I have put both these models to the test down here in Rockport. I wanted a bit lighter rod for my clients. The 7'6" premier medium light fast action is perfect for my average days. Clients landed black drum in the 25" range with a 2500 series reel with no problem. I throw a 3/4 egg sinker or a popping cork rig, it handles both well.
The Avid 7'3" medium light fast action is going to be my trout rods mainly. It's a bit lighter than the premier series. I feel like it handled the drum well, but is more suited for free line croaker fishing for trout. I'm very pleased with both series and will be switching all my rods to premier and avid series rods my guide business.

Thank you St. Croix

Cpt, Ryan Mclaughlin

The premier ultralight is the best Rod I've ever used, an incredible deal for a fantastic US made rod highly recommend

Amazing, perfect condition

I have 9 St Croix rods, including 2 of these Premier rods. Both Premiers are 7' ML 2-piece rods. There are more sensitive rods out there, but for the price point, the Premier rod is excellent. The cork handle quality is better than the China made rods in the same price point. I have only seen better cork on more expensive rods.
I have landed 45" and 46" Northerns on my 7' ML power Premiers with no trouble. I've hauled in large blue cats with one of these rods. I have absolutely no trouble with 18"-20" river smallies on my Premier rods. I even managed to boat a 60" sturgeon with a ML Premier rod. These are excellent rods and they should last you many outings, so long as you use them as intended.
After reading some of the posts here about people breaking their rods, I have to think a lot of the issues probably occur from misuse. The Premier does not use a $30 fiberglass blank that you can bend in half. You CANNOT high-stick a sensitive graphite rod like this, or it is going to snap.
I'm sure there are a handful of rods out there that might get damaged in shipping or on the display rack. I can see a situation where one of those breaks through no fault of the user. But, I just have a hard time believing the rod is at fault for every gripe in these reviews.

Great rod, super delivery.