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Posts: 682
Location: Sycamore, IL | What would you get...
St.Croix Premier 8'6" heavy rod
Gander mountain 8'6" heavy rod
I have store credit that would cover the price of the Gander mountain rod or I could pay an extra $100 to get the St. Croix...is it worth the extra $? What are your likes/dislikes of these two rods. Thanks- Matt |
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Posts: 463
Location: Sw Pennsylvania | The 8'6" premier is a real nice rod, really like mine. No experience with the gander rod. |
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Posts: 152
| St. Croix will last you forever Gander will last about 2 years . No contest here man go with the croix it wont let you down |
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Posts: 582
| The Sc is a better rod but not worth the extra 100 imo |
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Posts: 380
Location: Michigan | Not even a question. If you can justify the extra money, spend it on the St. Croix. |
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Posts: 32890
Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin | Why would a Gander rod only last two seasons? |
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Posts: 175
Location: Tonka, MN | Money is not an option here. Go w/ the St Croix!!!! |
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Posts: 286
Location: VA | Get a Tackle Industries Rod. Use the store credit for line, lures and the up coming deer season. |
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Posts: 79
| If you have the extra cash, my choice would be neither. Unless gm changed they only have a 1 year warrenty. St croix premiers have a 5 yr warrenty, but are over priced.(imo) I would buy a rod from one of the smaller guys that are better priced and still have outstanding quality.(black river, tackle industries, ect...) then I would get other things I need with the store credit. |
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Posts: 283
Location: beloit | I have a gander rod thats rated 2-6 oz and it will throw anything up to may dawgs. I think the only thing the SC has over the gander is its made in the USA and has a better warranty. I used the gander rod for about 3 years without any problems but it sits now because my Mike hulbert rod took its place. |
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Posts: 789
Location: Delavan, WI | St Croix gets my vote |
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Posts: 93
Location: WI | I have 2 Gander rods that work just fine for the last 4-5 years. Granted I'm not fishing everyday but they have held up very well. I don't use them much any more as I've won a Tackle Ind. rod that is the BOMB and have gotten a MI split grip also that I really like. IMO get the Tackle Ind. rod and save the gander $ or get the gander rod and use the $100 you would put toward the St.Croix and buy both the TI & gander rod. |
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| Which Gander rod are we talking about here? Those split grip tournament ones? If so those rods are better than a Premier level rod (go ahead and try for yourself, an XH Gander rated 3-9 ounces is lighter than a Premier Heavy rated for 2-6 ounces). Plenty of power to launch most lures yet can still work even a light jerkbait with the right touch. |
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St. Croix Premieres are great rods with great warranties and customer service.
Made in the USA. To me that is important and worth the extry money right there.
JS
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Posts: 208
Location: musky waters , WI | Get the st. croix if you want a quality rod. |
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Posts: 270
Location: brooklyn park mn | I would sell the gander gift certificate on ebay for 90 to 95 bucks and get a tackle industries tod. Can't go wrong for the money. Mine now replaces my 350 dollar rod. If befween those two only go with gander rod 3 to 9 oz |
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Posts: 1405
Location: Detroit River | If I had the money I'd get the St. Croix.
The only GM rod I have is a walleye/bass rod but my buddy has 2 GM musky rods that are in their 2nd season of use. My buddy is abusive with his tackle & everything else he owns. I cringe at the way he takes care of his tackle, truck, tools & everything else he owns. Prior to him owning the GM rods he had a Shimano Compre that broke on him in the 1st season & prior to that he had a St. Croix Premier that broke in the first season. He got the St. Croix replaced but not the Shimano.
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| I can tell you first hand gander rods last longer than 2 seasons. i have a few of them that are used by guests in my boat. Usually the type who don't fish muskie too much and they are held up just fine. |
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Posts: 129
Location: Glenmoore PA | St Croix, American Made! |
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Posts: 1726
Location: Mt. Zion, IL | I can personally vouch for the quality of St. Croix rods. I had all musky rods by one MFG and after trying the pm86xhf, I now have 3 of them. I have sold all of the rods from the other MFG which I will not name on here out of courtesy. Once I went with St Croix, I have never looked back. Never a problem or issue with any of them for bass or muskies. |
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Posts: 210
Location: VA | Esoxmtk - 9/12/2011 11:37 AM
St Croix, American Made!
Actually some are and some are not, depends on the model.
