St Croix Avid model

I’m looking for a little feedback on the St Croix Avid 6’8″ MXF spinning rod. I have a 6’6″ Avid medium which I like a lot for throwing plastics to wing dams and shorelines etc., but I’d like another similar rod to have an alternative jig ready to go. Ringworm on one rod and say maybe a grub on another, etc.

Is there a noticable difference between the 6″6″ medium and the 6’8″ medium extra fast? Does one lend itself better to one type of jig versus the other? James?

The 6’8″ XFast is a lot more “stick” than the 66MF. The tip section is very sensitive but it tapers very fast to a heavier butt section. It is my fall choice when I am pitchin bigger stuff on the wingies or I need more “control” power.
It is my favorite rod for working SuperFlukes and Tubes for big SmallMouth Bass.
The 6’9″ XFast would be a closer match for your 6’6″ MF and is a wonderful rod, same sensitive tip as the 6’6″ with a faster action, more sweep and leverage. It is probably my favorite all round rod for walleye.

The 6′ 8″ model is a completely different beast when compared to the 6′ 6″. As Tom stated, it’s “more rod” in that it can handle larger baits or heavier weights. That said, I feel this rod balances with a 2500 sedona better than the shorter rod and for that reason this rod seems lighter and “quicker” than the shorter rod.

I use it for dragging jigs, pitching plastics and even throw some cranks with it. It’s a very good rod that is my favorite out of all the rods I have in the boat.

I have one I use for swimming grubs for smallmouth and it’s my favorite rod. I would recommend it to anyone.

Thanks guys!! I’m on my way out the door to get one. I’ve found that a little extra power is a good thing for getting solid hooksets with a lot of line out and/or in the heavy current of the Mississippi..

I just broke my last Cabelas HML rod. I bought a couple three years ago and they tend to snap on me. No more. My lone Avid has shown me that it’s a tough rod.

I have broke (2) 6’3″ MXF Avid’s in the middle of the blank, not the tip, with little pressure either time.
Just sent one in last week for replacement.
I love the rods but am getting a little leary. Maybe just a coincedence? I have many rods, mostly St. Croix, but only one Avid series.

I also broke my 6’3″, but I was trying to pry the gunnel tie-down off my boat with it. Can’t blame the rod!!!

Darn, no 6″8″ MXF in the LaCrosse area. I tried Gander Mtn, Ace Hardware, and Bob’s Bait and Tackle. Any ideas where I can find one in the Trempealeau/LaCrosse/Winona area?

D&J Riversports is a St. Croix Dealer……might try contacting them…See if they can help?

Gander LaX should be willing to order you in any rod you want. They’ve done this for me and others I know in the past. I would call them, ask for Dale Radcliffe, and have him do a inventory check on all their stores to see if that rod is in inventory with one of their locations. If they find one in inventory they usually will pull it into your local store without a charge to you.

Croix does not sell rods on-line through their site so that option just doesn’t exist.

About rod breakage on the 6′ 3″ rods… I’ve got 4 of them that I’ve had for 4 years. Never had one break when it wasn’t clear and obvious abuse by the customer. Even after all the use they’ve had in my boat I’ve only had 1 major break (right in the middle) and lost one tip.

Do you store that rod in a locker? Check to see if there’s not some brace or bracket rubbing up against your rods weakening them in a specific spot. Even small scratches in a graphite rod can result in a catastrophic break if they’re in the right (or wrong as it might be in this case) place.

Just a suggestion for something to look into. It’s definitely a long shot.

Thanks James. Although I don’t use rod holders I suspect both rods got dinged somehow. They seem more brittle than other models but I’m sure that accounts for the amazing sensitivity. I will still keep buying them. I’m convinced it’s just dumb luck. Unless the Legend Elites come down about $150 I have no choice!!! Right now $100 bucks is about my limit and you get alot of rod from St. Croix for that. I must admit I recently bought another HMG and those are not bad.

Slop Bass, I’ll give D&J River Sports a call in the morning.
Thanks! If they don’t have onee in stock I’ll either order one from them or I’ll try James’s idea of having Gander Mtn. locate one in their stores.

Thanks for all the help!

I was in the zone last week in Canada sticking some real nice eyes on Superdos in big current. Now I’m primed to get on the river and do some jigging (or whatever it takes).