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Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin | Check this out...
https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=769223069824183
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Posts: 999
| The rod series looks outstanding! I'm very suprised a 9' model is not in the mix though. What is the handle length on these? |
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Posts: 750
Location: Minneapolis, MN | So I think I heard him say there were 4 models, but is that all of the line or just what they brought to the show?
Based upon the legend tournament line, these are the weight ranges we might expect for the rods:
7'6" XH 3-8
8' MH .75-3
8'6" MH .75-3
8'6"H 2-6
If these are the only rods in the lineup, then it doesn't really scream musky fishing to me because I'm not seeing anything designed for the bigger baits that we as musky fishermen throw. I mean the 7'6" should be a great jerkbait rod and the 8'6" should be an awesome bucktail rod, but I'm not seeing anything for mags and pounders really. Yes, I know this is all just conjecture at this point. |
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Posts: 1000
| that 8'6" H looks pretty sweet. They're keeping the legend tournament series right? |
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Posts: 403
Location: Lakeville, MN | Torzite are mighty expensive guides.. I was asking Lonnie about them not too long ago. |
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Posts: 32930
Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin | I'll get the specs tomorrow for each rod. These things ABSOLUTELY scream 'Muskie fishing', they are stunningly light, and all other series are still available. |
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| Very cool, I can't even imagine what the price tag says... |
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Location: Wakefield, MI | Hasn't my wallet taken enough of a beating? |
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Posts: 32930
Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin | The answer I received when asking about a 9' model was; "We'll see."
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Posts: 231
| As Mr Worrall said, they are "Stunningly" Light. One of the St. Croix reps told me the price point would be north of 500. |
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Location: new richmond, wi. & isle, mn | When does the "blue to green" trade up plan start?  |
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Posts: 1283
| I looked at them today. Yes they are light, but not a fan of the split grip or the length not to mention Im not a fan of the egg shape fore grip. Ill stick to my LTs for now. I did get a Shock and Awe which seems like a bad ass rod for the $.
Edited by achotrod 1/11/2015 6:07 PM
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Posts: 357
Location: Western U.P. | As sworrall said above, the 9' ers are a wait and see. 9' rods aren't the most popular sized rods among Musky fisherman. If all current Musky rod sizes were listed on a curve, the peak would be between 7'6" and 8'6". The curve has been moving higher over the last decade, but not at the rate the rods are being made longer. St Croix hit the biggest market segment first. Not a bad business decision when introducing a new higher end product line. |
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Location: minocqua, wi. | 12' is the new 9'
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Posts: 58
Location: South Elgin | There's Sled exaggerating again. |
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Posts: 13688
Location: minocqua, wi. | actually was given a 12' 2-piece St. Croix rod to use on our November Vermillion trip last year ... throws pounders and alphas like they're bucktails and at the boat they are fantastic. surf-rod heritage but will be building from a blank as will those who were with me trying it. sounds crazy but it's money!
you're fun John ... confidence has never been a struggle for you has it |
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Posts: 2067
| Cedar - 1/11/2015 6:12 PM
As sworrall said above, the 9' ers are a wait and see. 9' rods aren't the most popular sized rods among Musky fisherman. If all current Musky rod sizes were listed on a curve, the peak would be between 7'6" and 8'6". The curve has been moving higher over the last decade, but not at the rate the rods are being made longer. St Croix hit the biggest market segment first. Not a bad business decision when introducing a new higher end product line.
St. Croix missed the boat here.... Serious muskie guys... those that would spend $500 on a rod will want 9' rods.... I bet 50% custom rods being ordered the last three years are over 8'6". I might buy one these Elite's if they made a nice 9'6"...since I already have (5) 9' rods
Edited by IAJustin 1/11/2015 8:12 PM
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Posts: 379
Location: Thief River Falls MN | ^+1
No 9 no dice... |
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Posts: 32930
Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin | Who said there WILL NOT eventually be a 9' rod in the series? No one. The 8'6" won't be available until April.
And, the core muskie market is not 9' or 9' plus rods by a very long shot. The 'extremes' seem common place here, but many times what seems 'majority' here isn't in the broader Muskie market.
