Tip top repair St. Croix

[Cody28]

Does anyone know what tip is used on the St. Croix Victory rods? I’m looking to replace the top guide due to the insert chipping. I went to my local tackle shop and they recommended that I didn’t buy the guides they offered because “they were only good enough quality for ugly sticks”. They then gave me the number of a local rod repair shop but this seems silly for such an easy fix. I’ve never done this so any advice would be appreciated. 

[MN Fisher]

Step one - contact St. Croix...the Victory has a 15 year warranty, they'll either

a) Want you to send the rod in for repair

b) Offer to exchange the rod for a new one

c) send you the proper tip-top.

[Munkin]

Call St Croix, more that likely they will send you a new tip. I have had this happen with both a St Croix and GLoomis rod where the tip was crushed by someone stepping on it. GLoomis rep wasn't sure of the tip size so they sent me 6 different ones.

 

Allen

[MickD]

It really doesn't matter that you get the exact tiptop model.  Any tiptop of the right size tube and ring, given that it's a good ceramic like Alconite, SIC, or Zirconia, will work just fine.  If you replace it yourself make sure you don't apply too much heat to remove the current one.  If it's not epoxied on you just put a rubber band through the ring, tension it, apply a little heat and it will slide off when the hot melt is ready.  Only takes a few seconds.  I don't even use gloves to handle them the heat requirement is so low.  If it's epoxied on and doesn't readily slide off, take it to an expert or St Croix.  The risk of destroying  the blank is very high.