St. Croix. Ltb

[DirtyDeuceGoose]

I'm just looking for other opinions on the LTB by St. Croix. I've read reviews on tackle websites but figured this site might shine a new light on them or cover different aspects. Any information anyone has with personally experience or a partner's experience would be awesome.

[Hi Salenity]

Great rods, what one are you looking for?

[DirtyDeuceGoose]

Most of my research has been done on the jerkbait rod. That would be a starting point anyway and possible/probably expansion from there if I like it.

[Bass_Fanatic]

A great blank, but they feel tip heavy to me compared to most other brands in that $200-$250 price range.

[mc6524]

I'm a st croix and G Loomis guy. I like the Ltb in the MH, but I prefer the IMX if I need a medium action rod with the price being similar

[iabass8]

LTB is a great blank. A lot of their line up(some aren't bad, some are terrible) is pretty tip heavy but if you can get past that they are good, quality rods. After switching most of my rods to a different company, i still kept a few st. croixs and the LTB68mxf was one of them. such a great topwater/fluke/jerkbait rod. the 68mxf or the 7mf are some amazingly versatile rods that can be used for almost anything you really need. lightweight and plenty sensitive. 

[eagon06]

Not sure if you are paying full price but if you do some shopping I just got a brand new legend xtreme 7'mf for $275 shipped and I absolutely love It.

[skeletor6]

I would like to feel the rod in person. Many I have held/owned have been tip-heavy. The captain might chime in about his fix for this, but I find it uncomfortable.

 

Nonetheless, it is St. Croix's design to have a lot of power/stiffness in the tip portion of their rods, hence their crazy fast XF actions. Definitely get a Fast action or Moderate Fast for jerkbait usage. If you talk to some folks, get some different opinions, you will find that there are some gems in their lineups. One's that do not suffer the tip-heavy nature and perform great. Like any rod company really.

 

As posted above, deals can be had on these. They annually offer great discounts in the bargain room and you should always buy on sale or used for that matter. The warranty will cover you, especially with St. Croix track record of taking care of customers.

[Bluebasser86]

I have several of the LTB's and I really like them. I don't notice them being really tip heavy like others say. I do notice them being very sensitive, tough, and a joy to fish with. 

[5dollarsplash]

My two are my favorites. I love the feel they have, no doubts about rock solid hooksets. The customer service is top notch.

All that said, I don't have the rod in a action specifically for jerk baits. Mine are both f or xf. I'd try to get one in my hands before laying down the money. Personally for moving baits I prefer a lesser line like the Avid/rage. Maybe not quite as sensitive but save some $.

[Capt.Bob]

The Legend series are (so I don't russle feathers) "in my opinion" the best rod's on the planet after using everything else, any St. Criox "BUILT IN AMERICA w/ an AMERICAN MADE BLANK" would be my choice, and it seems everyone that try's them loves them. I have never found any rod of any make that was perfectly balanced for everyone, it is a personal thing, even the rods I have custom built and balanced perfectly for me are not perfect for everyone, but if you want you can go to a dime store or BPS and buy kits, which don't enhance sensitivity but will allow you to balance a rod where you want it, in my opinion they should be used on wally world rods, as they are little more than a gimmick! and change the entire look and feel of the rod, usually loosing sensitivity and eye appeal. 

 

I have every rod I own once I choose the reel for it, internally balanced, there is absolutely no way to tell it has been done when my rod builder gives it back, can be done in 15 minuets while I wait, and DOES,,,,  make the rod more sensitive and gives that feel of weightlessness when holding it as you would when you are fishing, without changing the appearance. Most any respectable rodsmith can do this for you and the cost is cheaper than buying the add on contraptions sold in the store, my guy charges me $7.00 for this service and others charge a similar price for the service. There is no way you can compare this to the store bought addons. After you try one expect to be satisfied by nothing less!! They are addicting!!!  

[Got1Fishing]

I would agree that is a little tip heavy, but I like it that way; tt balances out the rod perfectly. I have mine paired up with a Chronarch 201e6. My LTB is my favorite rod so far. 

 

You should do a search... I found good information on this rod before I purchased it. 

[kschultz76]

Hey eagon would you be willing to PM me where you found that deal? Thanks!

[kschultz76]

I have 3 LTBs, 1 Avid, 2 Xtremes. Very happy with the performance of all of them. A few are tip heavy, but so are many other rods out there. I may follow Capt Bobs lead on the balancing once I finalize my reel choices. I don't think you can go wrong with Croix's.

[DirtyDeuceGoose]

Thanks everyone for all the help. Sounds like I can't really go wrong. I'll let y'all know what I end up with when I finally pull the trigger!

[NorcalBassin]

Tip heavy = use a reel that is a little heavier. I have 4 LTB's and love them all. The pros by far outweigh the cons at that price point. If you narrow down to a couple potential choices post it and I'm sure you'll get some more solid advice.

[curtis9]

I have the 6'8" MXF and love it for top water and flukes. I've been looking at the 7'1" or 7'3" MH but want to get my hands on one before I purchase. Unfortunately I haven't been able to find anyone locally that carries anything more than a mojo.

[JCiurej34]

I have three so far and I love them. They are very sensitive and strong rods. They are slightly tip heavy but not as bad as some make it seem. As far as the rod you are looking at, I do not have that model but I'm sure its great because I have never had a problem with these rods, let alone the other St. Croixs i have.

[JunkYard814]

They definitely are tip heavy. When I first bought it and held it, I wasn't happy with how tip heavy it was and I was actually a little upset that I spent all that money on it and it didn't feel perfect. After fishing with it for about 10 minutes though, I can't even tell the difference anymore. It's incredibly sensitive, and really light.