Hey gang,
I've become quite fond of my BPS Carbonlites
for weight and balance, wasn't extremely fond
of my 6'3" MXF Avid spinning rod for the same
things.
The Avid has been broken a few times (don't ask)
and I'm about ready to send it in for a replacement.
My question is, will I be happier if I "exchange" it for
the 6'3" MLXF model. I don't want the M again, was
too stiff for my liking.
I'll be putting one of my Stradic 1000 reels on it.
Also considering a 6' MLF as I like shorter rods in
general.
Only owned the one Avid, and one Premiere, both
M action. Won't go anything below Avid again most
likely.
Will I be happier with the ML?
Darren,
I think if you like lighter power rods, you will really like the 6'ml. I have ml and mlxf st croix's and for me the ml is more versatile.
I'm a big fan of St Croix rods but I'm not a fan of the extra fast versions. You might have liked the fast version better.
On 10/27/2015 at 6:24 AM, EvanT123 said:Darren,
I think if you like lighter power rods, you will really like the 6'ml. I have ml and mlxf st croix's and for me the ml is more versatile.
Do you mean the ML Fast is the more versatile of the ML models?
I was looking at the specs and the 6'3" is rated as low as 1/16 oz but the 6' is ⅛. Not that it is a huge deal...
If I could do it all over again, every spinning rod I own would be a variant of the MLXF st croix. The MXF is a good rod but the only time I use a spinning rod are times when the ML is ideal. Plus they are just so much more fun to fish with.
On 10/27/2015 at 7:39 AM, Darren. said:Do you mean the ML Fast is the more versatile of the ML models?
I was looking at the specs and the 6'3" is rated as low as 1/16 oz but the 6' is ⅛. Not that it is a huge deal...
Yes I think so, I throw everything on the mlf. Mlxf I use for mainly dropshot, grubs, poppers, and the occasional jerkbait. It's splitting hairs but I like the fast models better.
Darren if you like split grips take a look at the Avid X. Almost everyone who has compared the two like the X better as it is better balanced and seems more sensitive in hand. I think you will like the ml power better.
On 10/27/2015 at 8:29 AM, Dwight Hottle said:Darren if you like split grips take a look at the Avid X. Almost everyone who has compared the two like the X better as it is better balanced and seems more sensitive in hand. I think you will like the ml power better.
I do like the split grips, Dwight, but I was hoping to drop
under the 6'6" minimum that the X series has. Which is
why I was debating between the 6'3" and 6' models in
ML...
I just need to decide between the Fast and X Fast tips.
This rod will serve my general fishing style of soft plastics,
i.e., wacky, TX, mojo, Jika, jigs...
My Carbonlites are Fast tips, I believe, while my Compre's
are XF.
If it were me I would go with the mlf.
I'm a huge fan of the xf croixs, though I haven't tried a short mlxf so I couldnt comment how they feel. I do have two of the 6'10mlxf rods and they are great. The xtreme does so much work it basically is my main spinning rod. Although I wouldn't jig with a weedguard on it, I've done trig 5" senkos without a problem.
You need the shorter length for kayak?
On 10/27/2015 at 12:31 PM, tomustang said:I'm a huge fan of the xf croixs, though I haven't tried a short mlxf so I couldnt comment how they feel. I do have two of the 6'10mlxf rods and they are great. The xtreme does so much work it basically is my main spinning rod. Although I wouldn't jig with a weedguard on it, I've done trig 5" senkos without a problem.
You need the shorter length for kayak?
I do prefer shorter rods on my yak. I get into
a lot of areas that a longer rod would prevent
my casting. I only went 6'6" because BPS
didn't make my actions and lengths in the
Carbonlite series.
I'm leaning toward XF right now... Curious as
to why you wouldn't use a jig with a weedguard
on the XF.
I've done so with my Compres over the years
w/o problem. But then again, an XF Shimano
is probably softer than an XF Croix...
On 10/27/2015 at 8:43 PM, Darren. said:I'm leaning toward XF right now... Curious as
to why you wouldn't use a jig with a weedguard
on the XF.
I'm just assuming here, but I'd guess because it's a medium light power and he feels it wouldn't have the power to drive a hook home with the weedguard over it. If you fish them on a ML without a problem already, it wouldn't have any trouble, but I know a ML wouldn't be my first pick for that technique.
On 10/27/2015 at 9:02 PM, WIGuide said:I'm just assuming here, but I'd guess because it's a medium light power and he feels it wouldn't have the power to drive a hook home with the weedguard over it. If you fish them on a ML without a problem already, it wouldn't have any trouble, but I know a ML wouldn't be my first pick for that technique.
I suppose it will boil down to the type of jig, weight, etc.
But with regard to St. Croix MLF and MLFX, will they not
be more akin to a MF and MXF of say a Shimano rod, or
a Carbonlite?
That saying that Croix rods are stiffer than counterparts is
in the front of my mind, so I suppose I'm looking for that
info as compared to *other* rods I mention.
On 10/27/2015 at 8:43 PM, Darren. said:I do prefer shorter rods on my yak. I get into
a lot of areas that a longer rod would prevent
my casting. I only went 6'6" because BPS
didn't make my actions and lengths in the
Carbonlite series.
