Super User smalljaw67 Posted July 12, 2014 Super User Posted July 12, 2014 So, I was excited for the release of the Avid X until I saw that they're still using those fugly reel seats. http://stcroixrods.com/resources/newscenter/radical-fishing-rod-evokes-extreme-performance#.U8AB041dWr8 I'll stick to the LTB's... I thought I was the only one that didn't care for the Fuji ECS reel seat, well at least I'm not alone. I'm happy to see they integrated the foregrip and locking nut to hide those reel seat threads.
Super User smalljaw67 Posted July 12, 2014 Super User Posted July 12, 2014 As far as the warranty I would not put much faith in the 15 years. The ScIII blank if custom built still carries a full lifetime warranty, when St. Croix says 15 years I will believe it, till then I have seen to many previews be off on some of their particulars. Anyways, I can still find new Avids with complete grips and reel seats for under $180.00, just gotta shop around, and those are what I will be buying anyways. The 15 years comes straight from St. Croix, and a tackle shop Owner I know said that all the SClll blanks will feature 15 year warranties.
Super User S Hovanec Posted July 12, 2014 Super User Posted July 12, 2014 LOVE the ECS seat. The ACS is the most uncomfortable thing I've ever held next to a Minima. Still on the fence about the SK2. Haven't fished one yet, just handled them in the shop. I'm not a fan of foregrips on my bass rods, but this one looks tolerable and wouldn't be a dealbreaker. The split grip, I can do without. I'm not a huge fan, but my current favorite rod does sport a split grip. The 15 years comes straight from St. Croix, and a tackle shop Owner I know said that all the SClll blanks will feature 15 year warranties. Warranties have gotten out of hand. Glad to see them reigning them back in a bit. No reason to offer more than a 1 year IMO. If it doesn't blow up in the first couple outings, then there's no manufacturing defect. 3
Capt.Bob Posted July 12, 2014 Posted July 12, 2014 Warranties have gotten out of hand. Glad to see them reigning them back in a bit. No reason to offer more than a 1 year IMO. If it doesn't blow up in the first couple outings, then there's no manufacturing defect. To date all the SCIII blanks do have a Lifetime Warranty, at least on any rod from the USA, the imports are only 5 which I hope stays that way. I like the benefits to go to those that keep Americans working. But I like the lifetime Warranty and hope it stays on the Avid rods after this year, and it is kinda nice to use a rod for 15 or more years, and when a quality rod finally takes all the abuse I put it thru over those years break's, be able to return the pieces and have a brand new rod packed with all the new technologies for a fraction of the price of a new rod. Of course unless I was making money selling them?? To me this is just one thing that keeps St. Croix #1 for so many years, I hope they realize being the oldest and setting standards for world class as they have done for so many years don't reverse what has put them where they are today and start following those companies that came about after them, Leaders don't follow. I am willing to pay a premium when I feel I am buying the best, and being backed by the best customer service available. Just my personal feelings, when they stop the Lifetime, I stop building, I could be set for life with all the Avids and Legends I own now, but sure hope I continue to have to have that new outfit every year, just because, but if they ever do change there policy on these American Made Blanks, I will live out my days with what I have already in my inventory, and smile every day I use them, I hope others can continue the same luxuries for the rest of their lives!
dam0007 Posted July 12, 2014 Posted July 12, 2014 What's the deal with the foregrip on bait cast rods I just don't understand. Dobyns/Powell is IMO the perfect look and set up for your index finger. Even my choice 13 rods big stupid locking nut to hide the threads. Spinning rods depending on how you cast is one thing. I'm not trying to be a smart arse. Someone please explain this.
Super User F14A-B Posted July 12, 2014 Super User Posted July 12, 2014 Idk.. But 15 years? That's still quite a bit of time, surely there will be some fabulous change in rod blanks by then, then again, how good is good enough ? Avid 3 is good but if it ain't built right it won't matter, the USA avid is better than import, idk why, but it is, my opinion only
Hogsticker Posted July 12, 2014 Posted July 12, 2014 I think the reason for the foregrip is purely traditional. It provides no benefits other than possible balance. If a foregrip is to be used it should measure no longer than 3/4 inch, and not be fat in diameter. No foregrip is great as long as the threads on the reel seat are trimmed as far as possible. Nobody does that. It's likely easier to mass produce rods with a foregrip than cut a bunch of reel seats. I'm pretty sure Dobyns and Powell use the size 16 ecs and do no trimming. Falcon rods are the worst and it's a shame cause most of there blanks are above par. 1
Super User Jrob78 Posted July 12, 2014 Super User Posted July 12, 2014 Warranties have gotten out of hand. Glad to see them reigning them back in a bit. No reason to offer more than a 1 year IMO. If it doesn't blow up in the first couple outings, then there's no manufacturing defect. Exactly, this is a HUGE part of the reason prices keep going up. 1
Super User F14A-B Posted July 12, 2014 Super User Posted July 12, 2014 I like a cork fore grip, even more when it has function this is on a heavy loomis fore grip is over 3" I can grip the rod and grab a net.. Without risking a rod break
Super User 00 mod Posted July 12, 2014 Super User Posted July 12, 2014 I cast with two hands 90% of the time and when no flipping, pitching or side arm casting, I always ise the foregrip. Just the way I learned to cast at a young age. I do know I am in the minority though. Jeff
Super User Jrob78 Posted July 12, 2014 Super User Posted July 12, 2014 I cast with two hands 90% of the time and when no flipping, pitching or side arm casting, I always ise the foregrip. Just the way I learned to cast at a young age. I do know I am in the minority though. Jeff Interesting. So you cast with a hand on the reel and one on the foregrip, vs. a hand on the reel and one on the butt?
