What exactly is going on with St. Croix?

[NorthernBasser]

If you self-proclaim yourself "Best Rods on Earth" (hardly), you better back it up. 

 

 

[Wildbillb]

Interesting.  I always wonder how many issues are out there and how many are reposts on the internet.   I havnt heard of anyone I personally know having an issue or myself for that matter.  I snapped a tip on a 2 piece a couple years ago in the rod locker.  Quick phone call and I was able to purchase a new top section and had it in no time.

[thunderblack]

I think what impresses me the most about SC is the array of rods they have. Their rod builds are great and the choices you have for every type of fishing are almost overwhelming. I'm sure it would be hard to knock every design and construction out of the park consistently....especially if you have new employees.

[Glenn]

Most manufacturers in all verticals are trying hard to catch up from the pandemic. That will always be an issue with domestically built products.  Given most fishing products are made overseas, I understand how SC stands out in this fashion since most of its products are American made.

 

From a qualitative standpoint...I understand SC sales have skyrocketed. While the % issues relative to the volume have not changed, the overall #'s have indeed increased.  So it may seem there are more problems, but as a % of their business, is has remained constant.

 

I have personally acquired several BassX, Victory, and Tournament legend rods in the last 3 years (both spinning and baitcast) and have not had any of the reported issues.

 

 

[MN Fisher]

^ I picked up some Mojos and Victorys over last winter - I've been pounding them pretty hard...things like dropping them on the deck and not 'gently laying them down'. So far they've held up.

 

I think Glenn's got the right of it - more sales=more rods out there; and if the % of issues doesn't change, it still means more issues.

 

Course if I wanted to go see them directly - it's a 4hr each way trip.

[RichF]

My dad and I have been SC users for a long time, Premiers-Legend Xtremes. I’ve had some failures but I’ve also put these rods through the paces. SC’s customer service has always taken care of me. Ive branched out to different manufacturers over the years but always find my way back, mainly bc of their warranty. 

[Dye99]

I really liked their stuff years ago. Then I had one break on a hook set. Not even a heavy hook set.

I replaced it with another company while I sent it back to get a new SC.

Weather changed and season ended but I did get my free rod out of it.

Took it out the following spring, and it happened again with the new one.

I took my reel off and threw it away. Ill never use their stuff again.

 

With 35 years of bass fishing and owning alot of companies products Ive only had two rods break. Ever.

And both were St Croix. If you have a good one and its dependable thats awesome, I wont use them ever again.

[Pogues2300]

On 8/9/2023 at 1:57 PM, Glenn said:

Most manufacturers in all verticals are trying hard to catch up from the pandemic. That will always be an issue with domestically built products.  Given most fishing products are made overseas, I understand how SC stands out in this fashion since most of its products are American made.

 

From a qualitative standpoint...I understand SC sales have skyrocketed. While the % issues relative to the volume have not changed, the overall #'s have indeed increased.  So it may seem there are more problems, but as a % of their business, is has remained constant.

 

I have personally acquired several BassX, Victory, and Tournament legend rods in the last 3 years (both spinning and baitcast) and have not had any of the reported issues.

 

 

Owned multiple lines of St. Croix not one issue…zero. I feel like sometimes one person says something and the parrots repeat. Just like the knot boogie man who lurks on this forum ready to fail every other cast…people made up their minds on the new line before ever holding them let alone fishing them

[Ohioguy25]

I think it’s more likely that your anecdotal experience is the exception, considering this is now a widely discussed issue all over the internet. Especially as I am what you would call a Saint Croix fanboy, and plan on suffering through the current situation in hopes it will be resolved rather than just some anonymous shill slandering their good name. I think everyone is upset and wants to see them win.

[GReb]

They make a beautiful rod. I haven’t always been a huge fan of the performance but I will give them credit. Five years ago their product line was outdated and other companies had lapped them. They’ve really done a great job on newer rod lines and taking some chances on innovative components. 

[corey90]

when was the last time they have any new blank fibers or technoligy 

[Ohioguy25]

3 hours ago, GReb said:

They make a beautiful rod. I haven’t always been a huge fan of the performance but I will give them credit. Five years ago their product line was outdated and other companies had lapped them. They’ve really done a great job on newer rod lines and taking some chances on innovative components. 