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Posts: 379
Location: Thief River Falls MN | We will see if they sell enough of these to warrant development of a 9' or longer model. For $500 plus it will be hard for me to try one out. Will have to stick to my lowly Blue LT's... |
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Posts: 157
Location: Lincoln, NE | I think everyone is somewhat correct here. They are missing out on a lot of people that want only a 9'. But like was mentioned maybe they will still introduce it. Maybe that's the one that they are putting a little extra time into developing just right. If I'm going to spend that kind of money it would be for a 9'+ only. But I think sworrall is correct, there are probably a ton of guys that fish with 7'6" to 8' or 8'6" as their main stick. Not everyone is throwing pounders all day long. A lot of older guys throwing bucktails that are smaller than twin tens and diehard jerkbait guys out there. Girls, kids, older guys, guys new to the sport, all throwing smaller stuff. My dad has a 8'6" Mojo and throws small to medium cranks, single blade bucktails and regular sized dawgs, not even mags. And he isn't just chomping at the bit to go out and get a 9'6" XXXH to throw monster medussas. He sees us hurting at the end of the day and is fine throwing what he throws. I think the real question here is the price point. At $550 who's going to buy one when they could get a custom for cheaper? Is the blank that good/light that it's worth it over a custom? Will the blank be available for people to build customs on? Will they make a Predator version with that blank? That's the stuff that I bet alot of people want to know. I'm not saying that it's too expensive, because people will pay that. I'm just saying once people justify to themselves "OK I'm going to break down and drop $500 on a rod" how many will steer in the direction of a custom? |
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Posts: 2378
Location: Chisholm, MN | I'm in the market for a new rod, so I was pumped to see this. But, I will be getting a 9' or longer, so this won't work for me. |
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Posts: 270
Location: SE WISCONSIN | I don't think I could pay $500 for any rod I can afford it I just won't do it that's a lot of money for a rod in my eyes. |
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Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin | Travis A. - 1/12/2015 8:01 AM
I think everyone is somewhat correct here. They are missing out on a lot of people that want only a 9'. But like was mentioned maybe they will still introduce it. Maybe that's the one that they are putting a little extra time into developing just right. If I'm going to spend that kind of money it would be for a 9'+ only. But I think sworrall is correct, there are probably a ton of guys that fish with 7'6" to 8' or 8'6" as their main stick. Not everyone is throwing pounders all day long. A lot of older guys throwing bucktails that are smaller than twin tens and diehard jerkbait guys out there. Girls, kids, older guys, guys new to the sport, all throwing smaller stuff. My dad has a 8'6" Mojo and throws small to medium cranks, single blade bucktails and regular sized dawgs, not even mags. And he isn't just chomping at the bit to go out and get a 9'6" XXXH to throw monster medussas. He sees us hurting at the end of the day and is fine throwing what he throws. I think the real question here is the price point. At $550 who's going to buy one when they could get a custom for cheaper? Is the blank that good/light that it's worth it over a custom? Will the blank be available for people to build customs on? Will they make a Predator version with that blank? That's the stuff that I bet alot of people want to know. I'm not saying that it's too expensive, because people will pay that. I'm just saying once people justify to themselves "OK I'm going to break down and drop $500 on a rod" how many will steer in the direction of a custom?
Simple answer. You can't get a custom with that blank, grip, and guide set for less. The guides probably cost St. Croix a C spot alone. Ben has it right, hyper quality rods have been on the scene in the fly fishing market for decades. There are a couple companies that offer nothing but high end rods, and have been in business for decades doing very well. Pick up the rod, and if you want the best of the best, you will drop the money and own it. If not, then St. Croix has several lines available to you, and of course, there are the other great brands out there. James at TI was absolutely amazed with the Elite. So were Tuscarora Tackle's custom building experts. St. Croix will sell plenty of this series of rod...maybe not to some of you guys, but I'd bet the farm some of the folks who are focusing on the price point will buy one on the BST board when one shows up at 2/3 pricing. Saw that with the high end reels often.
Some folks have 'Bird Onix series sonar/gps series and some have Piranhas.
