My Mistake!! Never Say Never!

[Capt.Bob]

I have said before I would never buy a rod with half a cork grip, I am old school, I just can't come to the idea of no full reel seat, or full cork front and rear. Then it happened. I always said no one could run fast enough to give me a rod built like that!

Well age caught up with me again, I just can't run like I used to I guess. I had chance to buy a 2008 model Legend Tournament, a LTB68MXF, which did come with the full reel seat, but no front cork and 2 piece rear cork. I couldn't turn it down, the guy broke the tip off, and wanted $65.00, I talked myself into it thinking I can upgrade it to the Legend Elite for $165.00 so I fell down and bought it. That would be less investment than the price of the Legend Tournament new.

Problem now is, I trimmed it down, cut the second eye off, and put a new tip on it, and now I have a 6' 5" LTB65MXF for $65.00 and I kinda like it. all but the grip. I have to say it is without a doubt the best rod I ever bought for $65.00. I used it this weekend and will have to say, I may just be satisfied with a $65.00 I hate it, than spend another $165.00 for the grip and 3" more rod???

At any rate, I see I continue to mellow with age, I need to be more cautious when I say I won't!!

[iabass8]

I could be wrong but i think trimming down a st. Croix and adding a tip voids the warranty.

Also trading up a rod that isnt yours (or a broken one you bought) will cost you the difference of the rod (the 160 something) and 75$ for the gold star program and 20$ shipping.

Hope it works for you. I would not have had the balls to do that.

[Capt.Bob]

$75.00 Gold Star + $90.00 difference $165.00, and I forgot the $10.00 to ship it to them, they cover the return shipping, That is included in the Gold Star warranty, broken rods accepted!

So I would have $240.00, the price of a SCIV rod in a brand new SCV legend Elite, and a complete handle and reel seat. But like I said, for a baitcast rod at $65.00 I may just have a complete reel seat and handle put on it for $50.00 from my rod builder??? Time will tell I'll use it a few times and decide, but like I said really don't need another casting rod, so I will probably do the Gold Star warranty + Upgrade.

[iabass8]

Sorry i forgot to type something that would have made my post make sense. You may have to pay the 10% per year depreciation value since that is the old style of the legend tournament.

I liked the old reel seats (not as much as the new extreme ones). Changing a grip is extremely easy you could do it yourself. Unless you dont like legends old foregrip.

[Capt.Bob]

The whole point would be to get the LEGEND Elite, a real GRIP and REAL SEAT, which includes the FOREGRIP!

I would not have a Legend Extreme, I hate the no reel seat just a front and rear real hanger and no front cork, with half the rear cork! I have spoken to Croix and my prices are confirmed. But for $65.00 you really can't tell there is anything different in the rod from the original rod. It is just made without the whole cork.

[iabass8]

I would argue there would be quite the difference in the fishability of a 68mxf vs a 65mxf missing 3 inches but if it works for you more power to ya. Good luck with it.

[Capt.Bob]

Sorry sir I was just judging by the difference in how my 6'3" and 6'8" mxf Avids seem to fish like, this would be much more like the 6'8" than the seeming to be lighter power 6'3", just my observation. With those rods, the 6'8" not only works better for me in deep water, but handles bigger fish much better for the same Power, and action rating's, than the 5" shorter rod.

[roadwarrior]

The Gold Star Plan is painless and there is no discounting old products.

I recently replaced an old original Legend Elite. Total cost was $85.

http://www.stcroixrods.com/category/service_and_warranty

[Capt.Bob]

I seen that on your other post RW, I wish it would have been an Elite, I'd be in your shoes but for another $165.00, it's still like you said SWEET DEAL! but I think I'll fish it a while this summer, it's pretty decent working Zara puppies, but this winter I think it will be a LES6'8"MXF, just cause I love deep water walleyes!!