Avid X vs ALX Zolo Deputy (or others?) 2024

HazeRVA reply :

Ok, I am just about ready to get my new jig/t-rig rod. Have it narrowed down to either the St. Croix Avid X 7' MHF or the ALX Zolo Deputy. I have not been able to hold the Zolo (hoping to at the Richmond Fishing Expo Jan. 18-20). I use straight braid so the micro guides shouldn't be an issue. May try FC, but haven't decided. Will be paired with a Tatula SV.

I'm sure there will be a lot of "You can't go wrong with either" posts, but just wanted to hear peoples thoughts. This will be my most expensive combo by far, so want to get as much info as possible.

Thanks!

MPM IV reply :

I have an ALX Zolo and would absolutely buy another. I have only held an Avid in the store, never fished with one, so I really can't compare.

JFlynn97 reply :

On 12/28/2018 at 2:45 AM, MPM IV said:

I have an ALX Zolo and would absolutely buy another. I have only held an Avid in the store, never fished with one, so I really can't compare.

Agreed, I have a Zolo I use for jigs and t-rigs just like you want to use it for and I absolutely love it. I've said it on this forum before, but ALX is on another level as far as product quality and customer service. I talked to their customer service to get a recommendation on what model rod I should get for what applications I want to use it for, and after purchasing the rod I received a hand-written letter thanking me for the purchase and hoping it's been working well. If you go ALX, you won't be disappointed.

RyneB reply :

The deputy is a great rod, but it may be a bit underpowered for heavier jigs. I have used mine for jigs, but if I'm flipping a jig in heavy wood or thicker vegetation, I usually rig the jig on a Toadface or Dragger or Ikos hammer. My favorite jig rod is actually a ALX Ikos Hammer 7-3. I insist there is no better rod for the price point of the IKOS. As far as the Deputy goes, I love it for T rigs and light T rigged tubes and even small finesse jigs. You will love the Deputy. Or any other ALX rod for that matter.

HazeRVA reply :

Thanks guys! I mainly stick to 3/8 jigs. And want to stay as close to 7' as possible. Have to fit these in my car and anything longer becomes an issue.

Looking forward to hearing more!

GReb reply :

The neat thing about ALX is you can call and Alex will be the one answering the phone and will spend how ever long he needs to answer your questions. You don’t get that everywhere.

FryDog62 reply :

Well, if this tells you anything... This past year I sold an AvidX and bought a Zolo. Better balance, lighter. Excellent rod, I’ll be buying another Zolo in the spring..

jbrew73 reply :

I think you can do better than alx. I was not impressed with the 2 I had. They were heavy and lacked sensitivity to me.

new2BC4bass reply :

On 12/28/2018 at 7:57 AM, jbrew73 said:

I think you can do better than alx. I was not impressed with the 2 I had. They were heavy and lacked sensitivity to me.

This is opposite of what I have read. I don't consider these rod weights heavy. More like average to slightly below average.

http://www.bluewatergear.co.za/bass-fishing-rods/13-alx-zolo-casting-rods.html

Lot of the reviews (opinions) I have read think ALX rods are more sensitive than their price point. What rods are you comparing them to?

jbrew73 reply :

On 12/28/2018 at 8:24 AM, new2BC4bass said:

This is opposite of what I have read. I don't consider these rod weights heavy. More like average to slightly below average.

http://www.bluewatergear.co.za/bass-fishing-rods/13-alx-zolo-casting-rods.html

Lot of the reviews (opinions) I have read think ALX rods are more sensitive than their price point. What rods are you comparing them to?

Falcon cara. I read a lot of positive reviews on them as well but they just didn’t work out for me.

FryDog62 reply :

On 12/28/2018 at 7:57 AM, jbrew73 said:

I think you can do better than alx. I was not impressed with the 2 I had. They were heavy and lacked sensitivity to me.

Then you would really dislike the St. Croix..

new2BC4bass reply :

On 12/28/2018 at 10:01 AM, jbrew73 said:

Falcon cara. I read a lot of positive reviews on them as well but they just didn’t work out for me.

Thanks. I only have one Cara. It was a replacement for an original Expert that was broken...my fault. I do like my Experts a lot (originals).

OP: I don't have any experience with any of the Avid lines. Read good things about them, tho. I have a Deputy I bought last winter on sale. I can't comment on how sensitive it might be. Due to work I barely got out last year to fish. Had the Deputy out twice, with new-2-me reels to try. No tests done on sensitivity. Seems like a very nice rod so far.