I can definitely agree with you there. The legend tournament line is one of the most beautiful rod designs I’ve ever seen. I just wish they were as durable as they are pretty.
 

[Brian11719]

I bought their last gen bass-x rod on sale a couple of months ago and the reel seat came off while I was putting the reel on it. Seems like they had an issue with the last gen bass-x models based on internet posts I've seen. I tried contacting their warranty dept. and it took them a while but they eventually called twice and emailed me as a follow up which I thought was nice. Fortunately for me I was able to take it back to the store and while I was a little disappointed with this particular experience with them, I still think they are a good company. I'd probably stay away from that gen bass-x, but not planning on getting rid of the other 4 that I own from them. In fact I noticed a used one in my area and just sent the seller a note that I'm interested in buying it. That one is also a little more expensive and the warranty looks transferrable so I don't plan on having any issues with it. One thing I would suggest if anyone from their company ever reads this would be to consider waiving any fees for brand new rods with little or no use, but aside from that I think they make a good rod and have been happy with the others that I own.

[rangerjockey]

In 45 years of fun fishing, tournament fishing and traveling to go tournament fishing I've broken 2 rods a Loomis in the trolling motor bracket about 10 years ago and a Fenwick glass rod about 40 years ago that got the tip stuck on a piece of pole timber on Bull Shoals.

I have 4 legend elites and a Victory crank bait rod no Issues at all. 

I would never buy a rod to break it. I buy a rod for the performance. If I shut it in a rod locker or let it hang out of the boat and run it into a tree that's on me.

I'd rather see them do away with any warranty and price rods accordingly. Your paying for a warranty in the price of the rod anyway.

There legitimate claims for sure but IMHO there are far more that are just BS. and loomis ,St.Croix ect know it. 

 

 .

[r83srock]

41 minutes ago, rangerjockey said:

In 45 years of fun fishing, tournament fishing and traveling to go tournament fishing I've broken 2 rods a Loomis in the trolling motor bracket about 10 years ago and a Fenwick glass rod about 40 years ago that got the tip stuck on a piece of pole timber on Bull Shoals.

I have 4 legend elites and a Victory crank bait rod no Issues at all. 

I would never buy a rod to break it. I buy a rod for the performance. If I shut it in a rod locker or let it hang out of the boat and run it into a tree that's on me.

I'd rather see them do away with any warranty and price rods accordingly. Your paying for a warranty in the price of the rod anyway.

There legitimate claims for sure but IMHO there are far more that are just BS. and loomis ,St.Croix ect know it. 

 

 .

I agree. That was a big issue with Sears. Guys bringing a ratchet in because they put a 3 foot cheater pipe on it and stripped the gears. I’m sorry that’s not right. I have beater screwdrivers and ratchets dedicated to abusive situations, if I break it because I’m practically trying to I’m not going to warranty it.

[rangerjockey]

4 minutes ago, r83srock said:

I agree. That was a big issue with Sears. Guys bringing a ratchet in because they put a 3 foot cheater pipe on it and stripped the gears. I’m sorry that’s not right. I have beater screwdrivers and ratchets dedicated to abusive situations, if I break it because I’m practically trying to I’m not going to warranty it.

100 %. I think there's just so many folks who have learned to fish on the internet that they honestly believe they will catch  more fish on a NRX plus( it can't be the OG NRX ) than say a Falcon Cara.

Ain't gonna happen. But there are plenty of people ready to accept your debit card.

If I buy a new 85 inch TV and put my foot through it watching the Missouri game, does Samsung somehow owe me a new TV and a apology ?

On 8/11/2023 at 6:36 PM, corey90 said:

when was the last time they have any new blank fibers or technoligy 

Last year.

[FrnkNsteen]

I agree,.... I always question all the rod breakage I hear about. In all my years of fishing, my wife and I have only broken 2 rods while actually fishing.