For those frugal folks out there, there's always big box chain branded Muskie rods. |
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| And, the core muskie market is not 9' or 9' plus rods by a very long shot. the core muskie market is also not buying $500 rods. imho, the guys who do pay that much are the same ones who are more likely to desire the longer lengths. 8'6" is a minimum in my eyes, with 9' and 9'6" being very desireable, especially when i'm paying that much. |
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Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin | Once again, no one said there will not be a 9' model. The 8'6" isn't in production yet and won't be available until April. |
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Posts: 157
Location: Lincoln, NE | I didn't mean a custom made with this blank for cheaper than one of these rods. I was thinking more like a Predator now vs this rod. The choice would be weighing the benefits of a lighter factory rod vs the benefits of custom choice of handle length, grip material, color, etc. Some would choose lightness as the #1 important thing. Others might choose the more options the way they want them. Then as a totally different point, would be this blank available to build a custom on. Some people might think if I'm going to spend $550 I might as well spend another $100 or so and get it done custom. Again I'm not advocating either one here just saying that all comes into play when someone is making the decision and doesn't have the money for a bunch of rods and is going to pick out one main rod. But for example for me personally right now I think I would go with a Predator 9'6" XH over one of these rods. But if/when they came out with a 9' Legend Elite and I felt how light it was, that might swing my vote to one of them regardless of how customized anything else would be. But then if they would make a 9'6" Legend Elite blank and release available to custom rod builders I might say what hell and go all in on that. Just brainstorming the available options here cause that is how people think when comparing these for a purchase. I'd be disappointed if I settled for an 8'6" and then they released a 9' six months later. So that's what some people might be thinking is, should they pull the trigger now or wait? Realistically I'll probably keep throwing my Big Nasty for a few more years but eventually will get something new and it will come down to some of these choices. |
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Location: Smith Creek | At least it comes in a left-handed version.
Next season I'll be using a 12 footer for big rubber and the LEM86HF for everything else. |
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Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin | Flambeauski - 1/12/2015 9:09 AM
At least it comes in a left-handed version.
Next season I'll be using a 12 footer for big rubber and the LEM86HF for everything else.
Post of the month. |
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Location: Smith Creek | Brozz88 - 1/12/2015 10:18 AM
Geez, no one better mention a 9' rod again cuz I think we all know by now that" no one said they are not going to make one" I got it. Yes there are $7-800 "fly rods out there but who cares, I'm not buying them and neither are most of the guys on here. They sell $80,000 BMW's and benzs too but your not throwing tools in the back and driving one to work are you?St.croix knows that everyday people eat up the $350 line of rods so they said oh boy we gotta make some more expensive rods now.Do a pole on here,you've got a pretty broad audience right here, I'd bet 9' is the norm now and $550 is a bit much. For that money I'd rather have a one off custom than an off the shelfer,that everyone else will have.But hey some guys need this $500 dollar rod to go with their $500 tranx, then when one gets knocked or dropped into the river you can shrug your shoulders and say oh well there goes a weeks pay!! Just my .02 cents,Go ahead and delete this like you do my other posts
This just in: Sage and Orvis are closing down because an online pole confirms that people don't want a 7-800 dollar fishing poll. |
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| Remember, R&D is expensive. So is making stuff in the USA. It's too pricey for me but the blue ones are too. Plenty of people out there that can and will buy them. Saving a few ounces isn't going to stop fatigue for my aging butt and I don't see where it would put more fish in the net. The technology is to be admired that's for sure . |
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Posts: 409
Location: Almond, WI | The Big Nasty is the only 9' rod I've ever liked (yes, I've also used Okumas, TIs and a few customs). I'm 5'7" and find really long rods uncomfortable, and I loathe 18" butt sections, also not a fan of split grips. I'm just glad SC still gives the regular grip on LTs and Premiers. 8'6" rods are perfect for me. I'm open to it, but probably a little out of my price range. |
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Posts: 999
| Did they lengthen the handle on this series or are they still short like the Lt's and the premiers? |
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Posts: 13688
Location: minocqua, wi. | having a new truck, a new boat and the newest technology st. croix rod should be afforded by anyone who wants to be a musky fisherman or else it's what, not fair?
