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Posts: 38
Location: WI | Guys i'm in the market for 2 new rods. Recently sold my older SC's and Okuma's. My lures of choice typically are topwaters, DBL10, suick, superD, original and magnum dawgs, large spinner baits, 5-8" minnow, some crank baits etc. Always wonderful info. on hear. Looking for your professional opinions. Have kind of narrowed it down to SC or TI. I look forward to all of your comments. Thanks! |
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Posts: 1283
| Its hard to beat TIs deal if he is still doing any rod for 100. I would email James asap. |
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Posts: 246
Location: Grand Marais, MN | depends on what you want to spend. both are fantastic rods, st croix are much more expensive than the TI rods.
since it isn't musky season here in the north where i assume you are, go to one of the shows this winter somewhere or a store somewhere and feel both rods, because they will both work and it really comes down to what you are willing to spend and your preferences in comfort.
sounds to me like you could get away well with the TI XH 9 footer for all of those things. or if the big nasty and sling blades would probably handle most of those things.
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Posts: 13688
Location: minocqua, wi. | get 1 St. Croix Big Nasty and be done with it. you can do everything with it and you'll love it. |
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Posts: 192
Location: Quebec, Canada | My SC H (2-6oz) Mojo Musky works amazingly well for all these kinds of lures, especially double10s. It does cast fairly easily mag dawgs, but isn't strong enough for pounders. If you ever consider using pounders, I just bought a SC LT Big Dawg (4-12oz) and it's amazing how easy you can cast these huge lures with it. Probably that the XH Mojo Musky (4-10oz) could also work them fairly well. Not sure if the Big Nasty (3-8oz) handles them as well though, but if my H MM handles the mag dawg/superDs without a problem, so should the Big Nasty.
I don't have any experience with TI rods as I don't personnally own any, but I did hear a lot of good words about them. What's for sure is, if the quality of customer service that James gives for lures is as close with rods, this is a huge plus. |
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Posts: 753
| St Croix to TI is like comparing a Yugo to a Porsche. Both will get you there but.... If you can afford the SC get it...if the price point is not favorable look adifferent direction. At the end of the day its about fishing and you can fish with both of them. TI does stand behind there products, which is why so many people are loyal regardless of overall quality... so you do have that working for you if there are issues... As the poster above pointed out...perfect time to go to a show this winter and scope both out... |
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Posts: 4053
Location: Land of the Musky | Dave,
If you will be at the Milwaukee show St Croix and TI are both there. Good opportunity for you to hold both rods and feel them. You won't go wrong with a St Croix and I am 100% sure you will love mine too.
Curious, if this stays in the order that this is posted in does this mean I am the Porsche?!! I would rather be a Lamborghini but Porsche will do  "St Croix to TI is like comparing a Yugo to a Porsche"
If not, I will put my little Yugo up against any Porsche any day  0-60mph in 2.6 seconds! Thats 0.1 seconds faster than the fastest 918 Spyder.
James
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Posts: 1283
| Lol Awesome! ^^^^^
Also would like to add I placed a order last night/today with James and its already shipped. Now thats fast. |
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Posts: 4343
Location: Smith Creek | Tackle Industries - 12/3/2013 2:47 PM
0-60mph in 2.6 seconds! Thats 0.1 seconds faster than the fastest 918 Spyder.
James
In reverse, judging by the intake scoop. I would think leaving the hatch open would add some drag, though. |
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Posts: 908
Location: South-Central PA | I don't think you can go wrong either way. St Croix rods are very nice and so are TI.
The biggest difference is the price. You can get three TI's for the price of one LT.
jeremy |
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Posts: 38
Location: WI | Thank you to all who have replied back and you to James "Love the car" if your rods can hold up to the SC for a third of the price then yours are the porsch. The rods I would like to purchase I want quality, function, longevity etc. for the lure selection I provided. If it is SC what rods do you guys recommend and if its TI which of those would you recommend. Like I said this a very helpful site. Also , I should indicate I have been musky nut for almost 35 yrs. And now getting back into it again more seriously. Thanks guys keep it coming! |
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Posts: 32888
Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin | St. Croix builds a great rod and targets a specific price point and application with the build. So does TI. Pick up both brands in the action you are looking for at the shows as is recommended, and see which 'feels right' to you. |
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Posts: 1283
| Agreed. I actually have 3 St Croix rods and recommended the TIs rods. I think the quality is there in both companies but the price for quality has to go to TI. Customer service is great for both. There is a reason so many people are happy with them both. I did have a brand new SC break a guide and lose me a new $25 lure within the first hour of using it. Got a new rod under warranty but If I didnt I would have a new TI muskie rod. My other SCs have been great though. |
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Posts: 1638
Location: Minnesota | given the choice I would pick st Croix . my ti rod did not do what I wanted it to do .