HazeRVA reply :

Any thoughts on the Daiwa Tatula Elite AGS 7' M-MH/XF Ehrler?

Joshua van Wyk reply :

On 12/29/2018 at 8:51 AM, HazeRVA said:

Any thoughts on the Daiwa Tatula Elite AGS 7' M-MH/XF Ehrler?

I dont think you can go wrong with any of these rods! I haven't had the chance to fish any of these, but if I had to choose I'd go Alx first, Daiwa second, and Avid last.

Stephen B reply :

On 12/29/2018 at 9:25 AM, Joshua van Wyk said:

I dont think you can go wrong with any of these rods! I haven't had the chance to fish any of these, but if I had to choose I'd go Alx first, Daiwa second, and Avid last.

This goes to show that all people have different experiences as I don't care for ALX rods at all. Every thing is not always meant to be for everyone. I recommend getting them in your hand before making a decision. I personally would look at the Megabass Levante being released in a month, the Shimano Zodias, Dobyns Champion, Daiwa Tatula Elite, and even looking at the Expride and Orochi XX.

Matt_3479 reply :

I don’t know anything about the Alx rods but I do fish with 2 avid-x. One is mine a 7’ medium spinning and the other is the exact one your looking at. My dad owns the 7’ medium-heavy fast casting rod paired with tatula sv and lord does he love it. That rod bombs any bait he puts on it, light and sensitive yet loads of power to horse a fish out of the depths and slop! He loves it and the few times I fished it I was very impressed. I love my avidx spinning rod

HazeRVA reply :

Ok. I can get a Loomis E6X 7'1" MHXF for $99. While that's a great deal, would it be a good choice? Only rated to 5/8 oz so wouldn't think so even though it's a JWR. Haven't really looked into these rods.

Matt_3479 reply :

On 12/30/2018 at 4:47 AM, HazeRVA said:

Ok. I can get a Loomis E6X 7'1" MHXF for $99. While that's a great deal, would it be a good choice? Only rated to 5/8 oz so wouldn't think so even though it's a JWR. Haven't really looked into these rods.

For 99 dollars that’s sounds like a good price. I only throw jigs from 1/2oz and less so that wouldn’t bother me so much plus seems like most of the loomis Rods I own can throw a little more then rated for!

HazeRVA reply :

Welp, E6X are all gone now. Figured they would be. Need to learn patience. Got money burning a hole in my pocket haha. Need to hold out at least a few weeks to be able to hold an ALX.

In other news, I ordered the Tat SV last night!

HazeRVA reply :

How do the Dobyns Sierras compare to the Avid X and Zolo? 703 or 704? Still on sale and seem to be a ton of rod for that price.

Which rod from the Levante lineup should I be looking at? These have piqued my interest.

Budget is right around 200, was only looking at the Daiwa Tatula Elite AGS since it was used for around that.

Tat SV will be here today!

FryDog62 reply :

On 1/4/2019 at 10:00 PM, HazeRVA said:

How do the Dobyns Sierras compare to the Avid X and Zolo? 703 or 704? Still on sale and seem to be a ton of rod for that price.

Which rod from the Levante lineup should I be looking at? These have piqued my interest.

Budget is right around 200, was only looking at the Daiwa Tatula Elite AGS since it was used for around that.

Tat SV will be here today!

Dobyns makes a good, well-balanced rod (far superior to the AvidX IMO) but I would not rate it as particularly sensitive. I think you would find the ALX Zolo or Kistler Helium3 to be much “crisper” and almost on par with my Orochi Braillist. Or, if out of your price range, take a look at the new Tatula rods at approx $150... I would rate their balance similar to the Dobyns but better in terms of overall sensitivity.

HazeRVA reply :

Thanks @FryDog62! Think it is still between the Avid X and ALX Zolo, those are the only ones I have a real chance to handle before buying. 2 more weeks and I will see ALX in person, have already reached out about pricing on possibly getting the Deputy done up with gold accents instead of the normal blue to match the Tatula haha.

GReb reply :

Everyone has a personal preference. I own ALX, St Croix, and Dobyns among others. Personally I don’t care for either of the 3 as a t-rig or jig rod. St croix and ALX are tip heavy. Dobyns is balanced amazingly and is super comfortable but lacks the sensitivity I look for. The higher end Falcons and Kistlers check the box for me

Joshua van Wyk reply :

On 1/5/2019 at 1:30 AM, HazeRVA said:

Thanks @FryDog62! Think it is still between the Avid X and ALX Zolo, those are the only ones I have a real chance to handle before buying. 2 more weeks and I will see ALX in person, have already reached out about pricing on possibly getting the Deputy done up with gold accents instead of the normal blue to match the Tatula haha.

