St. Croix Rods Battle

[Cody28]

Hey all, Im back looking at rods because you can never have too many am I right? Ive been thinking about branching out and trying something more expensive than my normal set ups (Mojos and Victorys). I would like to have a rod I go to when Im looking for some extra sensitivity and I am thinking I wanna try the legend tournament series. Is this worth the 100 increase over the victory? Would the 73 HXF be the right choice to cover most things bottom contact? Should I just get this rod in the Victory line? Anyone who has had both rod lines, your opinion would greatly be appreciated.

[TnRiver46]

I only have the one legend tournament so I can’t compare, but I like it! 

[QUAKEnSHAKE]

Id skip the LTB and go/save for Elite. 

 

[Cody28]

2 hours ago, QUAKEnSHAKE said:

Id skip the LTB and go/save for Elite. 

 

I’m having a hard time even rationalizing the LTB price tag haha. I have a 75 dollar gift card to burn and that’s the only real reason I wanted to possible go up from the Victory line. That’s honestly as high as I can let myself go for now. 

[Bluebasser86]

I really like my LTBs, not sure how many I have but it's around 8-10. Very nice rods, some of my favorite rods I've fished with. I haven't fished that model rod in the LTB, but I have it in the Victory and like it really well. I don't think you could go wrong with either. Whether it would be worth spending the extra is kind of something you'd have to determine. For me, it would be a yes. 

[TNBankFishing]

On 5/10/2022 at 12:10 AM, Cody28 said:

Hey all, Im back looking at rods because you can never have too many am I right? Ive been thinking about branching out and trying something more expensive than my normal set ups (Mojos and Victorys). I would like to have a rod I go to when Im looking for some extra sensitivity and I am thinking I wanna try the legend tournament series. Is this worth the 100 increase over the victory? Would the 73 HXF be the right choice to cover most things bottom contact? Should I just get this rod in the Victory line? Anyone who has had both rod lines, your opinion would greatly be appreciated.

St. Croix normally rates their XF slightly lower than F, and they often have a much softer tip section that shuts off earlier. Their HXF will be a great skipping rod for its weights, similar to my MHXF is amazing for skipping jigs. I guess I need to know what weight range of baits and what type of presentation you’re going for on the new rod. 

 

As far as price is concerned Memorial Day is coming up and you can normally find Croixs for 20-30% off. Your gift card will go a bit further. 
 

I own Legend Elite/X rods, the MHF, M, H, MHMF, and MHXF. I have not fished the LTB but I would strongly suggest stepping into the Legend line if and only if you can justify it. Never go in debt for fishing gear. I feel like when bought on sale the Legend lines are easily the best value around the $300 price point. 
 

I own an NRX+, P5, Steez AGS, and the Legend series absolutely keeps up. 

[Cody28]

4 hours ago, TNBankFishing said:

St. Croix normally rates their XF slightly lower than F, and they often have a much softer tip section that shuts off earlier. Their HXF will be a great skipping rod for its weights, similar to my MHXF is amazing for skipping jigs. I guess I need to know what weight range of baits and what type of presentation you’re going for on the new rod. 

 

As far as price is concerned Memorial Day is coming up and you can normally find Croixs for 20-30% off. Your gift card will go a bit further. 
 

I own Legend Elite/X rods, the MHF, M, H, MHMF, and MHXF. I have not fished the LTB but I would strongly suggest stepping into the Legend line if and only if you can justify it. Never go in debt for fishing gear. I feel like when bought on sale the Legend lines are easily the best value around the $300 price point. 
 

I own an NRX+, P5, Steez AGS, and the Legend series absolutely keeps up. 

Thank you for the info. That helps a lot. I am primarily planning to throw 3/8-1/2 oz football jigs, grass flipping jigs, and T rigs. Occasionally will throw a C rig but not often. 

[TNBankFishing]

I would suggest mhxf or straight mh if you’re not skipping a ton.  

[ErieCan]

I have the new LTB 7'3" HXF you're looking at.  Having played around with it a bit, I can say it'd be well suited to the baits and weights you're looking at.  I'd say a 1/2oz weight with a bulky trailer would be about the max I'd run on it.  I tried it out with a 1/4oz and rage bug and it handled that just fine as well.  It is a noticeable step up from my Victory rods. 

 

I intend to use mine for swimming and dragging grass flats with T-rigs as well as light flipping to deep grass edges. 

[Cody28]

2 hours ago, ErieCan said:

I have the new LTB 7'3" HXF you're looking at.  Having played around with it a bit, I can say it'd be well suited to the baits and weights you're looking at.  I'd say a 1/2oz weight with a bulky trailer would be about the max I'd run on it.  I tried it out with a 1/4oz and rage bug and it handled that just fine as well.  It is a noticeable step up from my Victory rods. 

 

I intend to use mine for swimming and dragging grass flats with T-rigs as well as light flipping to deep grass edges. 

Noticeable step up in terms of sensitivity? Balance? Both? That range does sound perfect for my needs though. 

[ErieCan]

14 hours ago, Cody28 said:

Noticeable step up in terms of sensitivity? Balance? Both? That range does sound perfect for my needs though. 

 

Feels more crisp and a bit better balance (still a little tip heavy). More sensitive. Not sure on the actual weight difference as they don't list the weight of the LTB.  It's an SCIV+ blank as opposed to an SCIII+. 

[cyclops2]

I am smiling about muscle strains from using 5 oz fishing rods.  Still waiting for my first torn muscle from casting.

[captnstabn]

The legend tournament rods are too tip heavy.  The elite or extreme are good to go.  Will not buy another LTB.