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Posts: 216
| Totally not what I ment flambeauski, I know they sell a lot of them and I'm sure there's already guys standing in line to buy these new Legend elites.
Just not this guy. |
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Posts: 7090
Location: Northwest Chicago Burbs | My take on the rods: they're a bit amazing when you pick them up. If you like a split grip rod and you've got the money, check them out. If you dont have the money, or don't like the split grip, or want a longer rod, there are lots of other options out there. |
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Posts: 4343
Location: Smith Creek | Brand new Rangers are too expensive for me, but I don't write long posts about why I will not buy them every time a Ranger thread comes up.
BTW, St. Croix decided which versions to build based on sales of all their muskie rods. The folks on this website might not agree with the models being built, but in a way had a part in the decision. |
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Posts: 181
| I personally don't see why people get so excited about the light weight of the rod when they turn around and throw a massive tranx reel on top of it. Defeats the point....kind of like today's new compound bows...fighting over ounces yet we throw heavy sights and stabilizers on them. |
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Posts: 2687
Location: Hayward, WI | sworrall - 1/11/2015 9:07 PM
Who said there WILL NOT eventually be a 9' rod in the series? No one. The 8'6" won't be available until April.
And, the core muskie market is not 9' or 9' plus rods by a very long shot. The 'extremes' seem common place here, but many times what seems 'majority' here isn't in the broader Muskie market.
Not really arguing, and I can understand the lengths St. Croix started with, and we don't yet know a 9 footer won't be available at some point.
I'll just say this though: Doesn't a $500 rod kind of target a more extreme end of the musky rod market? Pretty much all of the serious/extreme guys I know are using 9'+ long rods. The guys getting started, not wanting to spend a lot of money, without knowing seem to think a 8'6" or 9' rod is SOOO much longer than what they are used to they shy away from them.
I'm surprised a 9 isn't in the "for sure" line up, but I understand people with more industry experience and forecasting information than me made those decisions. |
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Location: Smith Creek | Mr Musky - 1/12/2015 11:20 AM
Did they lengthen the handle on this series or are they still short like the Lt's and the premiers?
16" to the bottom of the reel seat on the 8'6"s and 15" on the other 2. |
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Posts: 1039
| I'm neither for, nor against, a 9 foot rod, or a $500+ rod. It is all about personal choice.
But the issue I see with 9 foot rods is balance. I have a Big Nasty, thanks to this website and it's buy/sell forum. Love that rod. But the balance on that rod is an issue. I've found that a butt cap with a few washers in it helps the rod out. So I would venture a guess that Croix hasn't really figured out the balance point on this new rod with it's lighter weight.
And personally, I won't be buying one. I've got no issues with the dozen or so rods that I currently throw. Gotta save my money for the new Ulterra. To me that is a better spend of money. |
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Location: South-Central VA | I'm a huge fan of these rods- whether they offer me a blank to do a custom on or not! I realize that not everyone likes them, and that's fine. I've yet to see a product that pleases everyone.
I told Rich that I want a factory 8'6" H as soon as I can get my hands on one. The plan is to strip it and build the baddest custom on the planet for myself.
I asked the other dude at the St Croix booth (can't remember his name 'cause I'm an idiot) why build this rod? His answer was simple, "to set the bar for musky rods." He said this was the result of the perfect storm between the development of St Croix's SC5 material and Fuji's Titanium guides with Torzite inserts. The result is a rod that has to be experienced to be believed.
These rods aren't being built for the masses the same way Lamborghinis aren't built for the masses. They are being built for those who are willing to sacrifice a wad of cash for the muskie rod built out of the finest materials on the market.
Jeremy |
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Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin | curleytail - 1/12/2015 12:17 PM sworrall - 1/11/2015 9:07 PM
Who said there WILL NOT eventually be a 9' rod in the series? No one. The 8'6" won't be available until April.
And, the core muskie market is not 9' or 9' plus rods by a very long shot. The 'extremes' seem common place here, but many times what seems 'majority' here isn't in the broader Muskie market.
