New walleye stick

[srfishin15]

I'm sure this topic has been discussed before, but I am looking at upgrading my main walleye rod. I am having a hard time even narrowing down my choices. I'm deciding between a St. Croix Triumph, The GSX series classic, tournament, and elite series rod, and also possibly a St. Croix Premier. I am looking for a one piece 6'6"-7' medium light spinning rod with a fast tip. Anybody used more than one of these and have a comparison? Any I should cross off the list? Any other rods to consider? I would like to stay around $100 but may bump up if I choose a premier. I will mostly be using this rod for jigs and lindy rigging. Thanks for any input!

[fisherman-andy]

I would also recommend looking at Temple Fork Outfitters, 13 Fishing, and Clam's Jason Mitchell walleye rods. Them rods can be had for less than $100.

[Alagnak]

Are premiers really around $100? I thought Avids were just a little over 100? Anyway- There's a big difference between the sticks you are mentioning and an Avid. It only takes a few more bucks to get some real sensitivity. Might as well.

[dan z]

Triumphs are glorified lighting rods with a high dollar name on them if you go with st.Croix I'd wouldn't get anything lower than the avid. I don't have one but that's the one I would buy. I really like the walleye series that scheels puts out. Been using them for a few years now and the new one is really nice and light.

[holmsvc]

Triumphs aren't what you want, if you want a St Croix look at the eyecon rods. The Scheels walleyes rods are nice.

[Walleye Guy]

Limit Creek Smoothie.... If you can find one.

[srfishin15]

I'll take a look at what you guys have all said. Triumph is off the list. Anybody have any opinion on the GSX Gander Rods? Elite, Tournament, or Classic?

[Eric_Kruger]

Check out the Fenwick Elite Techs. just a hair over your 100 dollar mark but worth every penny! Besides my customs Fenwicks are the only brand I buy!

[Rick G]

The Limit Creek Smoothie would be another rod I would check out. Like others said, an Avid would also be a nice upgrade, they come with a lifetime replacement plan. I would stay away from the Triumph, St. Croix droped the ball on this model.

[harvey lee]

The Mitchell line is a very nice rod for the money.

I use almost all St Croix Elite series rods but they do run alot more as far as the money goes. Great rod and very sensitive.

[ozzie]

I agree with the others and for the price of the Triumph they are not worth the price...but I have to say for $20 more the St Croix Premier has been a great rod if you don't want to spend $150 or more. I have 3 premiers in ML and 2 lites and they have performed flawlessly for $120!!!

[Nhamm]

I have all 3 Croix rods mentioned above, and do agree with the Triumph is not that good. Wish I would have went with a comparable Fenwick. But the premiers are fantastic for $110 and the avids are even better, but those are 180. The premiers are the best rod in that price range hands down. Maybe a smoothie but I have not handled one myself and as far as I have read you will not find any in the local area any time soon. Go with the American made premier and you will not be disappointed.

[alski]

spend the extra $$ to buy the legend elite or extreme. They are worth every penny. You wont be disappointed!

[luckydog25]

Not a fan of the gander rods myself, I got talked into trying one of the higher end ones and hated it. Next time you stop in somewhere take a minute and look at the fenwick HMG and elite tech. The HMX is better than some of the rods you are looking at for well under $100. I wish berkley still made the old series one rods. Best bang for your buck ever. Plus you could swap them out at the store if you broke one. I still have 2 that I will run as long as possible, when I retire them they will be replaced with HMG's or elite tech fenwicks.

[Northlander]

Limit Creek Smoothie.... If you can find one.

That would be my pick as well. I love my smoothies for the price and they are very hard to beat.

[luckydog25]

You guys have me interested in trying out a Limit Creek smoothie since they price is so fair. Not trying to high jack the thread here, but it looks like they are all 2 piece rods...is this true?

[LMITOUT]

I wish berkley still made the old series one rods. Best bang for your buck ever. Plus you could swap them out at the store if you broke one. I still have 2 that I will run as long as possible, when I retire them they will be replaced with HMG's or elite tech fenwicks.

+1!

In fact, I just picked up a Fenwick Elite Tech last week to retire an old Series One and can't wait to use it. I picked up a couple St Croix rods a few years back and never should have strayed away from Fenwick, but I was curious to try them out.

[dan z]

Oh I forgot about my series one by Berkeley its usually in the boat.

[srfishin15]

Thanks guys, I'll check out the Fenwicks along with the Smoothie. Have to do some in-hand testing and see which one I like. Thanks for all the help!

[srfishin15]

What is the warranty like on the Fenwick?

[Northlander]

You guys have me interested in trying out a Limit Creek smoothie since they price is so fair. Not trying to high jack the thread here, but it looks like they are all 2 piece rods...is this true?

No my smoothies are all 1 piece.

[Walleye Guy]

Smoothies are one piece. I also have a sweet 8'3" Limit creek spinning rod that I use for slip bobbers and slinging cranks. That is a 2 piece rod but its not the traditional two piece rod if that makes sense. The main blank slides into the long butt handle to compress the rod. I was sceptical at first but it is a cool feature and makes storing in a rod locker easy.

[3andadog]

Here is a thread on Fenwick rods:

http://www.hotspotoutdoors.com/forum/ubb...ye_#Post3065333

[LMITOUT]

What is the warranty like on the Fenwick?

Limited Lifetime

Fenwick Aetos Rods

Fenwick Elite Tech Rods

Fenwick HMG Rods

5 Year Warranty (from original purchase date)

Fenwick HMX Rods

Fenwick Eagle GT Rods

1 Year (from original purchase date)

Fenwick Ice Fishing Rods – Aetos Ice, Elite Tech Ice

The warranty is never a consideration when I buy a fishing rod. If it has a defect of some sort that is due to poor design or manufacturing then I'll address it, but if it breaks due to my neglect then I'll just accept it and move on. Even if a manufacturer would replace it, I don't feel it's right. Just my opinion.

[srfishin15]

Thank you for the information on the Fenwicks. For a person on a budget I will take advantage of a warranty if the opportunity is available, obviously I will not purposely damage the rod... Isn't that what a warranty is there for? To each their own though I guess. Thanks again this thread has been a huge help.