anyone have reviews of the River Runner or, even better, the Smallmouth series of Fenwick's Elite Tech rods? I am esp. eyeing the smallmouth rod in 6'9" Medium Light. How's it compare to, say, an avid in sensitivity and weight? And are those grips as cool and comfy as they look?

anyone have reviews of the River Runner or, even better, the Smallmouth series of Fenwick's Elite Tech rods? I am esp. eyeing the smallmouth rod in 6'9" Medium Light. How's it compare to, say, an avid in sensitivity and weight? And are those grips as cool and comfy as they look?

x2, I would love to hear from people who have been able to fish one. I personally have been eyeing the 6'9" M for a dedicated power drop shotting/shakey head setup.

anyone have reviews of the River Runner or, even better, the Smallmouth series of Fenwick's Elite Tech rods? I am esp. eyeing the smallmouth rod in 6'9" Medium Light. How's it compare to, say, an avid in sensitivity and weight? And are those grips as cool and comfy as they look?

I have the exact rod you're mentioning, and also an Avid for comparison purposes.

I broke my 6'6" med/fast Techna AV spinning rod this summer. I bought a 6'8"M/XF Avid spinning rod to replace it because I didn't feel like waiting to ship a rod back and waiting for a replacement. I eventually called Fenwick and the rep I spoke with on the phone told me the Techna AV series was discontinued but told me about the new smallmouth series coming out this fall. Based on what she told me, I requested the 6'9" medium light spinning rod. I sent the broken Techna AV back and they sent me my new rod.

To answer your question, I like my new Fenwick just as much, if not more, than my Avid. It seems a bit lighter and at least as sensitive. I have a 2500 size Shimano reel with Power Pro braid on both set ups. It's the first split grip rod I have had, but I've gotten used to it pretty quickly.

As far as that "hidden handle" design is concerned, it's REAL cool to hold in person.

I did catch a largemouth just shy of 5lbs on a baby brush hog using this rod a couple weeks ago, and it had no problems handling the fish.

If I had to choose between this rod or the Avid, I'd probably go with the new Fenwick, especially given the retail price is something like $50 less than the Avid. The Fenwick also comes with a lifetime warranty, just like the Avid. Obviously the decision is yours. You can get an Avid and feel comfortable with your purchase, but if you go with the Fenwick rod, you shouldn't have any second thoughts about saving a couple bucks. I have both rods, and it's at least as good as the Avid as far as I'm concerned.

I don't have any rods from the River Runner series, but I will whenever my Triumph 6' light action breaks.

JMHO, hope this helps.

That review helps ALOT, so thank you. May I ask what lures you generally throw with this rod? Obviously I'm looking to toss a bunch of exposed hook presentations (3" and 4" wacky senkos, grubs etc) but also wondering if it has the backbone to set the hook on a slim shaky head worm with the hook point buried or just slightly exposed. Probably not as issue, as I've gotten good at doing this even with true light action rods. Also, I'd assume it casts 1/16 oz plastics fairly well?

I've really only used it a couple of times, but I've fished it with grubs on a jig head, tubes, a 4" senko, and a baby brush hog on a t-rig with a small weight probably 1/8 or less. I've also used it a bit for throwing a floating Rapala and a small inline spinner. I don't think there would be any problems setting the hook on any shaky head with the hook buried.

I really like the rod and I don't you can go wrong with it. Like I said earlier, you shouldn't feel like you're "going cheap" by getting this as opposed to the Avid. It's at least as good as far as I'm concerned. I just peeked around online and you should be able to get it shipped to you for $125 shipped.

If you decide to go the St. Croix direction, you're also getting a good rod. Good luck with whatever you decide.

That review helps ALOT, so thank you. May I ask what lures you generally throw with this rod? Obviously I'm looking to toss a bunch of exposed hook presentations (3" and 4" wacky senkos, grubs etc) but also wondering if it has the backbone to set the hook on a slim shaky head worm with the hook point buried or just slightly exposed. Probably not as issue, as I've gotten good at doing this even with true light action rods. Also, I'd assume it casts 1/16 oz plastics fairly well?

I decided to pull the trigger on getting one of these rods. I ordered the 6'9" MXF spinning. I'll let you know what I think about it after it arrives and I try it out.

I'll be looking for your review!