Legend Tournament Upgrade Question

[fishindad]

This is for anyone who's sent a broken rod back to St. Croix and used their gold upgrade policy. I broke (yes, my fault) my LTBS70MF "tube" rod and shipped it back for a replacement.  I would be happy with them simply replacing the rod with their (now) newer version, the LTBS71MF "plastics" rod but am not sure if it would be worth the cost to upgrade to the Legend Elite or Legend Extreme. If I understand their warranty policy, it would cost me an extra $130 (price difference between LT and LX) to upgrade to the Extreme version? For those who have fished both, is the Legend Extreme worth the extra coin (half the cost of a new LT)? I realize the blanks are different but the guides and handle are essentially the same. The LE is a bit less so I could go that route but figured the Extreme would be noticeably better - or do the LE and LX blanks fish identical? Am hoping there's some hard core St Croix folks out there who have fished most of these higher end rods. Thanks.

[Siebert Outdoors]

I can not comment on the LT but I bought a LE about a year ago and now I own 4 of them.  These rods have become my favorite rods to use.  I've sold off almost all of my GLX rods and switched over to LE rods.  I really like the micro guides and how smooth these rods are.

 

My only complaint is there is no hook holder unless they recently changed this on the most current versions. 

[iabass8]

Legend elite is the same blank as the legend xtreme. The differences are esthetics/cosmetics.

They are fantastic rods. I like the xtreme over the ltb. I havent used the upgrade program for a while but i believe there is a deprecation assessment of 10$ per year bases on the serial as well. Odds are when harry or dan call you, you may only have to pay the difference +shipping.

[Crappiebasser]

You should hold an xtreme before you decide. I like the skin handle but I know people that really hated them. They are great rods though.

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

Actually, the Tournament and Elite use the same blank the Xtreme is a step up, their top end blank. They are all nice rods. Some people see a real difference in top end rods, some slight and some none. I don't think you'll ever know unless you try one. St Croix blanks are available to custom builders as well if you don't like the handle options etc. 

[iabass8]

Actually, the Tournament and Elite use the same blank the Xtreme is a step up, their top end blank. They are all nice rods. Some people see a real difference in top end rods, some slight and some none. I don't think you'll ever know unless you try one. St Croix blanks are available to custom builders as well if you don't like the handle options etc.

Since when...?

The legend elite and legend xtreme have always shared the same blank..

Ltb is on the sciv

Elite and xtreme are on scv blanks.

[fishindad]

Thanks, I would think I would feel the difference between the LT and Extreme, nothing against the Tournament rods, just that I always felt my tube rod was more tip heavy than it should be. The LT blank is/was sweet, very responsive and smooth-feeling, and powerful. No doubt the Extreme will blow me away. I am a bit nervous whether I'll like the new grips since I'm used to tennessee handles (old school). Most likely will pop for it, once Harry calls me back. Thanks for the replies.

[Tywithay]

Since when...?

The legend elite and legend xtreme have always shared the same blank..

Ltb is on the sciv

Elite and xtreme are on scv blanks.

Legend Tournament is an SCIV

Elite uses SCV, but it is not the same as the Extreme. The Extreme features TET technology. They use the same base material though. The guides are not the same either. The LT uses alconite guides, while the other two use SiC guides. I personally think it's worth the money. The SCV blanks are among the very best. They're a good bit more sensitive than the IV. I prefer the Elite because I hate the handles on the Extreme and Legend Tournament. Much prefer the full cork, but that's just a personal preference.

[Siebert Outdoors]

Here is a cut and paste from St Croix site.

 

LTB Features:

Integrated Poly Curve^® (IPC^®) tooling technology.

Advanced Reinforcing Technology^™ (ART^™).

High modulus-high-strain SC^IV graphite with FRS for unparalleled strength and durability.

Technique-specific bass series features unrivaled technology and performance.

Fuji^® K-Series Concept Tangle Free guides with Alconite^® rings and polished frames. Ideal for super braid, mono and fluorocarbon lines, the

sloped frame and ring “shed” tangles before they become a problem.

Fuji^® SK2™ split reel seat for the ultimate in light weight and sensitivity.

Machined-aluminum wind check and trim pieces.

Split-grip /super-grade cork handle.

Two coats of Flex Coat slow-cure finish.

Lifetime limited warranty backed by St. Croix Superstar Service.

 

LE

Features:

Integrated Poly Curve^®(IPC^®) tooling technology.

Taper Enhancement Technology (TET) blank design provides curved patterns for improved action with increased sensitivity.

Advanced Reinforcing Technology^™(ART^™).

Super high-modulus SC^VI graphite with FRS in lower section for maximum power and strength with reduced weight.

High-modulus/high-strain SC^V graphite with FRS and carbon-matte scrim for unparalleled strength, durability and sensitivity.

Slim-profile ferrules.

Fuji^® K-R Concept Tangle Free guides with SiC rings and exclusive E-color finish frames. Ideal for super braid, mono and fluorocarbon lines, the sloped frame and ring “shed” tangles before they become a problem.

Fuji^® SK2^™ split reel seat for the ultimate in light weight and sensitivity.

Xtreme-Skin handle repels water, dirt and fish slime and cleans up easily. Manufactured by St. Croix to provide outstanding angler comfort, casting efficiency and sensitivity.

Machined-aluminum wind check, handle trim pieces and butt cap with logo badge.

Two coats of Flex Coat slow-cure finish.

Includes protective rod sack.

Lifetime limited warranty backed by St. Croix Superstar Service.

[Jrob78]

Since when...?

The legend elite and legend xtreme have always shared the same blank..

Ltb is on the sciv

Elite and xtreme are on scv blanks.

This is my understanding as well.

[Capt.Bob]

Legend Tournament is an SCIV

Elite uses SCV, but it is not the same as the Extreme. The Extreme features TET technology. They use the same base material though. The guides are not the same either. The LT uses alconite guides, while the other two use SiC guides. I personally think it's worth the money. The SCV blanks are among the very best. They're a good bit more sensitive than the IV. I prefer the Elite because I hate the handles on the Extreme and Legend Tournament. Much prefer the full cork, but that's just a personal preference.

This is spot on advice. The TET is technology of the Extreme that's not shared with the Elite to me is a non issue,, and to say it is a step up is not really a factor in the feel or noticeable in the performance, as it is very marginal. Like Tywithay stated both Elite and Extreme are noticeably better than the LTB, and the handle and reel seat is the biggest difference between the Elite Extreme, with no forward cork on the Extreme. For me I don't care for the split cork handles, but absolutely hate the skeleton reel seat and no forward cork. I always prefer the elite over the Extremes since they did away with the one piece reel seat, and the two I have were sent to my rod builder for custom full cork handles. I just dropped off a package for him to build this years rod, it included a 6'6" Elite MLF blank, I don't feel I am giving up anything in performance by not choosing the Extreme blank, and would have used the same components on either. I own a 6'8" LTB MXF a Legend Extreme MXF, and a legend Elite 6'3" MXF, all three are great rods, but the Extreme and Elite are noticeably lighter and more sensitive, along with being faster rods. Yes a definite step up, but like was said I would feel the split handle on the extreme if split grips are your cup of tea before upgrading to one!!