What Do You Think Of The Handle On The New Legend Xtreme?

[BasshunterJGH]

For those who own one or have used one, what do you think of the handle on the new St Croix Legend Xtreme? It's definitely different, and it has mixed reviews on TW. I want to buy a high-end St Croix, and I was thinking Legend Tournament, but heard it has a tip heavy problem. Plus I don't like the tiny split-grip handle. Price aside, which would you recommend: Legend Xtreme or Legend Elite? Looking for some opinions from people who've owned both. Thanks.

[iabass8]

They balance is better than the previous Xtremes. 

 

I'm okay /w the spinning models but I'm still going to throw a hissy fit if/when my cork xtreme spinning rod breaks and I'm forced to replace it /w the new one. I've used the version I'll be upgrading to eventually and I liked it. Balanced great. 

 

I've only held the casting models and that is as far as I will go.I feel that the sk2 reel seat is the most uncomfortable reel seat ever made. I cannot stand it. Some people like it. I have big hands and just flat out hate it. It pokes, hurts, stabs and aches. Make sure you can mount a reel on the rod. While some people like the reel seat, it is not for everybody. 

 

the handle is purely aesthetic.(I prefer cork) it adds a bit of weight to the end of the rod which in turn helps balance better. If you're okay /w non work it's fine. Unless you are sword fighting /w the rod, the only time any part of your hand touches the handle is a small section of your hand when palming or holding the butt when casting. 

[Tywithay]

I like the feel of the material, but don't like the shape. I also found it to be way too short for the rod I had (7'1" Med). Don't really care for the skeleton seat either. The exposed threads above the reel seat make it difficult to get a finger on the blank and end up being pretty uncomfortable after a day of fishing. I loved the blank, but ultimately sold the rod because it just wasn't functional for me.

[BasshunterJGH]

The reel seat does look a little uncomfortable. Ill try to get into a tackle shop that has one and handle it with a reel.

[Tim Kelly]

Get a blank and build the rod how you'd like it. St Croix factory builds are challenging at best. The handle configuration on all of their ranges is a way away from what I like, but the blanks are superb. Never owned a Loomis because I hate their factory builds too, but they're not smart enough to sell blanks, so they'll never see my money.

 

Either blank would be an excellent basis for a home or custom builder project. The SCV blanks are fantastic.

[BasshunterJGH]

Get a blank and build the rod how you'd like it. St Croix factory builds are challenging at best. The handle configuration on all of their ranges is a way away from what I like, but the blanks are superb. Never owned a Loomis because I hate their factory builds too, but they're not smart enough to sell blanks, so they'll never see my money.

 

Either blank would be an excellent basis for a home or custom builder project. The SCV blanks are fantastic.

That's a good idea. A custom would be fun. Never done one before. I've always heard the SCV blanks are great.

[DaveT63]

I picked up one of the new 7'1" MHXF Xtremes last year. I like almost everything about it. The reel seat doesn't bother me, nor does the new handle material. The only thing I don't care for is the metal butt cap. I'm sure it helps with balance, but I don't like it. I agree with the suggestion of doing a custom build. GREAT blanks and easy to customize.

[Dwight Hottle]

A custom is the best way to go to get exactly what you want as others have mentioned. The legend extreme black handle is very comfortable for me. The elite would give you a conventional handle but the blanks are mostly all fast or extra fast actions. The extreme has some great moderate action blanks if that is what you are looking for. 

[BasshunterJGH]

A custom is the best way to go to get exactly what you want as others have mentioned. The legend extreme black handle is very comfortable for me. The elite would give you a conventional handle but the blanks are mostly all fast or extra fast actions. The extreme has some great moderate action blanks if that is what you are looking for.

It is kind of a pain how the elite doesn't have more model options. Although the 7 ft mh or h shoud suit my needs, I'm looking for a jig and worm rod. But I usually prefer something over 7', like a 7'4" for jigs, so maybe the xtreme is a better choice. I'm not looking for a moderate though, I don't want to spend $300+ on cranking rod lol.

[Dwight Hottle]

I have the LXC74HF which I use for 1/2 to 1oz jigs & plastic swim baits like big EZ . You will like it if you pull the trigger.

[Siebert Outdoors]

I have 1 spinning and 3 bc legend extremes. I really like the performance and the handles. I honestly like them better than cork.

[Dwight Hottle]

And the handle never gets dirty.

[BasshunterJGH]

I have the LXC74HF which I use for 1/2 to 1oz jigs & plastic swim baits like big EZ . You will like it if you pull the trigger.

 Thats actually the model I had in mind. 

I have 1 spinning and 3 bc legend extremes. I really like the performance and the handles. I honestly like them better than cork.

Well it's nice to know you like it. I'm not to worried about it. Like iabass said most of my hand is on the reel, not the rod. I was just worried about how it grips. I don't really like the handle on the rage I handled in the store, but obviously that's a completely different grade of rod

[Dwight Hottle]

 Thats actually the model I had in mind.  Well it's nice to know you like it. I'm not to worried about it. Like iabass said most of my hand is on the reel, not the rod. I was just worried about how it grips. I don't really like the handle on the rage I handled in the store, but obviously that's a completely different grade of rod

 

I was skeptical about the handle myself. It looks slippery but it is not. No problems with the grip in the rain either. I prefer cork but after using it for a day it became very comfortable and a non issue.

[WIGuide]

I've got both the new Xtreme and the older one with the cork grips. Absolutely love them both, they're amazing sticks. I don't have a problem with either handle or the reel seats. I've also got a couple LTB's that have the same reel seat as the Xtremes and I find them very comfortable too. The handle of the new Xtremes is not the same as the one put on the Rage. In the end the choice is up to you. The Legend Elite is the more traditional version of the Xtreme made in more traditional lengths and actions, but it's built on the same blank. I would highly recommend an Xtreme though since it's an absolute dream to fish with. 

[tomustang]

Xtreme has TET, the elite doesnt, so no theyre not the same.

[tomustang]

I dont mind the handle, but im fine with any type of handle.

My wife on the other hand doesn't like it for the fact that it's different than cork, same goes for the rage handle although they are different types.

[Dwight Hottle]

Xtreme has TET, the elite doesnt, so no theyre not the same.

 

 

Tom is right about the TET.

Funny thing the LES70MF blank retails for $180

And the LXS70MF blanks retails for $180, same price.

[ColdSVT]

I like the extreme handle better than my LTB handle...and im a cork fan!

I just cant afford an Exteme lol