 

One was an older model Fenwick HMX (late 90s version) that broke on a hookset my wife made when it was about 10 years old and had been fished ALOT by me. The other break I had was completely my fault due to grabbing it right up by the tip when landing a fish and the tip snapped the off right above my hand.

 

Any other time, it has been me smashing it under the TM support rod, closing it in a compartment or door of the truck topper,... Ceiling fan in my living room!! 😜😜

 

I have not had any breakage issues on any of my other rods,... St Croix or other brands. My issue has just been not liking the more recent reel seats and handles, though I've heard multiple stories of people having issues with the reel seats lately. That being said, I have had reel seat issues with other rods over the years and it wasn't any particular brand.

[FishTank]

5 hours ago, r83srock said:

I agree. That was a big issue with Sears. Guys bringing a ratchet in because they put a 3 foot cheater pipe on it and stripped the gears. I’m sorry that’s not right. I have beater screwdrivers and ratchets dedicated to abusive situations, if I break it because I’m practically trying to I’m not going to warranty it.

Funny you should say that.  I worked at a Sears from 1987-89. I started there when I was 15. I worked in the hardware department and paint. We would warranty the ratchets by replacing the ratchet hardware in store with a special press. We had three versions, best, better, and cheap. The ratchet mechanisms were all the same though. They rolled out of a factory in China. They were junk unfortunately.  It was one of a few Sear's secrets back in the day that were meant to be kept quiet. 

 

Also, you always knew when one had been used with a breaker bar when a guy would bring in a 13mm and a 1/2in socket that was broken.  We always kept the shelf empty of those two sizes so we could sell a few to people that needed them.

[Bigassbass]

I bought one SC rod in my life and that was a mistake, I've always said there are better rods and SC just has a cult following of people who think that warranty is the greatest which lots of people have proven it ain't so.

[Glenn]

5 hours ago, Bigassbass said:

I bought one SC rod in my life and that was a mistake

 

Just to clarify, you didn't like the rod because it was too heavy for you, not because of quality or warranty-related issues.

 

That's a fair point.  It's great there are so many rod companies out there. You can find one that suits your needs perfectly, so there's absolutely no need for a one-size-fits-all rod brand.  What works for one person doesn't for another.

 

It's the same with reels, lines, lures, boats, trucks, etc: whatever you prefer, you will always find a group of people who hate them.  It still doesn't mean you made a bad choice.

 

 

[ATA]

The st.croix rods are really good quality, I carry some for 9 years (travel rod) and they are one of the best among all brands. Some rods like the one I have is heavier because of using glass in the body, Not all in carbon and thats how it need to be for that application. I am sure they have some all carbon rod lines that way lighter.

[FishTank]

Did I miss something or did St.Croix release a new line of Avid rods? $240 and full cork grips. 

 

https://www.fishusa.com/St.-Croix-Avid-Series-Casting-Rod/?sku=216810&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiA7t6sBhAiEiwAsaieYhwV4lhmLNkWHnnNTanA8sp9ifv7dC5ASINnH6vPtkmI3TO9VL5hnxoCkbIQAvD_BwE

 

[Boulderman]

I had a bass-x rod with the reel seat issue. I filed the claim on their warranty page, they called me a week or two later to discuss options, and I received a free, current-model replacement (no fees or shipping or anything) a week or two later. Customer service was outstanding in my book.

[zell_pop1]

15 hours ago, FishTank said:

Did I miss something or did St.Croix release a new line of Avid rods? $240 and full cork grips. 

 

https://www.fishusa.com/St.-Croix-Avid-Series-Casting-Rod/?sku=216810&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiA7t6sBhAiEiwAsaieYhwV4lhmLNkWHnnNTanA8sp9ifv7dC5ASINnH6vPtkmI3TO9VL5hnxoCkbIQAvD_BwE

 

Unfortunately it is only available in 7' MF and MHF. Hopefully they expand the lineup but I doubt they do.

[Hulkster]

I raised this question a few months ago when they first came out. 

 

what was the point of this redesign?

 

they downgraded the guides (not fuji alconite anymore), added foam to the foregrip and didn't give us any new lengths??

 

kind of an odd redesign no?