St. Croix Legend Xtreme 6'8" Med Hvy

[TBAG]

I've got an opportunity to purchase a brand new one for less than half of retail and just seeing if there are any opinions on whether I should pull the trigger. 

 

I'm in need of a rod for 3/8 to 1/2 oz. jigs plus trailer. I recently sold some IMX Pros 853c and 854c and upgraded to an 853c NRX which I use for finesse jigs and light texas rigs. I have yet to get another rod for heavier jigs as I was holding off for another NRX. 

 

I normally prefer a rod that's 7' in length for jigs especially since I mainly fish from a yak. But, I do have other 6'8"-6'10" rods I use on other applications. I also fish small rivers and creeks so a shorter rod is always a plus. 

 

I guess my ultimate question is whether it's worth buying this rod or saving a little more and getting a 873 CRR NRX or 854c NRX? 

 

 

I'm a fan of St. Croix rods but only own Avids, Legend Glass and a few Mojo Bass rods. 

 

If I don't get the Legend Xtreme for a jig rod then what other applications have you all used this model for? Thanks

[FishTank]

I have the Legend Elite version of this rod and it's pretty amazing but it's not an NRX.  It's more like the GLX.  The Extreme is supposed to be just slightly more sensitive.  In hand I didn't care for the material that the handle is made of but I hear it gets better as you use it.   I tend to like cork.  If it was me and I could pick the Extreme up new for half the cost, I would jump on it. 

 

I would use it for jigs and T-rigged soft plastic, maybe some heavier spinner baits and jerkbaits (Vision 110's).  

[RichF]

Def get it. I've never used any Loomis rods but I don't know why you'd need anymore sensitivity than the Xtreme. I use my 7'0 MH for jigs and light t-rigs.

[TBAG]

5 hours ago, FishTank said:

I have the Legend Elite version of this rod and it's pretty amazing but it's not an NRX.  It's more like the GLX.  The Extreme is supposed to be just slightly more sensitive.  In hand I didn't care for the material that the handle is made of but I hear it gets better as you use it.   I tend to like cork.  If it was me and I could pick the Extreme up new for half the cost, I would jump on it. 

 

I would use it for jigs and T-rigged soft plastic, maybe some heavier spinner baits and jerkbaits (Vision 110's).  

 

5 hours ago, RichF said:

Def get it. I've never used any Loomis rods but I don't know why you'd need anymore sensitivity than the Xtreme. I use my 7'0 MH for jigs and light t-rigs.

 

Thanks guys. Yeah, I'm more worried about the 6'8" length than anything. 

[FishTank]

11 minutes ago, TBAG said:

 

 

Thanks guys. Yeah, I'm more worried about the 6'8" length than anything. 

 

Are you thinking the length is too short?  I have had no issues with hook ups with the one I have and the casting has been fine.  I do think that if it is more vertical fishing you are after then a longer rod and a x-fast taper would be better.

[TBAG]

5 minutes ago, FishTank said:

 

Are you thinking the length is too short?  I have had no issues with hook ups with the one I have and the casting has been fine.  I do think that if it is more vertical fishing you are after then a longer rod and a x-fast taper would be better.

 

Yeah, just afraid I'll need a longer length but maybe over thinking. I'll be mainly kayak fishing so no vertical fishing. 

 

Also, should I be looking to go with a Heavy rod for the size jigs? I know the Xtreme is rated to 1 oz. Just curious how it compares to Loomis 4 power rods. 

[RichF]

36 minutes ago, TBAG said:

 

Yeah, just afraid I'll need a longer length but maybe over thinking. I'll be mainly kayak fishing so no vertical fishing. 

 

Also, should I be looking to go with a Heavy rod for the size jigs? I know the Xtreme is rated to 1 oz. Just curious how it compares to Loomis 4 power rods. 

I throw 3/8  to 1/2 oz jigs with mine. Zero problems.

[TBAG]

27 minutes ago, RichF said:

I throw 3/8  to 1/2 oz jigs with mine. Zero problems.

 

Yeah, guess I should have said it better. I'm sure it will handle those weights, I'm just used to throwing larger jigs with a heavy power rod. 

 

Thanks for all the help fellas, looks like their is no avoiding the Monkey as usual. 

[FishTank]

1 hour ago, TBAG said:

 

Yeah, just afraid I'll need a longer length but maybe over thinking. I'll be mainly kayak fishing so no vertical fishing. 

 

Also, should I be looking to go with a Heavy rod for the size jigs? I know the Xtreme is rated to 1 oz. Just curious how it compares to Loomis 4 power rods. 

I kayak fish too and I actually prefer rods under 7'.  My personal favorite is a G. Loomis 783C GLX.  It's a 6'6'' rod and it's perfect just about anything.  

 

One thing on St.Croix Elite rods.  They feel just slightly stouter than G. Loomis rods at the same power.  The Avids and Legend Tournaments are almost a whole power more> MH Avid is like a H GLX.