GLX vs SCIII vs SCV

[Janderson45]

So I've always been a St. Croix fan... my whole lineup is pretty much a mix of different St. Croix lines..  until I recently bought a Dobyns Champion HP 784ML Jig rod... I bought it for football jigs and I really wanted the extra length and XF taper, which wasn't available in St. Croixs lineup.  I'm sure I could've found something fairly close in St. Croixs lineup, but their rods that are designed for similar "finesse jig" techniques are more like 7'1 not 7'8.  Anyways, I LOVE that new dobyns rod... great blank for a whole variety of baits...

 

Now I'm looking for another Medium Heavy Fast or Extra Fast jig rod in more like a 7'-7'5 length... pretty much want the most sensitive rod I can reasonably afford... like to keep it under 400 so I'm taking the NRX out of the equation..  As much as I like the Dobyns 784 I've read that both St. Croix and Loomis offer blanks that are noticeably more sensitive..  So that's got me comparing a Legend Elite and a GLX JWR ... anyone have both or fished with both and care to weigh in on which they like more and why?  I also want it to have a full cork grip.. I don't mind split grips but really prefer full cork on my jig rods.   Final question is whether or not the upgrade to SCV or GLX from an SCIII (7' St. Croix Avid) is worth doubling the price for?  I realize that's a personal question.. but I'm asking for your opinions I suppose.  I fish a lot of Avid series rods and certainly don't have too many complaints.. my biggest complaint would be the lack of lengths/technique specific tapers in the rod lineup..  I'd be stuck with a 7' MHF avid whereas if I upgraded to a Legend Elite or GLX JWR I'd have more options for lengths and different rod tapers.

 

Any insight is appreciated... Thanks guys!   

[Jon G]

I do not have the GLX (may change in a few days) but I do have the 2016 7'MH Legend Elite. Out of all the rods that I have used in the years I have been fishing the new Legend Elite is by far the best rod I have ever used. I've owned the rod for about a year and a half and I use it every time I go out on the water. I primarily use it for Trigs and jigs in the 1/4-3/8oz range but it will handle 1/2 oz jigs but that is as heavy of a jig I would use it with. That being said it is very versatile and can do the following techniques paddle tail swim baits, chatter baits, spinnerbaits, lipless cranks, powershot, and lighter Carolina rigs.

 

The sensitivity of the rod is outstanding it is by far the most sensitive rod I have ever used. The first time I used it I was using a 3/8 oz football jig and was dragging it along a rocky point. I couldn't believe how distinctly I could feel the bottom and I could feel every little change in the bottom. 

 

As far as the power of the rod goes, it definitely feels like a true medium heavy. St. Croix rods are known to fish a power heavier than advertised  but I feel that the 7'MH feels like a true MH. That being said it has a lot of power to pull fish out cover. Since I've owned the rod I've caught two 5lbers and one 6 all pitching a jig into lay downs.

 

The rod also balances well with just about any reel. I've paired it with Curado 200 and 70, Metaniums, and a Chronarch CI4 and it balanced perfectly with all of them.

 

I don't think you can go wrong with the Legend Elite

 

[Janderson45]

Thanks for the reply and nice largie!  I own all of those reels, so I'm glad to hear you like how the rod balances with all of them...   I'd probably be leaning towards the 7'1 MHXF over the 7'MHF .. but those are the two LE's that are under consideration.  I've yet to hear a bad thing about the new LE's, so that's not surprising that you love yours.. everyone I've talked to loves theirs as well... I'm just curious how the two compare!  If all else is equal I'd probably get the St. Croix just because I LOVE st Croix and their customer service/warranty claims... but if the loomis is noticeably more sensitive or lighter it could get the nod..

[Jon G]

2 minutes ago, Janderson45 said:

Thanks for the reply and nice largie!  I own all of those reels, so I'm glad to hear you like how the rod balances with all of them...   I'd probably be leaning towards the 7'1 MHXF over the 7'MHF .. but those are the two LE's that are under consideration.  I've yet to hear a bad thing about the new LE's, so that's not surprising that you love yours.. everyone I've talked to loves theirs as well... I'm just curious how the two compare!  If all else is equal I'd probably get the St. Croix just because I LOVE st Croix and their customer service/warranty claims... but if the loomis is noticeably more sensitive or lighter it could get the nod..

I'ma actually about to pull the trigger on either a GLX or NRX just to see how it compares. I'm a St. Croix junkie as well so St. Croix definitely gets my vote.

[Steveo-1969]

Have you considered a used or rep sample NRX rod?  You can easily find either one for under $400. The 893c is 7'5" MHXF.

[Janderson45]

21 minutes ago, Steveo-1969 said:

Have you considered a used or rep sample NRX rod?  You can easily find either one for under $400. The 893c is 7'5" MHXF.

 

I have not, but I would certainly be interested... I've heard of "blemished" rods being sold for steep discounts, or like you suggest a rep sample, but I'm unsure of how I would go about finding one of these.  Could the 893c handle up to 3/4 oz or would I need an 894?  Will be primarily fishing 3/8 & 1/2 oz jigs and Trigs but I'd like to be able to throw 3/4's with this rod in a pinch if I had to. 

[Steveo-1969]

I'll send you a message about how to find a rep sample or a used rod. I have an NRX 893c and an NRX MBR 842c and bought both as rep samples for under $400 each. They came brand new with plastic and tags.

 

The 893 is rated 3/16-5/8 and IMO 3/4 ounce would be too heavy. Sounds like an 894 would be better for you.

[DaveT63]

I love St Croix LE and XC rods, but the NRX is better sensitivity-wise for me.  And like someone else said, you can get a rep sample for under $400 if you know where to look.  That's how I bought my MBR843C NRX.  Beautiful rod!