FYI St. Croix Avid on sale

[ThereAreFishInThere]

Don't know if anyone really cares.

St. Croix Avid Series Salmon/Steelhead Centre Pin Spinning Rod 13' and 15'

I was recommended this rod by a fellow OFF member, so have been watching prices lately. It's $80 off right now at Cabela's for the next 3 days.

I'm thinking of pulling the trigger.

Anyone have experience with this rod?

 

[instapump416]

I would recommend one of the Ravens with a lifetime warranty.

If your rod breaks, it'll be cheaper to ship the rod back local compared to sending a St.Croix rod to the US for a replacement.

 

[fisherman38]

Ravens warranty does charge you a fee for the section being replaced and for return shipping. http://www.raventackle.com/pdf/raven_warranty_canada.pdf

 

[instapump416]

You're right about Raven making you pay for the replacement piece and return shipping....I completely forgot and I had my rod break 2 times. I have a friend who bought his Raven im8 from Sail who broke his top section twice. He was able to exchange it to Sail free of charge. I don't know how he managed to do that.

I had a Avid break on me and I returned it to Sail for warranty. I was charged $40 to mail the item back and it took 6 weeks to get my replacement piece.

I guess its all about convenience with me. When I dealt with Raven, I was able to get my replacement piece right away.

Also I was offered a good deal on a Avid float rod when I bought my gold Islander, I turned it down because I wanted to stick with Raven float rods.

 

[ThereAreFishInThere]

According to the St. Croix website, the Avids are covered for 15 years. Only $30 for return shipping to Canada. Also as long as damage to rod isn't your fault you don't pay anything more. Ravens you pay for replacement parts no matter what. That's my understanding.

But damn, 6 weeks is a long time to wait for a rod. I might not mind paying the extra $ just to have my gear back sooner.

I'm looking at Ravens for my reel

 

[staffman]

I have a 13' and a 11' Avid and like both rods. I can't compare it to Raven as I don't own a Raven.

 

[TheTallFisherman]

I have dealt with St Croix before, not for the avid but another rod I have. The rod broke about 2-3 guides from the top so I dealt with St Croix directly, they advised me to ship them the rod. Within 2 weeks I had a new rod (with stickers still attached).

I guess it depends who you deal with at St Croix?

I do admit the St. croix is a bit heavier of a float rod, but the abuse I put on that rod over the years has been more than enough reason for me to buy another one.

 

[IR4Jflyfishing]

I have had nothing but long waits when dealing with st croix warranty, to the point where I am probably done fishing their rods.. I would buy a raven 9.9/10 when it comes to float fishing, loval company with great customer service. Good price points for all budgets and rods that flat out perform.

 

[ThereAreFishInThere]

Aaahhhhh!! Decisions Decisions

Looks like I might just have to buy 2 setups lol joking....sort of

I'm looking at the Raven Matrix combo also. It's on the more economical side of their spectrum.

Does anyone have any experience with this particular model?

Sorry for all the complete newbie questions and thanks for all the feedback so far.

 

[Biser]

I have been using Raven matrix combo for the last four seasons. Great outfit.
You will not go wrong.

 

[Matt Rickles]

The avid is a terrible steelhead blank, factory tied anyway...many better options out there

 

[bigugly]

I’ve never fish s St Croix but have heard good and bad same with any rod. I had a Raven IM8 and it never let me down but was too heavy. I saved up and bought a GLoomis IMX as I’ve got a messed up shoulder and this rod is super light. I continue to be amazed by this rod always smiles on my face.