ColdSVT Posted July 12, 2014 Posted July 12, 2014 ^^ most of the time i cast with one hand on the reel when i pitchin or flippin Long distance two hands...one on the reel and other on the butt...split grips or full grips i like em both lol
dam0007 Posted July 12, 2014 Posted July 12, 2014 I cast with trigger between my middle and ring finger. Then reel with it between pinky and ring with index on fore grip or blank. I've never needed extra leverage to handle the rod while freeing it for a net or anything. Only time I may need to do that is on the fly switching hands like in my pic<<<<< with that said I now see where I could make use of it... But still think it's hideous lol
dam0007 Posted July 12, 2014 Posted July 12, 2014 Interesting. So you cast with a hand on the reel and one on the foregrip, vs. a hand on the reel and one on the butt? a lot of saltwater guys with big conventional reels I've seen do that. Before worm gears were common.... Dammit I just aged myself
Super User F14A-B Posted July 12, 2014 Super User Posted July 12, 2014 dam0007, I know where you're coming from, I also use this rod in salt, as well, on bigger harder running fish, I can pump that rod properly with that foregrip ... St. Croix stresses about grabbing a rod by the blank with you're hand/ fingers , Gary Loomis also says there's nothing harder on a rod, I don't fully understand it but I have broke one rod in 30 years by following certain guidelines.
Super User Jrob78 Posted July 12, 2014 Super User Posted July 12, 2014 I've seen plenty of people retrieve a bait with a hand on the foregrip, just never cast one that way.
dam0007 Posted July 13, 2014 Posted July 13, 2014 As far as these rods go the fact they now cover the threads is good. IMO if threads are showing with a reel locked down, then the craftsmanship looks incomplete and cheap.
Super User iabass8 Posted July 13, 2014 Super User Posted July 13, 2014 Why a 15 year warranty isn't enough or is in question is beyond me. If after 15 years of fishing the rod breaks, that's on you. Obviously St. Croix has such amazing customer service that they are replacing it for next to nothing but show the company some respect and just buy a new one. 2
Super User F14A-B Posted July 13, 2014 Super User Posted July 13, 2014 As far as these rods go the fact they now cover the threads is good. IMO if threads are showing with a reel locked down, then the craftsmanship looks incomplete and cheap.That's a fine design who is the maker?
dam0007 Posted July 13, 2014 Posted July 13, 2014 That's a fine design who is the maker? I was referring to the avid x lol my sw combo is avid surf
Super User F14A-B Posted July 13, 2014 Super User Posted July 13, 2014 I know, on X , but I thought it looked croix ( surf ) anyhow nice rig.
Super User Tywithay Posted July 13, 2014 Super User Posted July 13, 2014 New from St Croix. Triumph X: http://www.tackledirect.com/st-croix-triumph-x-rods.html Avid X Spinning: http://www.tackledirect.com/st-croix-avid-x-spinning-rods.html Avid X Casting: http://www.tackledirect.com/st-croix-avid-x-casting-rods.html Legend Trek Travel Rods: http://www.tackledirect.com/st-croix-legend-trek-rods.html
Super User 00 mod Posted July 13, 2014 Super User Posted July 13, 2014 Interesting. So you cast with a hand on the reel and one on the foregrip, vs. a hand on the reel and one on the butt? Yep. I learned to throw a baitcaster when I was very young. 2-3yrs old. Back then I was so young, I had to grip the foregrip to be able to hold the rod and not launch it into the lake(which I did several times anyways). I never switched as I grew older. I will grab a screenshot from one of my videos to show. One hand on the foregrip and one hand right below reel with thumb on reel. Also helps you to get your hands back on the reel quicker for a right handed reel. Jeff
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