Post a pic if you get that one, sounds beautiful!

HazeRVA reply :

Well, I think I am going to pass on the Sierra sale. Even at that price I'm not comfortable buying a rod sight unseen. Wish I had somewhere local to be able to check it out. I'm sure with what I will be comparing this next rod to (currently using an $80 Abu Vendetta for frogs/jigs) any of these rods will be worlds better, but I'm just not comfortable spending that kind of money on something I haven't be able to feel.

Did go to BPS yesterday and put the Tat SV on the Avid X, felt great in hand, but did notice that the balance point was pretty much at the hook keeper. I'm still so new to this that I probably won't notice this is actual use, but something to think about. Anxious to check out the Zolos in a couple weeks, which just so happens to be my birthday weekend!

new2BC4bass reply :

On 1/7/2019 at 11:10 PM, HazeRVA said:

Well, I think I am going to pass on the Sierra sale. Even at that price I'm not comfortable buying a rod sight unseen. Wish I had somewhere local to be able to check it out. I'm sure with what I will be comparing this next rod to (currently using an $80 Abu Vendetta for frogs/jigs) any of these rods will be worlds better, but I'm just not comfortable spending that kind of money on something I haven't be able to feel.

Did go to BPS yesterday and put the Tat SV on the Avid X, felt great in hand, but did notice that the balance point was pretty much at the hook keeper. I'm still so new to this that I probably won't notice this is actual use, but something to think about. Anxious to check out the Zolos in a couple weeks, which just so happens to be my birthday weekend!

I wish I had your attitude. I'd only have 3 or 4 rods instead of way too many. :sad78:

HazeRVA reply :

Haha @new2BC4bass this will be my 4th combo since June. But, have to be selective and not just jump at every good deal as I live in a smaller townhouse without much storage, only so many places to try to tuck rods away!

fishwizzard reply :

On 1/8/2019 at 1:56 AM, HazeRVA said:

only so many places to try to tuck rods away!

My “home office” door now does not open all the way due to having a rod rack stuck between it and the wall. I needed the space and having to squeeze through the door will be a good incentive to lose a little weight.

HazeRVA reply :

Just an update.....Met Alex from ALX at the Richmond Fishing Expo on Saturday. Spoke with him for at least 20 minutes. As soon as I introduced myself he knew exactly who I was and our email conversation. He seemed as excited as I was and had some great ideas. I think we are going with the Deputy, but with matte gunmetal accents (where it is normally blue) and gold thread wrap, possibly straight cork instead their split cork/EVA, and a cork foregrip. He's going to get some mockups done and I'll be back to share pics! Very excited!

LionHeart reply :

On 1/5/2019 at 1:30 AM, HazeRVA said:

Thanks @FryDog62! Think it is still between the Avid X and ALX Zolo, those are the only ones I have a real chance to handle before buying. 2 more weeks and I will see ALX in person, have already reached out about pricing on possibly getting the Deputy done up with gold accents instead of the normal blue to match the Tatula haha.

I had ALX replace the silver on my Zolo Dragger with metallic gold. It looks fantastic with the original blue accent pieces.

Joshua van Wyk reply :

On 1/22/2019 at 1:18 AM, LionHeart said:

I had ALX replace the silver on my Zolo Dragger with metallic gold. It looks fantastic with the original blue accent pieces.

Can you upload a pic?

HazeRVA reply :

On 1/22/2019 at 1:32 AM, Joshua van Wyk said:

Can you upload a pic?

LionHeart reply :

Alex said he could change the decal colors as well but I honestly liked the blue. Also had them add a smidge of length to the handle.

HazeRVA reply :

Thanks! That is a good looking rod. Yeah, for mine we are going a matte ghost logo. Trying to match the gold on the Tat SV, which is more orange.

LionHeart reply :

The toughest part is determining what the thread color will look like by looking at it online. It will always look a little different in real life.

I agonized over it way more than I should have.

HazeRVA reply :

That's definitely me right now!

LionHeart reply :

On 1/22/2019 at 3:24 AM, HazeRVA said:

That's definitely me right now!