I bought a predator witch is made by st, Croix great rod . on the other hand I could have bought 4 of the ti rods for what I paid for my predator. it comes down to how much you want to spend. |
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Posts: 1000
| Again, it's different price points. I throw both St. Croix's and TI's. St. Croix has the better warranty IMO, but the TI is a fantastic workhorse. I choose both. |
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Posts: 38
Location: WI | Thanks to all of you for your honest opinions and comments guys. I realize this can be a much debated topic among everyone. It's much appreciated! |
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Posts: 75
| I have thrown St. Croix rods all my musky fishing career and would never fish another rod. If its the price your worried about I don't think musky fishing is a good sport for you! Nothing is cheap when it comes to musky fishing. |
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Posts: 791
Location: North Central IL USA | sellc8675 - 12/4/2013 10:12 AM
If its the price your worried about I don't think musky fishing is a good sport for you!
Disagree! I have TI and Shimano rods that work quite well for much less the cost of the St Croix rods! |
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Location: Contrarian Island | as others have said, just depends on what you want to spend.. I LOVE my St Croixs but quite a few of my buds use the T.I. Rods.. for the money they are hard to beat when you can buy 3 of them for the cost of one Big Nasty, that said, if you want to blow 350 on one rod I don't think there is a better off the shelf rod than the Big Nasty for all around use. |
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Posts: 2017
| sellc8675 - 12/4/2013 10:12 AM
Nothing is cheap when it comes to musky fishing.
You are right, buy TI rods and put $300 -$500 reels on them |
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Posts: 1100
| I prefer my St. Croix, over my TI, but it depends on what action/power you prefer.
I like the stiffer lower section on the Big Dawg vs the TI XXH, but some prefer it the other way around. |
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Posts: 4343
Location: Smith Creek | Zinox - 12/4/2013 11:22 AM
I like the stiffer lower section on the Big Dawg vs the TI XXH, but some prefer it the other way around.
Good point. If you prefer a fast action and a blank that is fairly rigid for the lure rating you will probably prefer a St. Croix. If you prefer a moderate action and more flexibility for the lure rating you will probably prefer a TI. |
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Posts: 31
Location: Southern Illinois | If its the price your worried about I don't think musky fishing is a good sport for you!
Disagree X2- I agree with Greg I have five TI rods and just ordered two more. Not because they or I am cheap. Because they are great tools at a great value. It's really personal preference like others have said. Check em both out and use what you like best. Either way you won't go wrong. |
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Posts: 1722
Location: Mt. Zion, IL | No rod will compare to a big nasty full grip with the extended handle. Get one that has the handle extended to 19" and you have the best rod money can buy IMO. St. Croix rods are made in the USA which is a big selling point to me as well. The TI rods are OK, but don't compare to a big nasty IMO. |
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Posts: 667
Location: Wisconsin | I think you would be wise to feel both of them for yourself, to be sure. Both are nice rods, I almost bought a TI, but ended up getting another LT. I really like the LT series and decided I have bought so much stuff over the years and then end up selling it to get what I really want, so I spent the $$ and got the LT. Not saying you should get the LT, just saying think it thru and get the rod you will be happy with today as well as tomorrow! I will say for the price, the TI is a great deal. |
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Posts: 149
| RyanJoz - 12/5/2013 6:47 PM
No rod will compare to a big nasty full grip with the extended handle. Get one that has the handle extended to 19" and you have the best rod money can buy IMO. St. Croix rods are made in the USA which is a big selling point to me as well. The TI rods are OK, but don't compare to a big nasty IMO.
SC makes rods outside the USA just like TI does. Just clearifing this. I love my TI rods. As good or better feel vs my SC rods that I used to use. For me its overall quality. LOL all my reels were made on Japan like most rod snobs here. |
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Posts: 38
Location: WI | Thanks guys for taking the time to reply to the thread with your honest opinions. I'm a big bowhunter also and when picking out my bows of choice I always shoot them for a while before choosing the one that comes home with me. Wish I could bring a reel along to the store or one of the musky shows. grab a few baits and make some casts to get a feeling of each rod with lure of choice. Hence while I'm hear asking those of you who have used each to give there remarks on them not just me but maybe others too who are trying to decide. Thanks!
