fishing St. Croix Legend xtreme

[Donutking]

Hello, I've been on the market for a new m/h fast action rod. I've been looking at the st. Croix legend xtreme, and I was wondering if the rod is any good and if there is a better rod for the same price or less.

[fishnkamp]

Those rods have been really nice and at one time G Loomis's and Legend Extremes were way out in front in many anglers minds. The St Croix rods are every bit as good as before, I just think others have caught up over time. Certainly G Loomis is not building rods the same as before Shimano bought into them. 

Gary Dobyns has a large group of anglers very loyal to his Dobyns Champion XP series and his Champion Extreme HP series. These sell for $230 to $290 for the XPs and $330 to $360 for his top of the line offering.  He offers a rod with that spec in a 7 foot and a  7"4 version, I have spoken with Gary before.  He is a great guy, so go look at his website then give him a call and talk fishing rods before you make up your mind. One small, but really nice thing also, is they offer many of their rods in both split handles and full cork handles. On the Legend Extremes you have to accept the handle material they use and it is a split grip only. 

[iabass8]

The extreme ScV blank is one of the finest on the market. Great rods. I would look at the new legend elite with torsites instead though

[Jrob78]

Take a look at the handles on the Extreme and Elite.  That might make your decision for you.

[WIGuide]

I have absolutely zero negative things to say about the Legend Xtremes. I've got three and they are my favorite rods. I've got two older models with the cork handles and recoil guides as well as the newest model with the new handle. I wasn't sure I'd like it at first as I'm a big fan of cork, but after using it, I really like it. It's not slippery and when it gets wet it actually gets more tacky. The blanks are very sensitive as they should be for that price. I think they're worth the money and I plan to get more in the future. The other advantage to not only the Xtremes, but any St. Croix rod, the customer service is top notch. They fully stand behind their product  which is always welcome to see. 

[MickD]

I just don't think it gets much better than St Croix SCV , not familiar with the factory rods.  But I think the absolute best rod will be the rod built by one's self on a Legend blank.  Then everything can be as one wants it.

[Donutking]

Thanks for the feedback everyone, now does anyone know a good reel for around 200-300 dollars to pair it up with the rod?

[Jrob78]

1 hour ago, Donutking said:

Thanks for the feedback everyone, now does anyone know a good reel for around 200-300 dollars to pair it up with the rod?

Lots of great reels in that price range.  You're going to have narrow it down a little.  I only fish Shimano and Daiwa, so that's where I would be looking. 

[DaveT63]

13 hours ago, Donutking said:

Thanks for the feedback everyone, now does anyone know a good reel for around 200-300 dollars to pair it up with the rod?

First, the St Croix Extreme and Elite rods are top notch and worth the money, although as someone else said earlier, I hear a lot of great things about the Dobyns Champ Extremes.

For reels, if buying used doesn't bother you, you can get Shimano Cores and Daiwa Steez used for the $200-300 range if you look.  I would also consider a used Shaimano Aledbaran, going for just over $300 on the bay site.

[Capt.Bob]

In my opinion they are the best factory assembled rods on the Market, and backed that way!

 

If I was having a rod built the Legend Elite and Legend Extreme would be my number one choice! Thats why I own several of each,, I will add, I think, my opinion of course, everything else is only comparable to the Avid blanks,, also very good blanks!

 

[Siebert Outdoors]

I have sold almost all my rods and switched over to these.  IMO one of the best rods out there with a great backing by a great company.