Did you wind up getting the Deputy? I'm seriously thinking about getting one a my plastics rod now. If so, what are your thoughts?

HazeRVA reply :

Still discussing with Alex. But definitely the route I'm going. Once the order is actually placed it will be about 3 weeks. Will post as soon as I have pics or other updates.

michaelsrex reply :

On 1/5/2019 at 12:19 AM, FryDog62 said:

Dobyns makes a good, well-balanced rod (far superior to the AvidX IMO) but I would not rate it as particularly sensitive. I think you would find the ALX Zolo or Kistler Helium3 to be much “crisper” and almost on par with my Orochi Braillist. Or, if out of your price range, take a look at the new Tatula rods at approx $150... I would rate their balance similar to the Dobyns but better in terms of overall sensitivity.

Are you saying the zolo and kistler are on pat with the braillist? Just wondering because I've had my eye on a braillist but if it's not all cracked up to be I can go another route. Was thinking bottom contact, dark sleepers and jigs

FryDog62 reply :

On 2/6/2019 at 10:32 AM, michaelsrex said:

Are you saying the zolo and kistler are on pat with the braillist? Just wondering because I've had my eye on a braillist but if it's not all cracked up to be I can go another route. Was thinking bottom contact, dark sleepers and jigs

Those 3 rods are very similar in terms of sensitivity. I use the Braillist for 1/2 and 3/4 oz Dark Sleepers and it’s great... can really feel the bottom extremely well. The Helium 3 and Zolo are excellent bottom contact rods too. The Braillist is a little longer, with a very sensitive XF tip and so slight edge there. If I needed to go up to a Heavy for 1 oz+ jigs Or heavier cover, I’d opt Kistler or Zolo.

HazeRVA reply :

Just to bring some closure to this thread. I wanted to get an ALX Zolo Deputy and customize it, mainly trying to recreate the cork split grip and foregrip from the Avid X and adding gold accents. Well no matter how much we pared it down, it was more than I was comfortable spending. Yesterday, I bought an Avid X and absolutely love it. Huge upgrade over my Abu Vendetta.

Thank you everyone for your input!

LionHeart reply :

Good looking rod dude. What $ was he asking? I don't think it would be considered confidential or uncouth to say, but if you don't feel comfortable posting, I totally get that too.

new2BC4bass reply :

Sooooooooooooo I don't know which Avid X you bought, but guessing it is one that sells for $230 at TW. The Deputy sells for $210 at TW so it would seem Alex is asking quite a bit for changing thread and logo colors.

HazeRVA reply :

Yes, I paid $230 for the Avid X at BPS (was $210 when I started looking a couple months ago, of course). Apparently ALX is raising custom prices, they have been short changing themselves as far as labor goes. First go'round was $300 shipped! Then we started paring it down and the issue became not really getting what I was after so the cost was even less warranted.

As an aside, the whole custom thing was a learning experience. The base price is the cost of the off the shelf rod ($220). Maybe I'm just being naive but that doesn't make any sense to me, none of the stock parts are being used so why am I paying for them? Why am I not paying for the blank plus custom parts?

Sucked sending Alex that email cuz I really do genuinely feel bad and like I wasted his time. He has been great through the whole thing. Very patient with me and all my questions and has offered great ideas. But I can't justify spending that kind of money and not knowing for sure it's what I really want. Even the Avid X is more than double the cost of my next most expensive rod.

RyneB reply :

Did you and Alex talk about customizing an Ikos? it would have saved you money and it is a great rod for the price.

HazeRVA reply :

No, there was no mention of going with an Ikos rod.

Man, Alex really is a good dude. I emailed last night telling him about going in a different direction and have been anxiously awaiting his response.

"No harm or foul. Honestly I was really concerned about it myself. You keep going back to the more involved plan, so I know that's what you really want. On our end the biggest issue is the amount of labor involved in making these parts fit."

So even after going completely stock but with the plain cork grips and a foregrip the price didn't really change. All of the cost was in creating the foregrip. I was trying to create a hybrid Avid X/Deputy. Wanted what I have read is more sensitivity in the Deputy but the handle/foregrip from the Avid X. In the end it just wasn't coming together. Added to the cost was the time involved. Even if I ordered today it would be a few weeks before I had it and I just didn't want to drag it out anymore (considering I first contacted ALX January 2nd).

I will definitely be ordering an ALX rod in the future, though.

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Avid X vs ALX Zolo Deputy (or others?) 2024

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