Not really arguing, and I can understand the lengths St. Croix started with, and we don't yet know a 9 footer won't be available at some point. I'll just say this though: Doesn't a $500 rod kind of target a more extreme end of the musky rod market? Pretty much all of the serious/extreme guys I know are using 9'+ long rods. The guys getting started, not wanting to spend a lot of money, without knowing seem to think a 8'6" or 9' rod is SOOO much longer than what they are used to they shy away from them. I'm surprised a 9 isn't in the "for sure" line up, but I understand people with more industry experience and forecasting information than me made those decisions.
As I said....I am certain St. Croix has a far better handle on what is selling than any of us. |
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Posts: 663
| IAJustin - 1/11/2015 7:59 PM
Cedar - 1/11/2015 6:12 PM
Well, I'm a reasonably serious musky guy. Will probably buy at least one of those, and I don't want a 9' rod. So, there is maybe some room for us guys who like those wimpy 8'6" rods too.
St. Croix missed the boat here.... Serious muskie guys... those that would spend $500 on a rod will want 9' rods.... I bet 50% custom rods being ordered the last three years are over 8'6". I might buy one these Elite's if they made a nice 9'6"...since I already have (5 ) 9' rods |
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Posts: 7
| well i guess you need a 500$ rod to go along with a 500$ reel... that rod ain't gonna make me a better fisherman, i ain't gonna buy one. |
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Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin | I tried several times to respond to the last post, but can't seem to without breaking forum posting policy. |
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Posts: 1150
Location: Minnesota. | I'm glad I'm near broke. Takes the pressure right off...*G*
I came close to having sleep in my boat a couple times last year with bamboo fly rods!
Jeremy. |
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Posts: 1638
Location: Minnesota | My last 3 rods I bought are predator H - 9 , XH - 9'8"and XXH - 9'8" all 3 were custom Thorn Bros rods all 3 were under 500 bucks.sounds like nice rods but they have to be very nice for me not to buy a custom rod. |
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Posts: 719
| sworrall - 1/12/2015 5:14 PM
I tried several times to respond to the last post, but can't seem to without breaking forum posting policy.
Now thats funny stuff !
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| Very Very Funny!!!! LOL
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Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin | muskyhunter47 - 1/12/2015 6:36 PM
My last 3 rods I bought are predator H - 9 , XH - 9'8"and XXH - 9'8" all 3 were custom Thorn Bros rods all 3 were under 500 bucks.sounds like nice rods but they have to be very nice for me not to buy a custom rod.
Read Tuscarora Tackle's (bowhunter29) posts above. He builds some of the nicest customs on the planet. I have one, on a top of the line from two years ago St. Croix blank. It's extremely nice, but the new St. Croix trumps it. My next custom will be built by Tuscarora, and will be on that blank with those guides when available. It will be expensive, and the last 8'6" rod I will need to buy.
I'm ancient.
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Posts: 358
| Way too much money...sorry !! Last four St. Croix Rods I bought were $300 each I CAN afford them however won"t spend that much for one at over $500. I beleive Marty when he says Wow ! and don't doubt them. My girls think I'm thirfty...Not Cheap...however they would think I'm crazy if I bought them...NOT for me ! |
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Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin | What truck do you drive? What boat do you own?
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Posts: 1000
| Another thing worth thinking about is that if they position this rod @ $500's, it makes their LT series seem a lot more reasonable. I personally can't wait for people to start ditching their Big Nasty's and Sling Blades. I'll pick one of these up when they come out with the legend extreme musky series. |
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Location: minocqua, wi. | sworrall - 1/12/2015 8:33 PM
What truck do you drive? What boat do you own?
don't you mean what bank owns your truck and what bank owns your boat? |
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Posts: 1638
Location: Minnesota | Tuscarora has very nice rods looked at them. there nice but thorn Bros is in my back yard. If I have a problem they fix it for me. That and they treat me very good. It's like " Cheers " I walk in the store every one knows my name |
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Location: mercer wi | This is great. 30 below here all weekend. This is great entertainment. Lets keep tryn to prove whos right. Buy one if you want or dont buy one. |
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Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin | Exactly. |
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Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin | jonnysled - 1/12/2015 8:42 PM
sworrall - 1/12/2015 8:33 PM
What truck do you drive? What boat do you own?
don't you mean what bank owns your truck and what bank owns your boat?
