GL3, Avid, or Fiber Pro feedback.

[EricCO]

For those of you who have had to make this decision before, which rod did you choose?

All are mid level rods for aroun $150 give or take a few dollars.

Guides, cork, finish, weight, durability. All those things matter.

So, which one should I go for?

P.S. I will be using fireling or powerpro and will need a 6' medium model. Vertical jigging will be the main purpose of this rod.

Thanks

[REW]

Having used all three -- it is awfully tough to beat the 6'3" medium extra fast Avid. This rod seems to really be a very fine multispecies rod that works extremely well for jigging, but it rigs well and it also catches lots of bass and northern.

All of the rods will catch fish, but you will be hard pressed to find a better one of the three than the Avid.

Take care

REW

[EricCO]

REW,

Thanks for you input. Couple more questions for you though.

Why extra fast and not just fast?

Why 6'3" and not the 5'9" version?

As always, your input makes everything clearer.

Thanks

[River_eye]

I made that decision last winter and I went with the Avid that REW mentioned. The best thing about the rod is the ex-fast tip. It has a lot of back bone, but a soft tip so it's better for finnese (sp?). I use it almost entirely for jigging, but it's nice to fish for smallies with as well.

River eye

[delque]

have several GL3 in 6-6'6" models---have gone entirely to the IMX series-cost is not much different, but sensitivity much better. Winter bite on the Miss. is tender, i have gone to a 720, and dont miss near as many as with a 721. I would have liked to have had a 5'10 instead of a 6 footer, but none were avialable---if vertical jigging is whats gettin it, then why have it out any further than 5'10, i mean you are concentrating right down there on the bottom staight down, so why be out there? i guess the reason there is so many models is because each has its max effectiveness in certian circumstance.
good luck

[Great Plains]

I have also used the GL3 and the Avid.My 6'6" GL3 has become my favorite rigging rod. I fish the Miss. all winter, and the only two rods I pick up to jig with are both 5' 10" medium, extra fast Avids. They are not as sensitive as my Techna, but the soft tips on the Avids are more forgiving and I get alot more hook sets with them. I use a 6' IMX (MH, Fast), to pitch small jigs in reeds and weed. Seems to pull out of trouble better than the Avids. Like delgue says, each has its place. Can't beat the Avids for jigging. Keep it vertical.

[Weyes1]

Neal,
For one, The St. Croix warranttee and reputation. Not to slam G Loomis, but St. Croix from what I have heard have usually taken very good care of their customers. G Loomis now charges for replacement even on Lifetime warranttees. (I think it's $45.00)
Buy the Avid, I don't think you will be disappointed one bit.
I think REW also gave you good advice but you can also go with the 6' med too.
The actions are really crisp so don't let the action rating fool you.
Just my thoughts.
Weyes1
Kevin Clark

[Lundluvr]

I would recommend the Avid. I have several of them for just about every technique. I use the 6ft med for some of my jigging ( with fireline). It's very nice. My partner uses the 5'9" and I have to admit I like it better than mine. Also St. Croix will replace any broken rod regardless of fault for free. I know because I grabbed too close to the tip to get off a snag and broke one. I called told them it was my fault and they replaced it anyway. The others may do this also, but I can only speak for the St.Croix.

[skr]

For whats it worth, Loomis will replace a rod that is broken while fishing for free. If you step on it or the dog chews on it, then the $45 "exchange or replacement" policy kicks in.I have replaced more than I care to remenber! I also have broken a St. Croix that they have replaced with no questions ask.(The rod was 3 years old!) So either manufacture takes care of their customers.Now all you have to do is decide which one! skr