I'm leaning toward XF right now... Curious as
to why you wouldn't use a jig with a weedguard
on the XF.
I've done so with my Compres over the years
w/o problem. But then again, an XF Shimano
is probably softer than an XF Croix...
It's mainly because I have 5 rods slated for jig use, 2 of them being dedicated which have 12lb+ fluro on them. I jig with weedguards into cover/structure, just something I don't use a mlxf with 6lb line into.
If I had to I'd try braid with a 10-12lb leader.
On 10/27/2015 at 11:30 PM, Darren. said:I suppose it will boil down to the type of jig, weight, etc.
But with regard to St. Croix MLF and MLFX, will they not
be more akin to a MF and MXF of say a Shimano rod, or
a Carbonlite?
That saying that Croix rods are stiffer than counterparts is
in the front of my mind, so I suppose I'm looking for that
info as compared to *other* rods I mentioned
St. Croix's do run a little stiffer and might be closer to a M in some brands. You did have a medium power St. Croix to compare it to, so it will be a lighter power than that. It's been a while since I've had a hand on either of those rods, but by my best guess, it'll be close to in between say a ML and M in the carbonlite line.
On 10/27/2015 at 11:30 PM, Darren. said:I suppose it will boil down to the type of jig, weight, etc.
But with regard to St. Croix MLF and MLFX, will they not
be more akin to a MF and MXF of say a Shimano rod, or
a Carbonlite?
That saying that Croix rods are stiffer than counterparts is
in the front of my mind, so I suppose I'm looking for that
info as compared to *other* rods I mention.
I had a 6'8 medium compre don't know about bps rods but the ml st croix is nothing like a medium compre. It is to me a special blank, so much so I have 3 of them. If you do anything type of smallmouth fishing this is considered by many rod builders one of the standards.
So I visited the local BPS last night, poor selection of
anything Avid, but did get hands on a bunch of other
rods which gave me pause to slow down...
Guess I'm going to hold fast right now and not plunge
for a replacement Avid -- just yet. Given that I was, in
previous posts moons back, been somewhat critical
of my Avid being slightly tip-heavy, I'm reticent to pull
the trigger on another one.
Of course the 6' MLF or 6'3" MLXF will be lighter than
the 6'3" MXF according to Croix, I'm not sure either
would be as light as my Carbonlites. Which is one of the
reasons I've been very happy with the CLs. And my
elbows have been happier.
Anyhow, thanks so much for the feedback. I'll refer back
to this and other threads when I decide to dive in. Which,
could be tomorrow. Or never.
As finicky as I've been -- or on the fence, if you prefer,
I have finally purchased the $15 FedEx return slip for
my St. Croix Avid.
So I'm going to replace it and I've decided to go with the
6'3" MLXF model.
I was in Richmond for a soccer game today, afterward I
spent some time at the BPS there, which has a LOT more
freshwater rod selection than the Hampton VA store.
Got to hold and futz with many different models of rods,
was impressed with many, but felt replacing the Avid was/is
my best option right now.
Looking forward to adding it to my spinning arsenal....
Let us know how it goes!
That'd defiantly be a option for me if I needed a close quarters rod
The MLXF in SCIII is a very special taper/power mixture. I have three 6-2 versions of it.
On 11/6/2015 at 12:11 AM, tomustang said:Let us know how it goes!
That'd defiantly be a option for me if I needed a close quarters rod
Package arrives at St. Croix today. They said it'll be
about 2 weeks before I get the replacement.
I'm already like a kid waiting for Christmas. Can't believe
how I feel about this, LOL. It's just a ROD fer cryin' out loud!!
On 11/6/2015 at 12:56 AM, J Francho said:The MLXF in SCIII is a very special taper/power mixture. I have three 6-2 versions of it.
Casting rod, I'm assuming? I almost did a swap for that
rather than exchanging for the spinning version.
I had a casting version, but got rid of it. They are spinners, and my mistake, they are 6-3 not 6-2.
On 11/6/2015 at 1:25 AM, J Francho said:I had a casting version, but got rid of it. They are spinners, and my mistake, they are 6-3 not 6-2.
I'm looking to use it with a Stradic 1000 for
my "regular" bass fishing - which is light line
soft plastics, etc.
One of mine has a Stradic 1000 with the wood knob on it, balances nice. The other two have 2500 CI4 reels.
I love my St. Croix rods. I have not had many issues with them over the years but when it came to warranty they stand behind their stuff. I done something real stupid a few years ago bringing a nice smallie into the boat I had a finger about 18 inches from the tip and one on the handle and did the swing into the boat. Sounded like a firecracker when it snapped. Didn't loose the fish but was heart broken over the rod. Avid 5'9" MXF was replaced. Hand a cork handle issue on a 6'9" ml Mojo they fixed up. And had tip guide problem on an Avid that was a repair/replacement. My trout rods I beat the heck out of them and they just don't break.
I think they are good people with a quality product. I register all of them to eliminate a warranty issue.
Somebody please take my temperature, I must
be sick.