Come on sled, these guys all pay cash. |
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Posts: 7
| I traded a st. croix for mine... |
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Posts: 719
| Things I am not buying:
Ferrari F4
64' Hatteras
1200 acres with 1500' of lakeshore on the big V
Titanium Rolex with Diamond backface
Membership at Augusta
Oceanfront in Naples
Pelagic crankbait
Just thought they should know
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Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin | Really, no Hatteras? The injustice of it all.... |
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Posts: 576
Location: Elk Grove Village, IL & Phillips, WI | They look fantastic, but they are way out of my price-range! I drive a 2005 Expedition, I fish out of either a 14 foot row boat (circa 1960s) or my 1991 SmokerCraft pontoon. Heck, I still own and use my Aurora, Steve Worrall signature rods along with various other new and/or used rods that I have picked up along the way. I'd love to own a couple, but they are way off my radar at this time! |
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Posts: 1660
Location: central Wisconsin | A couple of good points scattered about in this thread. First of all kudos to St. Croix for bringing out a high end rod for a relatively small customer base. I have owned SC rods for 30+ years, love the fact that they are built in Wis. I currently own 5 LT's (4 muskie, 1 walleye) I will have to see the new rods but will have a hard time justifying paying near $600 by the time tax is added. Got two kids getting married this year. I probably will be more inclined to pick up another LT off the buy/sell forum for about 1/3 the Elite price. |
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Posts: 39
| Now I have to decide between ordering a 2015 Challenger Hellcat or buying a couple of new rods.
Mnmusky, original box, very nice! |
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Posts: 120
| The sticker shock on top of the line rec gear is shocking.
SHOCKING I SAY!
Seriously though the real story in this thread is 12' is the new 9' for big rubber. But first, lets all keep reeling at having discovered top-shelf goods carry a premium.
Also that Pocket Fisherman combo is awesome! |
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Location: Wisconsin | I guess I can always go back to Cabelas and work for my St Croix discount. Miss that. |
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Posts: 1283
| I drive a 99 F150 with 205k and some rust, have a 95 Nitro with a 60 out back in great shape. They both work just fine for me :). If and when they do make this rod in a 9ft XH version with a full 18" grip and hopefully change the front handle Id buy one. I think having the best rod/reel combo Ill be holding in my hands all day is more important then how I get to the water or my boat. For now they just dont have anything that interests me in this line up. If you like the style and sizes they have announced they are awesome rods. |
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Location: mercer wi | What reel would be best suited for these new rods? |
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Posts: 1283
| That would depend on the rod you choose. Ill say I think a Tranx would be awfully heavy and unbalanced on any of them. |
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Posts: 910
Location: South-Central VA | achotrod - 1/13/2015 12:34 PM
If and when they do make this rod in a 9ft XH version with a full 18" grip and hopefully change the front handle Id buy one.
When St Croix starts taking custom orders, you'll probably have one to buy.
That's why God made custom rod builders. Every factory rod is a compromise of sorts. There will never be a rod out there that everyone on the market likes. It will be too long, too short, the handle will be too skinny, too fat, etc, etc, etc. It doesn't matter what rod is being discussed, some people like it, some people don't.
What many of us don't seem to realize is that when running a business like St Croix, you have to provide a product that appeals to the most people while compromising the least. There are very few fishermen that want rods under 7'6" or over 8'6". Their lineup reflects this. The majority of fishermen also don't want an 18" rear grip length, it's too long for most people's taste. St Croix's handle designs follow what most people want.
