Fenwick vs. St croix

  • matthewkolden
    Posts: 348
    #1631597

    I bought a Fenwick HMG medium fast 7 ft rod earlier this year and fell in love with it. That said, I’m in the market for another nice rod now and am considering trying a st. Croix. On one hand I know I love the Fenwick. On the other hand, I hear such good things about st. Croix. What would be comparable to the HMG, and is there anything specific you like better about one vs. The other? This rod will be primarily used for pulling Lindy and spinner rigs.

    mojogunter
    Posts: 3301
    #1631598

    The equivalent would most likely be the premier series. I ran those years ago with a live bait rigs and they were fine. I still have one for a panfish rod and I like it for that.

    joe moenck
    Posts: 52
    #1631600

    I would t get caught up in brands until you determine what your primary usage will be (rigging, jigging, cranking, pitching, mono, braid).

    I run about 10 different rod manufacturers product and depending on what presentation I go with typically determines my weapon of choice. But day in and day out I have a hard time setting down my St. Croix Avids for all purpose rods.

    Tim J
    Duluth, MN
    Posts: 539
    #1631601

    I too love the HMGs. I own about 6 in different lengths and actions. The 69MLF is a great rigging rod. I don’t think there is a better rod at the $100 mark. I also have a couple elite techs that are great, again at not too big of a price tag. I only buy rods when they go on sale so I too have many different brands (st. croix, shimano, cabelas) and I think I like my fenwicks the best. I’m also a fan of the full cork handles rather that the split grip which both the HMG and elite techs have.

    matthewkolden
    Posts: 348
    #1631614

    I too love the HMGs. I own about 6 in different lengths and actions. The 69MLF is a great rigging rod. I don’t think there is a better rod at the $100 mark. I also have a couple elite techs that are great, again at not too big of a price tag. I only buy rods when they go on sale so I too have many different brands (st. croix, shimano, cabelas) and I think I like my fenwicks the best. I’m also a fan of the full cork handles rather that the split grip which both the HMG and elite techs have.

    The full cork handle is one of the things I really like about the HMG. Just very comfortable in my hand. And paired with a pflueger president, or an Abu Garcia cardinal (i own and love both) it’s so lightweight in my hand. I can run it all day without fatigue.

    Ryan Scholl
    Posts: 146
    #1631664

    For the money, Fenwick is tough to beat. You can get into a good warranty for a decent price. I don’t know about other people’s experience, but their customer service has been great for me in the past with warranty work. My dad broke the end off of his HMG when it got stuck in the rod locker. They just asked for a picture of the rod and receipt and shipped a new one!

    Reed’s runs some amazing combo deals on them if you watch. HMG + President for $110 for the last one I bought.

    Brady Valberg
    Posts: 326
    #1631676

    If u want a killer jig rod from boat or shore i suggest the gloomis jig and jig pitching rod mag light in the non glx version
    I to was a fenwick nut but its tough to beat that loomis
    200-240$ range

    Tuma
    Inactive
    Farmington, MN
    Posts: 1403
    #1631687

    For pulling lindy rigs and crankbaits I love my Okuma dead eye 8’-6” bottom bouncer (de-cbr-861m-t Bottom Bounce). It is a telescopic rod so it will fit into your rod locker. They are very sensitive and I can feel the blade spinning the whole time. You can find them around $100. I find that the St. Croix rods are hard to beat. If you find a St. Croix rod that you like but is not exactly what you want. Thorne Brothers can custom make you one off the same blank for not much more money. I have done this multiple times.
    I also agree, I will not buy a split grip rod. It has to have a full handle.

    stillakid2
    Roberts, WI
    Posts: 4603
    #1631793

    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.

    Charles
    Posts: 1944
    #1631940

    Does Fenwick have a Glass Crankbait rod? I am looking a St. Croix for I know they have one.

    lundojam
    Posts: 255
    #1631945

    I can tell you Fenwick has the best customer service of the brands I have dealt with, but I haven’t dealt with St. Croix.
    I bartered for a Fenwick Elite Tech and loved it. I broke it on a canoe trip. I called up Fenwick and they had me send in the rod (I made a paper envelope for it at the rep’s suggestion; he said it is already broke so whats the dif) cost 5 bucks to send it and they sent me a new one no questions asked. For free.