SC just called me and I didn't simply replace my Avid,
I upgraded to this:
LTWS 6'3" MLXF
I am in big trouble if my wife finds out...
So I know it's a monetary upgrade, blank upgrade,
guide upgrade, etc.
I'll be putting a Stradic 1000 on it.
Good work. Great rod! I have the lower Eyecon version, as well as a couple of the Avid versions. Yours should be lighter, more sensitive, and a nicer build.
On 11/11/2015 at 3:32 AM, J Francho said:Good work. Great rod! I have the lower Eyecon version, as well as a couple of the Avid versions. Yours should be lighter, more sensitive, and a nicer build.
I'm keeping my fingers crossed it'll live up to the hype
Only worry is whether it'll be tip-heavy with a 1000. The guy
at SC thought it would, that I'd need a 1500 or heavier to
give it better balance.
I guess it depends how you hold it... I go 3 fingers in front on spinners.Nothing feels tip heavy to me, but most use two in front.
On 11/11/2015 at 5:01 AM, J Francho said:I guess it depends how you hold it... I go 3 fingers in front on spinners.Nothing feels tip heavy to me, but most use two in front.
I do 3 in front as well, sometimes all 4 if I want to touch more of the blank,
but with the Legend, there's so much blank to touch I don't think that'll be
a problem.
My new baby arrived today, earlier than expected,
which is quite welcome. 6'3" MLXF LTWS
I put my new Stradic 1000FJ on it and the balance
is right at the hook keeper. A little higher than I was
expecting, but by no means bad. Given the way I hold
a spinning reel, it is comfortable and balances well.
Here's the thing. I tied an identical hook/worm on to
test the sensitivity against my Carbonlites. Wow. This
rod is CRISP. That's the word that hits me.
Dragging the Zoom finesse worm across the rocks on
my driveway and it is sooooo crisp. Every bump felt
distinctly transmitted to my fingers on the blank.
I feel *most* bumps with the Carbonlite and a 1000 FI,
but it's a more muted feel. Very interesting to feel the
difference between a high-end rod and a mid range rod.
I can't wait to get it out on the water soon.
With no reels mounted, and balancing each rod on the
first (big) guide, the LT feels lighter, but is heavier at the
tip. I LOVE the shorter handle, which is probably why the
balance is a little higher than on the CL when a reel is
attached.
So far I'm quite happy, quite stoked to fish it. I'm liking the ML
action in initial casting. Good stuff. Need some weight from a
scaled hog on the other end. Only weight I got was our cat
attacking the worm while I was reeling it in.
Great impressions. Glad you're digging that rod.
On 11/13/2015 at 8:18 AM, Darren. said:My new baby arrived today, earlier than expected,
which is quite welcome. 6'3" MLXF LTWS
I put my new Stradic 1000FJ on it and the balance
is right at the hook keeper. A little higher than I was
expecting, but by no means bad. Given the way I hold
a spinning reel, it is comfortable and balances well.
Here's the thing. I tied an identical hook/worm on to
test the sensitivity against my Carbonlites. Wow. This
rod is CRISP. That's the word that hits me.
Dragging the Zoom finesse worm across the rocks on
my driveway and it is sooooo crisp. Every bump felt
distinctly transmitted to my fingers on the blank.
I feel *most* bumps with the Carbonlite and a 1000 FI,
but it's a more muted feel. Very interesting to feel the
difference between a high-end rod and a mid range rod.
I can't wait to get it out on the water soon.
With no reels mounted, and balancing each rod on the
first (big) guide, the LT feels lighter, but is heavier at the
tip. I LOVE the shorter handle, which is probably why the
balance is a little higher than on the CL when a reel is
attached.
So far I'm quite happy, quite stoked to fish it. I'm liking the ML
action in initial casting. Good stuff. Need some weight from a
scaled hog on the other end. Only weight I got was our cat
attacking the worm while I was reeling it in.
Sidebar - As a kid, I actually did catch my cat once while practicing casting in the backyard. Besides me feeling horrible, it was an expensive trip to the vet for my parents!
I like the feel of having all 4 fingers in front. I was really stressing about the rarenium 1000s balancing on my 6'10" ML rod but it balances about 2-3 inches above the reel, which is perfect for how I hold it.
On 11/14/2015 at 2:36 AM, JDJ said:Sidebar - As a kid, I actually did catch my cat once while practicing casting in the backyard. Besides me feeling horrible, it was an expensive trip to the vet for my parents!
Too funny. Our cat likes to grab the worm in her mouth
and trot off in a "look what I caught" mode. I bury the
hook in the worm, but when she does that I have to go
into cautious mode.
On 11/14/2015 at 2:51 AM, GoCougs14 said:I like the feel of having all 4 fingers in front. I was really stressing about the rarenium 1000s balancing on my 6'10" ML rod but it balances about 2-3 inches above the reel, which is perfect for how I hold it.
I took the rod out today, and only the new rod.
Tested it holding my usual 3 in front, and a couple
times I tried 4 in front. The three worked best, plus
it's what I'm used to.
It did feel tip heavy at times, but I was learning the
rod and can adjust accordingly.
The thing is ridiculously sensitive. I think I'm in love...LOL