What SC line is the Expride and Zodias comparable to?

[Randy Price]

Guys, I have a chance to buy a Spinning 7 MF Expride A and a casting 72 MF Zodias A.  I'm assuming the Expride would be comparable to the Avid/Legend Tournament line and the Zodias would be Comparable to a the Avid???  These rods are the older model but LN.  Thanks, Randy

[rangerjockey]

Pretty hard to make that comparison. A shimano fishes like a Shimano and St. Croix in general is going to fish a little tighter but that depends on the series. 

The Expride and Zodias are both good rods. If they are good for you depends on what you want to do with them.

[PBBrandon]

Performance wise, I’d say the newer Legend Tournament rods are on par with the Exprides. Exprides balance better, but the Legend tournament rods are made in the USA and have a killer warranty. I’d put the Zodias a bit above the victory line and a bit below the LTB line. Like Rangerjockey said, Shimano and St Croix are totally different animals, but both make quality rods

[Randy Price]

Thanks @PBBrandonand @rangerjockey for the replies.  I've been a SC rod guy for >25 years using them exclusively.  However, I recently purchased a few G. Loomis rods and the two Shimano rods I was asking about.  I'll have to try them out now that I have bought them to determine if I like them of not.  The good news is that for what I bought them for I can sell them and not lose any $$ hopefully.  I agree with @PBBrandon that SC has an incredible warranty and I too really like the fact that they are American made.

 

[MiceNReets]

Just curious why the branching out after 25yrs?  Just curious what you’re missing/not missing out on? Have you noticed a decline in SC quality?   This isn’t a knock at SC because I have a handful of their rods and really enjoy them and I’m switching over to them more as I continue to purchase more rods.  For me I like the warranty, customer service and the quality of product I’ve been getting from them.   I know everyone has their differences but I haven’t found a problem in their gear and looking to move up to the legend elite and extreme to try those out.  I also feel very confident that if something breaks or isn’t up to par SC will fix that without a doubt and without hassle.    My current line up of rods outside of SC I’m not so sure they’ll fix a problem hassle free or at a good value lol

[Randy Price]

@MiceNReets, no issues with SC whatsoever!  I just watched too many Tactical Bassing videos and they're always praising the NRX+ so I had to buy a couple to see.  IME, I do not feel any differences in sensitivity between the NRX+ and my Legend Elites.  Build quality on the SC is superior to the G. Loomis/Shimano rods IMO and at a lower price.  No, I'm not leaving SC.  I visit their factory at least once a year and like the fact that they're American made and have an outstanding warranty.

[MiceNReets]

14 minutes ago, Randy Price said:

@MiceNReets, no issues with SC whatsoever!  I just watched too many Tactical Bassing videos and they're always praising the NRX+ so I had to buy a couple to see.  IME, I do not feel any differences in sensitivity between the NRX+ and my Legend Elites.  Build quality on the SC is superior to the G. Loomis/Shimano rods IMO and at a lower price.  No, I'm not leaving SC.  I visit their factory at least once a year and like the fact that they're American made and have an outstanding warranty.

So you’d say the Legend Elites are comparable to the NRX+?? I’ve never tried either rod and I really don’t have the urge to even use an NRX or even to hold one in the stores lol     I have been thinking about trying a Legend Elite for awhile now.   Is there a stand out rod in the LE line up you’d recommend?  Casting and spinning.    I really only have one spinning rod for myself now.  Victory 73MXF but I wouldn’t pass up a chance to try a LE in spinning since I have too many casting rods as is but you never know :). 

[Randy Price]

I know I'll get tarred and feathered for blasphemy for saying this BUT FROM MY EXPERIENCE, SC LE's are just as sensitive as the NRX+ and for less $$.  Fire away.

[roadwarrior]

G.Loomis, Batson, MegaBass, and CTS (New Zealand) custom rods all excel for me,

but the St. Croix Legend Elite is a great series and the "Best Value". 

 

 

 

                                   
 

[Randy Price]

@roadwarrior, yes I agree.  I have not even had the chance yet to try some of the rods you have mentioned.  I wasn't trying to start a wizzing match, just stating my experiences.  There are MANY great rods out there and I think people respond to them all differently.  Best wishes, Randy

[roadwarrior]

59 minutes ago, Randy Price said:

@roadwarrior, yes I agree.  I have not even had the chance yet to try some of the rods you have mentioned.  I wasn't trying to start a wizzing match, just stating my experiences.  There are MANY great rods out there and I think people respond to them all differently.  Best wishes, Randy

 

Well, today's technology has surpassed my feel for sensitivity. It's fun for me to fish different brands, but I am personally maxed out with Gloomis GLX and St. Croix LE. 

[Reel]

On 4/15/2024 at 11:27 AM, rangerjockey said:

Pretty hard to make that comparison. A shimano fishes like a Shimano and St. Croix in general is going to fish a little tighter but that depends on the series. 

The Expride and Zodias are both good rods. If they are good for you depends on what you want to do with them.

For me, like the song says: ''Nothing compares...'' 

I've always used Shimano and G Loomis so I'm used to those.  And you get use to the product you are using.  Other rods always feel strange in your hand.  

But, the only way to get an honest opinion is to try.  

It will always be just an opinion.

[Randy Price]

@Reel, I agree.  I felt I had to try NRX+'s to see if the hype was real and it was but to me it wasn't really any better than the Legend Elites or Extreme's that I had been using.  I mean no disrespect to other rod manufacturers.  We are lucky to have so many good ones.  I do really like G. Loomis and SC's rod warranties though.  Hard to beat.  I've heard Dobyn's is good too.

[GetFishorDieTryin]

SC makes a good product, that was very consistent, for better or worse.  Unfortunately they're trying to evolve too fast in some facets and it shows.  They went and replaced the rock solid purple Mojo Inshore and wound up with a breakage rate that is catastrophicly high.  Reel seats on certain lines have had considerable failures, resulting in premature redesign in BassX and to a lesser extent seage.  Im not dogging SC at all, I have more SCs any other 2 brands combine, but Im a little hesitant to give them the benefit of the doubt anymore.  I hope they can streamline production and get the bugs out, because I would rather they do business than a company outsourcing labor.