St Croix vs Cabela's Tournament ZX

[spbk84]

Good Evening,

I started fishing last summer and I made my first Casting purchase blindly after a long drive to Bass Pro shops. It was a  7' BPS Bionic Blade (Jig) Heavy Fast along with a Pro qualifier Bate caster. I would like a second set up for primarily throwing senkos & plastics, I will be using lures and spinners as well..  

I am considering the St Croix  Rage -  7'1 M F ( RC71MF ) and its $89 or the Cabela's Tournament ZX. 

Please let me know what you think. I am looking to stay under $100.

Thank You

[Turkey sandwich]

The Rage is going to be the best value at that price point.  For finesse fishing (senko, drop shot, etc), with a fast or estra fast action the blank is untouchable for under $100.   

 

Also, welcome!

[spbk84]

Thanks Turkey

[offsidewing]

The Rage is a great value for sure.  I bought my teenage son the Tourney ZX spinning rod for senkos when they were on sale for $69.  despite all the rave reviews, I feel they get over-looked because they are a "Cabela's" brand. 

[LunkerFisher]

25 minutes ago, offsidewing said:

The Rage is a great value for sure.  I bought my teenage son the Tourney ZX spinning rod for senkos when they were on sale for $69.  despite all the rave reviews, I feel they get over-looked because they are a "Cabela's" brand. 

I have had good luck with my 3 Cabela's brand rods. I would definitely choose the zx over the rage. The zx handle (I have the 7'5" crankshaft) suits me way better than the handle on the Rage. The rage may have better graphite, but sensitivity won't matter to me if I'm not even inclined to pick the rod up. If you can get out to a Cabela's and hold each one, I would recommend it.

[RichF]

Call St. Croix's store.  You can get the Rage for $50 if you get 2 or more plus $10 flat rate shipping. You'll just have to ask what models they have left.

[faygo1979]

I believe the Rage will be more sensitive and the ZX will be lighter  But the guides on the rage I think are subpar.

[spbk84]

11 hours ago, RichF said:

Call St. Croix's store.  You can get the Rage for $50 if you get 2 or more plus $10 flat rate shipping. You'll just have to ask what models they have left.

Thanks for the responses.  I appreciate the advice.Rich F thanks for your heads up,  I called the store and got 2 of the Rage rods for $110 shipped. Now i just need to find some decent bate casters. 

[RichF]

11 hours ago, spbk84 said:

Thanks for the responses.  I appreciate the advice.Rich F thanks for your heads up,  I called the store and got 2 of the Rage rods for $110 shipped. Now i just need to find some decent bate casters. 

No problem! Enjoy!

[WIGuide]

11 hours ago, spbk84 said:

Thanks for the responses.  I appreciate the advice.Rich F thanks for your heads up,  I called the store and got 2 of the Rage rods for $110 shipped. Now i just need to find some decent bate casters. 

Not sure what your budget is on reels, but BPS has the Pro Qualifier on sale...not as good of sale as it was a few days ago, but still a good deal. They're great workhorse reels and for under $100 a pop that's not too bad.

[spbk84]

thanks WiGuide. I actually have one of them and i think its great. I am thinking of getting a Lews and a Daiwa in the $150 Range.I am going to do the Tackle warehouse reel renting program and see which i like first. 

[Fishin Ethan]

I have both St. Croix and a Cabelas tournment rod. I find the Cabelas rod to work the same as the St. Croix. St. Croix Rage is a fine rod same with Cabelas tournment and personally I would choose Cabelas. I have had great success with Cabelas brand because it is cheaper and performance just as good.

 

[Mokujon]

Tourney ZX are on sale for $70 right now. I have the 7'3" heavy frog rod and I love it. Had it for 2 years and never had a problem with it. A few of my friends have ZX rods and they all like them too. I love the grip on them too.

[Murrica]

I have 2 of the Cabelas ZX rods.  One is the swimbait rod and one is the frog rod.  I think for the money they are worth it.  I had one eye on the ZX rod break and took it back and they replaced it for me no questions asked.  St Croix does make a good stick though.  

[Jeff H]

The Cabela's Tournament ZX rods are legit (I have 2 now), especially at sale prices!  I have my share of St Croix Avids and Premier's but the ZX rods are a bargain.  I see guys using them on tv or in tournaments quite a bit.

[robster80]

i have the zx  frog rod .  i had it for sale but thinkin i might keep it after playing with it some more.  its just so comfortable to hold.  not tip heavy either. love the grips on these things.  considering picking up the spinnerbait rod while its on sale