St.Croix Avid rod vs Legend Elite Rod

[J.J.J]

Is The Legend Elite Rod that much better than the Avid Rod ? Is it worth the money?

[CLRanger]

I have identical 6'6 Avid spinning rods and a 6'6 Legend casting rod. Of course I use them for different purposes but I know that the Legend is an extraordinary rod. Whether the jump from the Avid to the Legend is worth the extra dollars, I can't really tell you, but I can tell you this little example:
Last year my partner and I were prefishing for a tournament on Saginaw Bay. We were fishing with weight forward spinners in the weeds and he was using a 6'6 St. Croix premier and I was using my Avid. I was feeling and catching walleyes at a 5 to 1 ratio to my partner. He asked to try my rod and he could not believe the difference it made. Now the question is---Is there as much difference between the Avid and the Legend? There just might be.

[steve(IL)]

I am of the opinion that how you are going to use the rod has more to do with which rod is the best value. Concentrate your money where it will do the most good so to speak. What do you want the rod to be able to do? The right flex and sensitivity will have much more to do with how the rod performs than brand name/model or dollars paid.

[ski]

On another note... Reeds in Walker has Avid rods on sale for half price. My buddy and I picked up 7 rods between us 5'9", 6'3", 7'. They had them last week but after the opener I don't know if there are any left. They had them on sale at the outlet store not the main store and the salesperson said the reason for the price is that some of the avid models were being discontinued. What a deal - a $160 rod for $80.

[waterfowler]

I've fished with the avids and really like them, but I want the legend soooo bad. It just feels great!!! My bookkeepr is having issues with price though. I guess I could get two great rods for the price of one phenominal rod. If you can afford the legend then that would be my choice. If you need a couple good rods then go with the avids.

[Nick(IA)]

What a dilema!! Both series are great rods but a couple of differences you will notice immediately: The LE spinning series gives you the option of the twistgrip handles and the casting series has an ergonomic handle. The strength/weight ration is noticably different in the rods due to construction differences and the graphite compounds. You will also get a better/more line guides on the LE series. I own a couple of the LEs and they are great rods(I highly recommend the 6'3" medium power, extra fast action-great jigging rod). However, if you don't fish alot and you are watching your budget then the Avids are the choice. I use Avids as my primary rod and they have never disappointed. Like most decisions about gear, this is a personal choice. You won't be disappointed with either series. P.S. if Reed's has a 1/2 price sale on Avids-buy em! Good Luck and Enjoy!

[FJH1]

I agree with Nick(IA). Good comments. I own both the Avids and the Legend Elites. In the Legend Elites I have some of the ES63MXFTG and love them. These have the "old style" Legend twist handle, glad the re-introduced it. I use these rods a ton. Great backbone and sensitivity. In the Avid spinning I'm using some of the AS59MXF for vertical jigging rivers in windy conditions. I have no complaints. I'm also using some of the AS60MF for 3-way rigging with light rigs. These have a little lighter tip than my Legend Elites and are good if the fish are tentative on biting. Once you get up to this level of rod they are both awesome. Enjoy.

Best Regards,

FJH