DR |
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Posts: 349
| How many of you GM bashers have ever actually used one of the rods in question? The 8' 6" is a split grip model with a 100% different look and feel than the old gander rods. I have 2 of them and absolutely love them. I've used many of my friends rods including multiple SC both Premier and LT. Also used Okuma's, shimano's, even the beloved Tackle Industries rods. The only rods I would choose over the GM split grips are Legend Tournament series rods or custom built ones. And as for the warranty... just go talk to them and they will take care of you. But I guess that depends on the individual store. Either way don't knock these rods if you haven't tried them! |
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Posts: 160
| I would go with the gander rod they are well worth the money.i have a pro series which is heavy abused for the last 3 years and have not had a single issue with it....as for st. croix i have two that have problems with all the eyes chipping which then cuts the line I will not be buying another. there nice rods and all but that eye problem is pretty bad..I have had a couple friends have the same problems.. musky innovations, reaction strike rods are cheap and well built and can really get abused |
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| I haven't used a Premier, but I know an 8' Gander rod has a short butt section (~15"). Truthfully, the St. Croix and the Gander Rod are probably identical in this aspect, but it is one of my biggest complaints - for almost all rod manufacturers.
Which Gander rod did you have in mind? I believe mine was black and said IM8 on it and cost around $100. Can't give a more specific description than that. I liked everything about the rod besides the butt. Sold it for that reason, and I wouldn't buy another one because of it. However, I think it's a good rod.
I would go with the telescoping TI rods if there are any available. I bought one of those last winter for $100 and love it. Fat cork and a long (18") rear butt section. |
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| Guest - 9/12/2011 7:22 PM
I haven't used a Premier, but I know an 8' Gander rod has a short butt section (~15"). Truthfully, the St. Croix and the Gander Rod are probably identical in this aspect, but it is one of my biggest complaints - for almost all rod manufacturers.
Which Gander rod did you have in mind? I believe mine was black and said IM8 on it and cost around $100. Can't give a more specific description than that. I liked everything about the rod besides the butt. Sold it for that reason, and I wouldn't buy another one because of it. However, I think it's a good rod.
I would go with the telescoping TI rods if there are any available. I bought one of those last winter for $100 and love it. Fat cork and a long (18") rear butt section.
The old Gander rods (which is what you have) does have a very short handle. They are quite a bit longer on the newer rods. |
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Posts: 322
| Buy American made St Croix rods!!! Legend Tournament/Premier and other series. Don't buy their products from mexico ex..triumph/mojo series. I own all St Croix Rods other rods are good but St Croix in my opinion best rods made today. I have owned gandermountain rods they are good but not Legend Tournament good. It is my understanding unless you buy the extended warranty at Gandermountain the rods only have a 1 year warranty. Premier 5 year warranty and you can upgrade later and they hold their value. Of course Legend Tournament LIFETIME!!! Help some guys and gals from Wisconsin put food on the table. I'm not saying I buy everything american. You can't possibly accomplish that without spending a ton of cash. But whenever I have a question should I buy product 1 or 2. I try to help the old USA out a bit. |
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Posts: 582
| Sure, but the SC costs about 3x as much too. I would think you should get a better warranty and better rod for that kind of price difference. |
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Funny how people used to be proud to buy American.
Now it seems when we need it more than ever you keep hearing "it's a global economy", which means what exactly??
Support you neighbor when you can, it just makes sense.
St. Croix rods are excellent, always have been. Great warranties and service.
They also have been long time supporters of Muskies Inc. and many fundraising efforts which have benefited us all.
JS |
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Posts: 322
| When you pay your employees more than 50 cents an hour things tend to be more expensive. Gander rod 100 dollars st croix premier around 170 dollars 5 times the warranty |
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Posts: 32890
Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin | All typed on a computer made overseas, on a keyboard made in China or Indonesia, sent over servers made in China or a smartphone made overseas, read on a monitor made in Mexico or overseas. A multi-national made money overseas, here, and at the store you bought that stuff from where the local dollar spent provided profit margin there, too. Someone in Silicon Valley made a few bucks on the technology.
Global economy.
news flash...
It isn't because of the trade balance the US is in economic difficulties.
Greed? Check
Bank and Financial illegal and immoral activities? Check
Real Estate balloon values based on paper? Check
And worse.
A rod with US made graphite, resins, guides, thread, cork, and composites? Not an easy task, finding one. And St Croix builds out of country now, too.
Global economy.
It took awhile for our auto builders to figure it out. More expensive and built in the US doesn't mean better to the consumer, quality does, and especially quality for less money. Many changes. Better products. More competitive pricing. Even better exports.
Global economy.
No one ever said any of this would be 'right' or 'fair'. That's actually the pure Communism model, and that didn't work because of humans being human.
Capitalism sucks, it's unfair, mean, and hardline rude despite being the popular 'free world' economic model. The entire world is trending to 'our' model and handing our own butt to us in the process in some cases, while the 'freedom bug' bites huge chunks out of the stated enemy of Capitalism and celebrations by young folks wearing Levis are broadcast by CNN as they occur across the Middle East and North Africa. Odd, huh?
