St Croix Avid or Premier Rod?

[EricCO]

Besides price what is the difference?

I will be using it with fireline and plan on getting a medium-lite outfit. Thanks

[REW]

The blank material and actions.
Generally speaking -- the butt sections of the Avids are "beefier" and can set the hook better.

On average, the tips of the avids also are faster -- thus more visual with respect to seeing fish bits.

In a factory rod -- the guids on the Avid are all silicon carbide -- much lighter and more durable than the hardalloy. However, if you use a scale and a wear scale -- the average fisherman really won't notice the difference in guides.

The reel seats of the Avids use a different - separated - fugi reel seat -- surronded on both sides by cork. A bit lighter, and somewhat more sensitive than the full fugi reel seat that is on the premiers.

Depending on the model and for the style fishing you do -- some of the premier models are better suited and some models of the avid are better suited.

The SCIII graphite of the Avids is a bit lighter and stronger than the SCII graphite of the Premiers.

Bottom line -- both lines of these St. Croix rods fish very well. It is just that for some applications, it would be better to choose one model over the other. Test, try, choose, and buy the rod of your choice.

good fishing.

Take care

REW

[REW]

Because both modes of the Premier and the Avid are both bery sensitive in the medium light action -- I strongly that you get a reel with two spools. Spool one with 4 or 6 lb test fire line and spool the other spool with a high quaility "visable" like a photochromic mono.
My guess is that after using both lines on either models of this rod -- that the super sensitivity of these rods will cause you to lose lots of fish with the fireline -- too quick hook sets.

Most of the folks that I fish with, that use these rods, very very very much prefer using mono for most, but all the very deepest vertical jigging. Many more fish are caught using the mono.

It is not that you can't feel with the fireline -- just the opposite -- it is just that with the super sensitivity of these rods -- the hook or jig is pulled out of the fishes mouth (on average) with the fireline.

Test both ways yourself before deciding. Only you, with your own experience, and reactions, cand decide what is best for you. But test yourself before you come to a conclusion.

Catch a bunch.

REW

[Den]

REW, that was very good advice, in both parts. i will second both postings too. good luck and good fishin.
Den

[Gunga Din]

On my Loomis spinning rig, I have two spools for my Stradic reel--one with 2/6 green Fireline and the other with mono. I find I use and prefer the Fireline spool. I love the sensitivity, long casts with light jigs, and ability to pull out snags. I haven't found that I rip the fishes lips off either, but I'm a pretty slow hook setter.

Of all the money I spend on fishing, boats, motors, etc, my investment in a high quality spinning rod/reel has been probably the most rewarding and had the highest impact on my fishing success and enjoyment.

[eyewinder]

I broke the tip section on two different occasions on my Premier 6-6 medium lite. Called St. Croix, and they suggested I send them the rod and $50 and they would send me an Avid. Haven't used it enough to form a firm opinion, but do believe that it may be a bit tougher (I haven't broken it yet--am using it to jig AND rig). I don't believe that I abuse rods, but they are tools, and I don't baby them either. Good luck!
eyewinder