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Posts: 441
| I use St. Croix's, TI's, and a Predator. They all have their place, and all do the job. |
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Posts: 364
Location: Central Wisconsin | My brother purchased a TI 9FT telescoping rod and it is SLICK! I believe it is the medium heavy. It is super light and is very sensitive. Also it stores so nicely being able to shrink down! This is just my experience with the TI. |
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| sellc8675 - 12/4/2013 10:12 AM
I have thrown St. Croix rods all my musky fishing career and would never fish another rod. If its the price your worried about I don't think musky fishing is a good sport for you! Nothing is cheap when it comes to musky fishing.
we don't need a st-croix to fish for musky,same thing for baits,best one are not necessarily the most expensive,most of my go to are around 20$.
the value of your gear have nothing to do with your ability to catch monsters |
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Posts: 246
| After using both brands, I have to say that I really like my St. Croix's. Only thing I don't like about them is their short bottom handles. I extend them 3-4 inches and it makes casting so much better. |
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Posts: 427
Location: Planet Meltdown | I have a couple TI rods and I broke one of the guide inserts while putting the rod away in my rod locker (totally my fault!!). I emailed James last week and he was very quick to respond. The next day he dropped a replacement insert in the mall for me and didn't charge me a dime. James is good people and he stands by his product. |
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| i would like to see how st-croix would react in a case like this. |
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Posts: 4343
Location: Smith Creek | jano - 12/7/2013 3:03 AM
i would like to see how st-croix would react in a case like this.
They'll replace the entire guide and charge $20 for the S&H. If the rod is new they'll usually waive the S&H. |
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Posts: 75
| Jano never said one needed a St. Croix to catch big muskies but tell me another type of fish which lures run around average $15. Panfish, Walleyes, and Bass do not nearly cost as much to fish for as Musky. I really don't know of any other "go to" bass, walleye, or panfish lures that are around $20? |
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Posts: 426
Location: Perryville, MO | sellc8675 - 12/9/2013 12:26 PM
Jano never said one needed a St. Croix to catch big muskies but tell me another type of fish which lures run around average $15. Panfish, Walleyes, and Bass do not nearly cost as much to fish for as Musky. I really don't know of any other "go to" bass, walleye, or panfish lures that are around $20?
Huh? |
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Posts: 4053
Location: Land of the Musky | sellc8675 - 12/9/2013 12:26 PM
Jano never said one needed a St. Croix to catch big muskies but tell me another type of fish which lures run around average $15. Panfish, Walleyes, and Bass do not nearly cost as much to fish for as Musky. I really don't know of any other "go to" bass, walleye, or panfish lures that are around $20?
These are all "go to" baits in the below links. Actually bass lures cost as much or more in many cases vs musky lures. Here are just a few swimbaits on this page. $20-$40 average prices:
http://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Hard_Body/catpage-SWMBTHRD.html
Bass crankbaits $13-$35:
http://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Oversized_Crankbaits_/catpage-OVERSI...
Bass guys pay about as much as hard core musky guys do for tackle and their are 100x more of them out there. Thats why I am getting into bass rods and lures in 2014. I'm going to need a lot bigger barn to store my stuff in I love the potential of the bass market!
James
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Posts: 833
| There is a big focus in here on price while ignoring other factors. The best advice in here is at the top which is to go to the shows and handle each rod and figure out the strengths and weaknesses of both rods, then decided what is best for you. I've done this and I can say with firm conviction that I get a lot for my extra $$$ when going custom. YMMV. |
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Posts: 476
Location: St. John, Indiana | sellc8675 - 12/9/2013 12:26 PM
Jano never said one needed a St. Croix to catch big muskies but tell me another type of fish which lures run around average $15. Panfish, Walleyes, and Bass do not nearly cost as much to fish for as Musky. I really don't know of any other "go to" bass, walleye, or panfish lures that are around $20?
Go on swimbaitnation.com or swimbaitunderground.com to the swap sell area and tell me how many swimbaits you see for under $50. These boys are using them for bass...not muskies....one of the hottest baits out
There right now is a deps 250....it sells for around $180...some high end swimbaits are
Around $400.....yes...four hundred |
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| weedsnager - 12/10/2013 12:37 PM
sellc8675 - 12/9/2013 12:26 PM
Jano never said one needed a St. Croix to catch big muskies but tell me another type of fish which lures run around average $15. Panfish, Walleyes, and Bass do not nearly cost as much to fish for as Musky. I really don't know of any other "go to" bass, walleye, or panfish lures that are around $20?
Go on swimbaitnation.com or swimbaitunderground.com to the swap sell area and tell me how many swimbaits you see for under $50. These boys are using them for bass...not muskies....one of the hottest baits out
There right now is a deps 250....it sells for around $180...some high end swimbaits are
Around $400.....yes...four hundred
True but the typical walleye leadhead jig doesn't even cost a dollar. Panfish jigs can get 5 for $3 at the local store. A bass spinnerbait or crankbait is typically $4-$8. |
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Posts: 476
Location: St. John, Indiana | I responded to his direct question. He said "but tell me another type of fish which lures run around average $15." |
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