Global.
Economy.
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Posts: 432
Location: Eagan, MN | This thread may have set a record for number of 'guest' posts. |
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Posts: 4343
Location: Smith Creek | If that's how you justify buying stuff made overseas, fine. Maybe this will simplify: when you buy a St. Croix Premier, how much of that $200 ends up in China? How much ends up in Wisconsin? $100 for Gander rod how much ends up in China? I'm guessing more than the SC Premier.
**This post was typed on a U.S. made Gateway computer**
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Posts: 32890
Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin | What did anyone say about 'justification'? I don't need to justify anything to you.
Acer owns Gateway. I see from a quick look at the components most of the components are not US built, but the machine is assembled in the US if it's a build to order.
Toyota Tundra trucks are built in the US too. We had a contract with Toyota for a few years, and I drove a 2007 Tundra. Great truck. My son bought it.
Gateway's 'build to order' machines are assembled in the US, but the company is owned by Acer, a Multi-national firm headquartered in Taiwan.
'Acer announced revenue in Q1 rose 36 percent year-on-year to NT$162.1 billion (US$5.2 billion) and its net profit increased 63 percent to 3.29 billion New Taiwan dollars (US$104.7 million); 27 percent of revenue comes from the U.S.'
http://www.acer-group.com/public/
Global.
Economy.
The majority of the money 'created' from a Gander sale in the US if it's a Gander sourced product from overseas is US. Not much is left in China or Korea by percentage of the retail price of the rod. By the way, the US send tax dollars in the form of aid to both. Yes, we send aid to China.
One can help protect/reward the workers at the St Croix factory by buying the products they build, if one is so inclined. They already have jumped the fence on a few models, but the rest seem to be supporting the business pretty well. The key is to make the rods be perceived as 'superior quality' so the consumer is willing to pay the extra dollars. Some still won't be, and that's not going to get any better with the high quality coming from many US overseen factories overseas.
I believe I already said it isn't supposed to be fair. |
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Posts: 4343
Location: Smith Creek | Right. The shareholders and CEOs in the U.S. make the money from the overseas laborers. And the clerk who's selling the merchandise makes a couple bucks. Now suppose that clerk sells a U.S. made product? He gets a cut, the the shareholders and CEOs get their cut AND a couple U.S. laborers get a cut. Labor counts for what, 1 to 3 % of cost? I'd rather that go to my neighbor.
Local
Economics
(Just because it's failing doesn't mean it shouldn't exist) |
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Posts: 40
| Back to the topic..... IMO get a Gander Mountain rod for 100 bucks cheaper. |
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Posts: 349
| muskiemanAD - 9/13/2011 7:39 PM
Back to the topic..... IMO get a Gander Mountain rod for 100 bucks cheaper.
$100 cheaper?? The gander rod in question retails $150. I thought SC Premier line was more like $180 to $200 max. I agree on getting the Gander rod, just pointing out the price range. The higher end Gander series are not bottom of the line cheap rods and they definitely do not perform like that! They are good solid sticks, just not many people using them or aware of them as they were new a couple years ago and only available at select GM stores. |
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Posts: 582
| I find all this "Buy an American car" BS !. You guys do realize that Nissan, Toyota etc... are actually built in the states right? they employ thousands of Americans at the plants, dealerships, service dept, sales etc...... then you have Ford who is building in Mexico, GM who is building in Canada.. This is a global economy. and these same people that like to preach "buy American" still have a TV made in china, a PC made in Mylasia, shoes made in Tiawan, etc..... For myself, I will find the best product i can for my dollar. Sure, St Croix makes a great rod, but i won't pay double for it when there are others out there for half the price that will suit my needs just as well. See the point? |
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If you don't want to by an American made fishing rod, or anything else made in America then that is your choice.
I'll try to keep Americans making the products I buy whenever I can. American workers making foriegn products here is great. I'll buy those too. I don't see any reason to pay for people to have jobs overseas when I don't have to. If there is a quality product that is put together in the USA I'll buy that first.
Call me silly but that just seems to make sense.
JS
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Posts: 1141
Location: NorthCentral WI | The real question then...
Assuming you have Product A and Product B and both products have equal quality.
Are you willing to pay $30 more for Product A because it's made in America? Maybe
Are you willing to pay $50 more for Product A because it's made in America? Doubtful
Are you willing to pay $100 more for Product A because it's made in America? He11 No!
I'd buy Product B and leave myself a few bucks for a couple new lures too.