Sure, there are guys that want a 6' rod and there are guys that want a 10'6" rod. Some guys want a 20" rear grip and some want a 12" rear grip. These people are not the target audience for St Croix- they are on the extreme edges of the bell curve (remember that from grade school? I just made myself feel old. LOL). If they built rods like you described above, they would eventually go bankrupt. There isn't enough of a market to support a rod with those dimensions.
jeremy |
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Posts: 670
Location: mercer wi | .great point jeremy. When st croix lets loose these blanks to builders these guys can cut 2" off tip, adda foot to rear n put full cork on them. Then pay $800 for them. Again buy one or dont.:-) thanks for listening |
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Posts: 1023
| I am 5'8" and love 9' rods. I am happy with my slingblade and my 9' TI XXH. To me a lighter rod is not important. That's what I think. The thing that tires me the most is reeling in double tens not rod weight. The rods sound amazing though. |
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Posts: 663
| Would be interesting to look back in the archives of this forum to see all the guys who said they would never spend the money for a LT rod when those came out. My guess is that there were a fair amount of people who were resistant to the pricing then. |
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Posts: 670
Location: mercer wi | People would spend more if the rod was more. Doesnt matter. Its new n exciting. People need to think that this will make them a better fisherman. Ive been guily of that train of thought back in the day when you couldnt catch a musky without a ranger, 600 rod n reel, 6000 in electronics. Its a comfort thing. would love to try one but im good with whst I guess is only the 2nd best rod on market. :-):-) |
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Location: The desert | I think we're missing the bigger question, do they have a trolling model? |
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Location: minocqua, wi. | Pointerpride102 - 1/13/2015 4:43 PM
I think we're missing the bigger question, do they have a trolling model?
ask JMich the troll ... |
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| It's no different than a Dodge Viper or Chevy Corvette. By offering a flagship model, they accomplish three things:
1) They are able to engineer and develop the product of the future with materials and features that someday will be more common.
2) There are people who will pay it. As long as there is a market, there will be a product.
3) By making a flagship product at such a 'crazy' price point, it makes their other offerings appear cheaper. A $350 st croix seems a lot less expensive now that there is a $500 version out there. Many people will continue to think that St. Croix offers 'the best' product on the market.. and while they may not sell 100,000 $500 rods, they will likely see increased sales in there $200 and $350 dollar offerings.
As to the 9 foot discussion... I'm sure that the models offered are based on what is currently the most popular length and action musky rods beings sold, BUT I also believe that isn't necessarily an accurate predictor of what people want in a $500 offering.. I think most people buying a $500 rod likely use a 9+ footer somewhere in their arsenal, though I may be wrong. Either way, if they see a demand for it, I'm sure it will be offered soon enough.
That's just my 2 cents, and it really doesn't matter much as I don't see myself buying a $350 or $500 rod anywhere in my near future anyway... but dang they look nice!
Edited by FishFinder87 1/13/2015 5:09 PM
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Posts: 1283
| Oh Im not holding my breath for St Croix to make the rod I described. Thats why I have multiple rods from multiple manufactures. Right now Im loving my Chaos Shock and Awe because its exactly what I was looking for, it would be sweet if it were on the new Croix blank though! I also started out using a 7ft rod thinking a 9ft was huge. Now I basically only throw my 8'6" & 9fters.
BTW Jeremy it was nice to meet you on Sunday we talked for a bit when you were packing up about extending my Sling Blade
Edited by achotrod 1/13/2015 5:21 PM
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Location: South-Central VA | Sorry we didn't have more time, I was in a rush to get out of there! Ended up driving in snow for 7 hours anyway.
jeremy |
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Posts: 409
Location: Almond, WI | Landry - 1/13/2015 3:31 PM
I am 5'8" and love 9' rods. I am happy with my slingblade and my 9' TI XXH. To me a lighter rod is not important. That's what I think. The thing that tires me the most is reeling in double tens not rod weight. The rods sound amazing though.
Well, at 5'7" my arms are 1.5" shorter than my 5'5" mother's are--it was actually measured because we got into an argument when I was helping her hang a picture. I'd bet your arms are longer than mine. It's not the 9' part, it's the 18" butt section that every 9' rod I've used has except the Big Nasty (and I plan on ordering one of those) that gives me trouble--it constantly gets caught in my shirt when I tuck it under my arm, and frankly I haven't noticed that big of a difference in leverage as long as I use good casting technique.
Balance is far more important than overall weight...a rod weighs like 11oz. Buy (or make) a rod balancer for anything over 8'.
