't be disappointed. I enjoy fishing this rod a lot.

Ronnie

before you buy check out denali. they have a rosewood series shakey head rod that is just amazing i have used a crucial and a carrott sitx and the denali is way more senitive imo. the price is right in line with the crucial