    Ny
    N Metro
    Posts: 172
    #1631986

    I am a fan of the Fenwick HMG. I have 1 in almost every size, my favorite being the 7’6″ ML spinning rod. They are light rods, and pretty sensitive. I am also a fan of the full cork handle. I have dealt with there customer service quite a bit the last couple years. Every time I have had an issue I send them the rod which costs about $20 dollars or so, then they end up sending me a new one a week or two later. One of the main reasons I started buying the HMG is because it comes with a lifetime warranty and is around the $100 price point.

    Mocha
    Park Rapids
    Posts: 1452
    #1631989

    I am a big Fenwick Elite Tech rods. For what you looking for the 7’+ in the Elite Tech Walleye rod. Very light, full cork, very sensitive. IMHO

    The warrantee is that if the retailer still has your model on the shelf they will replace over the counter.

    Gary Law
    Ohio
    Posts: 57
    #1632273

    I am partial to St. Croix Avid series of rods simply because they are American made with a lifetime warranty & have always taken care of me quickly.
    that being said.. I’m growing tired of replacing tips on nearly every X-Fast action Avid I own..
    I have been searching for a comparable replacement in Fenwick elite-tech Walleye series (around $150) or climb higher into G Loomis ($250)

    Mocha
    Park Rapids
    Posts: 1452
    #1632383

    I am partial to St. Croix Avid series of rods simply because they are American made with a lifetime warranty & have always taken care of me quickly.
    that being said.. I’m growing tired of replacing tips on nearly every X-Fast action Avid I own..
    I have been searching for a comparable replacement in Fenwick elite-tech <strong class=”idi-tag-strong”>Walleye series (around $150) or climb higher into G Loomis ($250)

    Gary, if you are searching for a great walleye jigging rod in the Elite-tech series I use the Elite-tech Bass spinning rod. MY favorite jigging over all the other rods I own including St. Croix, Shimano & Elite-tech walleye.

    FryDog62
    Posts: 3696
    #1633531

    Best rod I have ever had to this day IMHO is the discontinued Fenwick Smallmouth Elite Tech 6′-9″ MEDIUM EXTRA FAST spinning rod. Use it for wallies, smallies, etc… Light, sensitive and the absolute best handle/grip ever made. Bring it back Fenwick and I will order a dozen !!

    Mocha
    Park Rapids
    Posts: 1452
    #1633614

    Best rod I have ever had to this day IMHO is the discontinued Fenwick Smallmouth Elite Tech 6′-9″ MEDIUM EXTRA FAST spinning rod. Use it for wallies, smallies, etc… Light, sensitive and the absolute best handle/grip ever made. Bring it back Fenwick and I will order a dozen !!

    Great rod! I had one a broke it and replaced with a new bass Elite Tech. Not quite the same but close. IMHO

    FryDog62
    Posts: 3696
    #1634038

    Yes, I think Bass elite is only fast action… That drop off from the extra fast action of the smallmouth series is very noticeable IMO…

    nhamm
    Inactive
    Robbinsdale
    Posts: 7348
    #1634054

    IMO any rod over $200 you’re just paying for fashion. There is only so much sensitivity that can be transferred through line, so unless the line gets better, $500 rods are useless.

    Also have the Small mouth elite mlxf, easily favorite rod so far.

    munchy
    NULL
    Posts: 4931
    #1634071

    I’ll have to keep an eye out for that particular Smallmouth Elite rod. Sounds like a perfect dropshot rod! I just picked up a Shimano Compre Dropshot for cheap that is nowhere near where I’d like it to be.

    I’m a huge Fenwick fan with quite a few Techna AVs, a couple Elite Techs and a few Aetos that I really like.

    Seems like every time I find a rod I really like they discontinue it.

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