What rod to upgrade to

[PBBrandon]

I have a St. Croix Victory rod that snapped on me while casting and I’m thinking about upgrading to a higher line. I had the 7’3” MXF spinning model. It was a good rod, but I figure I might as well upgrade if it’s worth it. My current spinning setups are:

 

6’ ULF Premier

6’6” LF Premier

7’1” MLF Kaden

7’ MF Expride B

 

my premiers are on the noodle side and my Kaden and Expride are stout for their ratings. So a true finesse rod seems to be what I need for dropshots, neds, etc. The 7’3” MXF did a fine job because of the soft tip, but it had a lot of backbone as well. What’s finesse rod in the LTB, Legend Elite, or Legend X line should I upgrade to? Thank you

[DaveT63]

St Croix makes both a 7'3" MLXF and a 7'10" MLXF in the LTB series.

 

I have heard great things about the 7'6" MLXF in the Legend Elite series, but all St Croix seems to have in stock right now is a 2-pc version.  I can say from experience, their 2-pc rods feel as good to me as the one piece rods do.

 

It does look like the one piece is available from different retailers if you do a google search.

[thunderblack]

Legend tourneys are nice! I also have 7-6 ML XF avid walleye that is really nice as well. The newer models in both are great options.

[PBBrandon]

Thanks y’all, I think I’ve narrowed it down to

 

6’10” or 7’3” MLXF in the LTB line

6’10” MLXF, 7’ MLF, or 7’6” MLXF 2pc in the Legend Elite line

 

anyone have opinions on these rods? I’m leaning towards the 6’10” models as I fish mostly from a kayak and sometimes the bank, but am open to a longer rod if it gives an advantage

[Puggz]

sorry to drop this in but I'd recommend a megabass Orochi whipsnake. I added one to my aresenal this summer and I'm very pleased. Similar price the the SC LTs.

 

 

[T0nyZzz]

I have the Legend Elite 7'6 MLXF-2pieces, an amazing rod for finesse. I usually have a Vanford 2000 on it, a light setup, and use it for drop shot and Senko, sometimes small swimbait. It has a weird sensitivity; the tip is softer than I expected, but you do feel every subtle bite, and when you have a fish on, it will stick with the fish very well. I guess it will never break, the rod is sensitive enough with good flexibility. 

I also have a Megabass Destroyer P5 F3-610X Bait Finesse, it's a 6'10 ML Fast to Regular 1 piece rod.  And sometimes I will put on a drop shot, it has a very direct sensitivity and bites & touches feel "amplified". The whole rod is pretty stiff, especially its tip, which adds more sensitivity but doesn't engage that well when you have a fish on. Fast action could be a reason though...?  I do worry about breaking my rod if I had a big fish, it's a bit too stiff. When I'm on my Legend Elite it gives me much more confidence, like I know it can bend more, but on Megabass it's like "Please don't break, I can't tell what's your limit but it doesn't feel very high."  Or maybe I'm still not used to it.  

I only do bank fishing, 7'6 length gives me a better casting distance. 2-pieces design doesn't affect its performance at all. If you want a finesse killing stick, go Legend Elite. If you want extreme sensitivity, you should check out Megabass rods like F3-611XS Landsat. You can find them on sale on some JDM websites, I got mine at $250, shipped from Japan.    

     

 

[PaulVE64]

On 10/9/2023 at 10:38 AM, thunderblack said:

Legend tourneys are nice! I also have 7-6 ML XF avid walleye that is really nice as well. The newer models in both are great options.

What is your impression of the walleye series vs the bass series. I have a 2pc 7'  Avid mf that is the rod I use the most. My tackle guy has the 7-6 mlxf Avid Walleye that he says I should try for hair and crayfish jigs in my river

[thunderblack]

3 hours ago, PaulVE64 said:

What is your impression of the walleye series vs the bass series. I have a 2pc 7'  Avid mf that is the rod I use the most. My tackle guy has the 7-6 mlxf Avid Walleye that he says I should try for hair and crayfish jigs in my river

I think they are very similar. I have fished a few avid models and the new model is nice. Guides are different from what I am use too but not a deal breaker. I bought the 7-6 for rivers, streams, light steelhead duty, and bass. Great rod for hair jigs and such. I bought the 2 piece model for long walks through the woods. Handle is super comfortable and has nice quality cork. You won't be disappointed. 

[WRB]

I believe the OP wants to stay with SC warranty and update the replacement rod.

Legend Tournament LBTS73MXF if you liked the Victory.

Tom