In the last 20yrs, I’ve personally used/tested over 150 different fishing rods. Makes, models, and all the other variances. I’ve come to discover that choosing a rod can truly be a head scratcher when you really don’t have the chance to go head to head with all that’s really out there. So here’s my take.
HMG’s are without a doubt a nice rod. Fenwick’s are a solid brand. I still miss the old Techna AV line. But the real question is, what do you want to get out of it?
If you choose a St. Croix that’s about par with your HMG, are you really going to gain much in your experience? In all honesty, if you’re looking to up your experience, always upgrade. Take the step up. The presentations you mention do involve sensitivity so why take just a step? Look at what you can afford and go up 2, 3, 4 more levels. Make the most of your experience. That experience will then equate your happy satisfaction.
I still have a Techna AV. I still have Loomis products, GL3 to GLX. I use more St. Croixs overall, from Premier to Legend Xtreme. In the different ways they’re made, I have actions I prefer for each of them. 95% of the time though, I’m reaching for the BEST I’ve got. Why? Because it gives the best experience! It’s really hard to go backwards sometimes and finesse presentations are where the differences really show up.
Don’t go to the store and think you can determine the true differences with a throat test, a quick tip rub, or bending the blank. Construction information will give you most of what you need to know but look at comfort, balance, weight, and construction somewhere that you can compare the various brands and models. Learn while you shop. Take a 3′ piece of line, a cross lock snap, and a light sinker. Attach that to the tip and experiment a little. Yeah, you’ll drive the store personnel nuts but you want to simulate all that you can. Go with what you determine is the best fit, feel, action, construction within your price range. Keep in mind, deals can be found online so it’s still okay to check out items you don’t intend to purchase. Again, learn while you shop.
At the end of the day, there is never going to be a decision that will be agreed upon by everyone. But be honest with yourself. When someone says “this” is good enough or just as good as “that”, what does that really tell you? Think of it in terms of electronics, boats, tackle, etc.,… It all comes down to the experience or level you wish to achieve. Very seldom does “trying” a parallel comparison leave you feeling impressed. It may be slightly different pro or con, but you’re cheating yourself.
You decide which way you want to go but in a Fenwick, try the Elite Tech. In a St. Croix, try a Rage or higher. In a Loomis, try an IMX or higher. You can find “happy” with any of these.