NEW FLY ROD PURCHASE

I know this question gets a lot of air time here but inquiring minds want to know. I have decided that I need a new 5wt rod, and because of price and availability have narrowed it down to either a St. Croix Avid or one of Cabelas LST rods both in combo forms from Cabelas. Has any one used both and which do they like best. I have the LST in a 3wt and like it and use it a lot, but I wonder if there is something better for about the same money. I also would maybe consider the Sage Launch if available as a reasonably priced combo. Cabelas have the Avid and LST combined with a CSR reel and a Mastry GPX line for about $250, both with enough warranty for me since I'm almost 60 now. It would sure be nice to break either one on a big fish 24 and 1/2 years from now. I know that there are lots of view points here so let's here them.

The St. Croix Avid, have a new modulus, and taper, so they are a lot quicker than the previous St. Croix Avid. I recently purchased a 4 wt St. Croix Avid (6'-6") 4 section. I will be using a Teton 3 reel with Cortland 3 wt DT "Sylk" line.

I like the casting (easy effort), I like the response of the rod ( no wobble or vibrations), and it cast accurate and true.

~Parnelli

Thanks for the replies. I had a hunch that this would be the results so will probably go with the Avid.