By the way: If you answered yes to any of the scenarios, Do you belong to a labor union too? |
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Posts: 4343
Location: Smith Creek | The PM86HF can throw baits as light as 1 oz and as heavy as 9oz, has a 5 year warranty and a no hassle $50 repair or replacement plan for accidental damage or expired warranty. I've used mine for topwaters, bucktails of all sizes, and crankbaits and have absolutely no complaints. I would try a Gander rod but when the fishing dept. manager tells me he prefers St. Croix I don't feel the need. |
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| St. Croix has a better warranty. They also have a trade-in program which allows you to trade up rods. When the warranty runs out you can get a new rod for $50 bucks.
Regarding the subject of this thread, more money is well spent.
Regarding the subject of how much more money are you willing to pay for the same quality product USA vs. not USA?
There isn't a cut and dry answer to that for me.
I would rather not have the resources wasted to ship goods from overseas to the USA.
I would rather not see workers working in unsafe, unsanitary or otherwise unregulated conditions that we as a civilized nation have gotten away from.
I have my convictions and beliefs. They aren't the same as everyone elses here obviously.
To each his own. I think there is a much bigger picture than looking at the price point of 2 products that are of the same quality when regarding purchases.
Isn't that part of the "global economy" ? Looking at the bigger picture? Or does it just boil down to money and nothing else?
JS |
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Posts: 1141
Location: NorthCentral WI | Guest - 9/14/2011 12:56 PM
Isn't that part of the "global economy" ? Looking at the bigger picture? Or does it just boil down to money and nothing else?
JS
Of course, money makes the world go round. Oh, and Americans are greedy (myself included).  |
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Posts: 32890
Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin | JS,
Obviously, resources are not 'wasted' when shipping goods. Your 'waste' is their fulfillment program. We use megatons of raw and semi-finished materials we cannot source from this country, but that's somehow OK to ship over here...right?
Let's see you grow good numbers of bananas in the US. Every banana eaten
is an apple left on the shelf. Stupid argument, but...there it is.
You might not be looking big picture, and are stereotyping in a most egregious fashion. The US has plenty of issues with unsafe work environments, too.
Of course it boils down to money. If it didn't, St Croix wouldn't be building any rods out of country...would they?
Sourcing product overseas doesn't cut the US off as far as making money for individuals, businesses, or corporations...or it wouldn't be happening. It does threaten manufacturing jobs in the US and has done irreparable damage to the old Union model we founded our industrial revolution final chapter upon. Back then, it was the US with the best price at the highest quality. Not all the time true anymore.
We have, in some cases, used technology and highly skilled employees to catch up and win back markets. In some cases foreign manufacturers ended up with a more expensive quality product. Look at Japan for many examples. With others, foreign governments have made sure we can't keep up. Look at solar energy panels for this example.
This too shall pass, as the rest of the world begins to catch up with their economic models. It's already happening with some products. |
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Yah I guess buying things made here really doesn't make any sense, how could I have bought into that myth.
JS |
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Posts: 582
| I don't think thats the point. I just think to say buy only American is kind of silly. I don't think you could if you tried. Just because something is made in America doesn't make it better or lower priced. This is the example we are discussing with SC. They make good rods, but i refuse to spend $300+ on a rod when i can get other very good rods for $120 shipped, and buy 3 of them. I have tried the SC rods and just don't think they are worth that much money to me. Of course it comes down to money and what the consumer has to spend. In this economy how can it not? |
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Location: Northern Wisconsin | St. Croix without a doubt. I have a few St. Croixs and a few Ganders. I used the Gander rods when I first started but they are no longer in working order. For the most part they served me well over the past 8 years but two of them have had issues (reel seat came apart and top guide came unwelded). They were not bad rods and at the time I bought them I thought they had lifetime warrantys but now Gander has really changed their return policy (IMO for the worse). BUT I also have three St. Croix rods and they have met and exceeded my expectations. I will also through a shout out to Tackle Industries. I picked up a 9' XH tele over the summer and really like it. |
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Posts: 32890
Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin | 'Yah I guess buying things made here really doesn't make any sense, how could I have bought into that myth.
JS'
Who said that? Do you wake up every morning and take a special pill to be that difficult? |
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| im not sure if they are the same rods for sale today but my 2 most used rods are gander rods made by st. Croixs i have a 8'6" xh and a 8'6" h and they are on their 4th season of about 100 days on the water each year |
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Posts: 540
Location: MN | Guest - 9/15/2011 1:13 PM
im not sure if they are the same rods for sale today but my 2 most used rods are gander rods made by st. Croixs i have a 8'6" xh and a 8'6" h and they are on their 4th season of about 100 days on the water each year
St. Croix hasn't made ganders rods in 8 or 9 years. Who told you yours were? |
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Posts: 676
Location: Wisconsin | Gander switched over in 94 or 95 if I remember correctly. It's been a while, but I was working at one of the stores when they made the switch (just before the first bankruptcy). Before that, the rods were made by St Croix and had lifetime warranties. |
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Gander or St.Croix