I look forward to seeing the responses to this thread, I too am curious!

 

I have and fish both in 7,6 med heavy. The St Croix cast and just feels better to me than the loomis. But they are both inferior to a Gary dobyns in my opinion.

 

I fish freshwater and saltwater. I have Gloomis, NFC, and st croix rods. For what you’re describing, the Avid is a better rod. Most of the Loomis blanks have a softer tip than their rating would indicate. That’s fantastic for dragging a football jig or a ned rig, less so when trying to punch a big hook through the upper lip of a redfish.

 

Good to know, thanks Goose!

 

btw, if you were buying a push pole, and you saw a local guy had a G Loomis Push pole for sale for 100.00 would you buy it?

 

I missed one a couple years ago for $100. Guy told me someone else claimed it just minutes before I called. What I remember reading about them at the time was that they were a little more flexible than the typical carbon pole of similar length.

 

I strongly feel it’s worth taking the time to feel each in hand. I have and to me the Loomis feels heavier and less sensitive. I also have always like St. Croix so am I just mind tricking myself? I don’t know. I intended to buy a Loomis and couldn’t do it after picking it up. I own previous gen avids in several models and like them, and picked up the current gen 73mf spinning and thought it felt great for what I like to do.
but they’re both good rods, no wrong choice, and honestly, I am doubtful any opinions/info you get here can help you much.

 

Just to follow up, I went with the St. Croix Avid. Most people recommended the St. Croix. I do have one Avid, its a medium light with 10lb braid, so I dont use it very much. I kind of think just more people have experience with St. Croix, but they seem to be happy with that experience.

 

My previous recommendation is based on experience with both brands. In fact, I have more time with Loomis rods than St. Croix.

 

Hard to argue the WARRANTY of st croix. All things being equal between brands the fact that if you break the st Croix Rod for any reason at any time over the next 15 years you will get FULL RETAIL PRICE toward new rod upgrade or a replacement of identical rod for $50 shipping fee. It's like the best insurance policy, one that I have used maybe 4-5 times and never a single question as to how it broke etc etc.

 

I haven’t fished a GCX but I have four Avids (2 x M 7.3 and 2 x H 7.6) and best rods I’ve owned. Going to be adding 2 ML 7.3s soon. The cork is incredible…action is spot on the Ms to do just about anything well. I have zero complaints - worth the extra coin especially with the warranty, made in US, etc. A+

 

What reels do you have on the 76H’s? And what lures do they handle well?

 

im currently debating AVID inshore vs inshore legend tournament spinning rods. Pair w 3000-4000 Shimano spinning reel. Probably cant go wrong either way. Would actually be used for heavy freshwater spinning applications, essentially only 7'11" Med Heavy Fast spinning rods out there. haha dont need either based on the 10 rods next to me in the garage or 10 in basement that dont even make it out. maybe next season.

 

A Shimano 3000 would probably be a little too small for a MH, in my opinion. Those sizes would pair better with the ML or M.

 

I've ordered a St Croix 2 piece, 7ft Triumph and a Daiwa Regal LT300D-CHX spinning reel.
I hope it's "adequate" for people to use who don't have their own gear for light/medium fishing who I take fishing.

 

I keep a St Croix 7’ M Fast 4 piece with a Daiwa 3000 in my trunk. It’s a good workhouse - good luck with the buy and hopefully that line gets tight soon.

 

St Croix Avid would get my vote too…

 

I have both of these rods and both are good but I like the action and build quality on the St Croix better. Good luck!