help pickin a new rod

[T.S128]

well im thinking about getting a new rigging rod and was at gander today and saw their x factor rod. it looks and feels really nice. does anyone have one of these? how do you like it? would it be better to go after a st croix premier or maybe and avid.

thanks for the help

[captainstevo]

I would personally go with the avid if it were in the price range, but then again I am a St. Croix man. the warranty is something to look into, I am not sure what Gander carries on their rods. If you are looking at affordable good rods, don't be afraid to take a peak at the shimano rack, they have really increased their product over the last few years. also, if you would like an even better rod than you can afford, remember St. Croixs trade up program, it allows you to return a rod and trade up to a higher end rod.

[Seabass77]

I am also an avid man. What type of fishing/lures do you plan on using it for? It's hard to beat at 6'6" ML avid for all around use, pair it with 6lb gamma or suffix, hard to beat. This is my favorite set up.

[T.S128]

i dont need help choosing rod specifics, i was just more or less curious if anyone has any expericence with the x factor rods and if they can compare to a st croix. i know st croix rods are nice and always a safe bet. but i might even get after a gloomis that i've had my eye on...

thanks for the tip on the warranty that is something i normally try to look at. forgot about it when i was at the store when i go back i'll have to figure it out.

one more question... is there a big differenc between the premier and avid rods? i've fished with a premier but dont think i've ever had an avid in my hands.

[Jim Almquist]

one more question... is there a big differenc between the premier and avid rods? i've fished with a premier but dont think i've ever had an avid in my hands.

The Premier is made of SCII graphite and the Avid is made of SCIII and with the Avid you will have Fuji guides and a lifetime warranty. Most all of the components of the rods are upgraded each time you go up from Premier to Avid to Legend but you will pay for it. I had a 6'6" Avid and really loved the rod but it had a little accident and was shipped back to the factory and they offered to upgrade it to a Legend for $50.00 so I jumped on it.