I'm sure these are great rods...but you can't please all the people all the time. |
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Posts: 1283
| The best part about a 9fter is figure 8s and launching baits. I have trouble with shorter handles because I cant tuck them against my arm and body as well. Im 5'10 and skinny so a little thicker and longer then the LTs handles work for me better. I mainly toss rubber and 10s. If im not doing that shorter handles are fine.
No worries Jeremy! I could tell you were ready to jam and glad you made it home safe! |
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Posts: 358
| Not a Lund or an Escalade or a Peterbilt ! A G3, Toyota Tundra and a Western Star. All free a clear.
Edited by Cody 1/14/2015 7:00 PM
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Posts: 358
| I totally agree "bturg" Totally agree ! |
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Posts: 791
Location: WI | bturg - 1/12/2015 9:37 PM
Things I am not buying:
Ferrari F4
64' Hatteras
1200 acres with 1500' of lakeshore on the big V
Titanium Rolex with Diamond backface
Membership at Augusta
Oceanfront in Naples
Pelagic crankbait
Just thought they should know
Lol. I Wish I would have bought a ferarri 308 when they were 25 grand. Now they average around 60. should have gotten one while I could afford it. two years from now will be over at hundred k. Oh well
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Posts: 485
Location: On my favorite lake! | St Croix is making abetter product for Musky fisherman which is terrific. The price is steep but thats like all new technolgy items and they arent skimping on the guides. Those are expensive. Now on the weight, The weight of the rod is really impressive but a moot point until one of the reel manufactutrers also steps up snd make a ridiculouly light reel. I cant notice an ouch or two on my bass / walleye rods. Now 3-5 ounces overall is a different story. |
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| People have hundreds of $10-$20 lures that they don't use but scoff at $500 for something that would actually get time on the water:-) |
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Posts: 358
| BenR , Very good point ! I admit I'm guilty of this. I don't for one second doubt the quality of these rods. I love the St. Croix rods I own and use. I guess I just set myself price limits on stuff. My father was a Coal Miner and brought me up more conservative than most. My girls call me CHEAP. I tell them this will keep them from being High Maintance
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Posts: 2
| Hello from Germany,
I´m interested in buying a new Legend Elite Musky LEM80MHF. I own the old Top´n Tail and I´m looking for a rod that can cast (about 1oz) more. The Line Wt of the Top´n Tail is mentiond with 30 to 50lb and the new model is mentioned with 30 to 65lb. I cast softbaits (only) from 3,5oz up to 5oz with the old Top´n Tail but i want to fish softbaits that weigh 6oz (0,17kg), too (which is no more comfortable to fish with the old one). This baits I throw very often. Has anyone fished the new model? Is it the right one for me or should i buy the LEM86MHF blank and shorten it by about 2 inches? Thank you guys!
Best regards
Mario |
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Posts: 92
| As always i believe these will be worth every dollar spent. If and when there is a 9 footer or longer in the lineup i am sure i will find a way to add one to the toolbox. |
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Location: Oswego, IL | Mario here are specs
LEGEND ELITE® MUSKIE RODS:
MODEL----LGTH---PWR---ACTION---LINE WT---(LURE WT)---Rod WT oz.
*LEM76XHF 7'6" =XH =Fast =50 -100 = (4-10) =7.4
*LEM80MHF 8' =MH =Fast =30 -65 = (3/4-3) =7.0
*LEM86MHF 8'6" =MH =Fast =30 -65 = (3/4-3) =7.4
*LEM86HF 8'6" =H =Fast =40 -80 = (3-8) =8.2
*LEM90MHF 9' =MH =Fast =30 -65 = (3/4-3) =9.5
*LEM90HF 9' =H =Fast =40 -80 = (3-8) =10.5
$550 Price |
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Posts: 2
| I know the specs.
The Line Wt has changed (from 50 to 65) and so I was wondering if the new one´s are stronger. Any experiences so far?
Got an mail from St Croix:
Thanks for the email Mario.
The Legend Elite musky rods are made with a higher quality graphite than the Legend Tournament rods. The higher quality graphite translates into a more “responsive” rod. It will also feel stiffer because of the graphite used. I hope this helps you out. Please let me know if you have any other questions.
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