2018 St Croix Legend Tournament Bass 2024
WI_Angler1989 reply :
Hi folks,
Does anyone out there own a new and improved LTB? I'm curious what your feelings are on the balance of it. Obviously it's no secret the LTB series is tip heavy, although I've had great success with my own despite that. The new models say they're more balanced... are they?
It would be great if they are! I like the rods in every regard, but I can definitely understand the heavy tip being annoying, especially with my style being bottom contact baits for river smallies. Holding an Elite or Xtreme is like it just disappears. No imbalances. Now to get that feeling in the "cheaper" LTB series... that's my dream.
Loomis13 reply :
I havent put a reel on one, but have messed around with them on a slow day in the shop and too me it depends on the model. Some I thought were still heavy, especially since they have been touted as not being heavier in the tip. Then on some models, I have thought they felt great. All this was done without a reel...something to keep in mind.
WI_Angler1989 reply :
That makes sense. Different rods will have such a variety of materials used in construction affecting balance. I really do like the LTB rods; But the higher end series have the same features, PLUS awesome balance. At the end of the day, it feels silly to have a 400$ rod at this point. Within my means, right?
badgerboyng reply :
I'm almost certain that the only thing they changed on the new LTBs is the handle. They've been upgraded to have the same handles as the Legend Elite rods, but the blanks are the exact same. Because of this, I wouldn't expect the balance to be drastically different on the new rods. I haven't handled any in person, though, so I can't say for certain.
Loomis13 reply :
On 2/14/2018 at 8:36 AM, badgerboyng said:I'm almost certain that the only thing they changed on the new LTBs is the handle. They've been upgraded to have the same handles as the Legend Elite rods, but the blanks are the exact same. Because of this, I wouldn't expect the balance to be drastically different on the new rods. I haven't handled any in person, though, so I can't say for certain.
but wait! The guides are now satin instead of chrome haha. Not much changed, except the LTW have full cork now
WI_Angler1989 reply :
I got to handle some today actually. The balance does seem a little bit better. Still not on the level of the other, more balanced rods. The handlrs are a lot more comfortable though! I don't have any issues with my current LTB, but it's a lot nicer off the bat.
Loomis13 reply :
The handles are pretty slick! I like the look of them better too, not that that really matters though.
WI_Angler1989 reply :
On 2/14/2018 at 12:39 PM, Loomis13 said:The handles are pretty slick! I like the look of them better too, not that that really matters though.
It won't affect the function, but may as well like em! They are quite slick. Makes me wish companies did demo programs for rods like they do with reels.
Chowderhead reply :
Not seeing the new models on the St. Croix website. Anyone have a link to show what is new for 2018?
WI_Angler1989 reply :
On 2/14/2018 at 9:20 PM, Chowderhead said:Not seeing the new models on the St. Croix website. Anyone have a link to show what is new for 2018?
I dont have a link handy, but you're best bet is to google "2018 st croix legend tournament bass" and watch their brief video descriptions.
FryDog62 reply :
I’ve had 2 LTB’s in the past. The imbalance finally got to me... one broke and I sold the other. Returned the broken actually for an AxidX which is a better rod overall to me, although as plain-Jane as they come.
WI_Angler1989 reply :
I like the Avids too. I've got 2 of the regular Avid series that I've had for a few years now and they're definitely great rods! I've never fished and X, though they look awesome.
Loomis13 reply :
On 2/14/2018 at 9:20 PM, Chowderhead said:Not seeing the new models on the St. Croix website. Anyone have a link to show what is new for 2018?
Yeah, for whatever reason they are not online yet. Im not sure if Croix has a PDF of their 2018 catalog, but Im pretty sure the rods are in there. They are also making a Legend X, which is just like the Elite but has a split grip. The color is a little wonky on the Legend X though.
WI_Angler1989 reply :
St Croix seems to be lagging in the advertising department. Especially considering they're in stores already.
My local Wheels doesn't have any of the new Legend X rods yet sadly, but I know what you mean about the color @Loomis13. I'll reserve judgment till I see it in person, but it seems odd. The rod is stacked in their tech though so idk if color matters much haha. Can't wait to handle one tho.
Chowderhead reply :
On 2/14/2018 at 10:29 PM, Loomis13 said:Yeah, for whatever reason they are not online yet. Im not sure if Croix has a PDF of their 2018 catalog, but Im pretty sure the rods are in there. They are also making a Legend X, which is just like the Elite but has a split grip. The color is a little wonky on the Legend X though.
Thanks — I was able to find a pdf of the 2018 catalog. Now I need to decide how much I want to splurge on a new spinning rod. Aside from the light green color of the blank, I’m liking the Legend X.
Turkey sandwich reply :
This is how I end up spending money... I love my Legend Elite and they seem like they're essentially a split grip version of the same rod. Now I want to buy stuff that I don't need.
badgerboyng reply :
On 2/14/2018 at 9:20 PM, Chowderhead said:Not seeing the new models on the St. Croix website. Anyone have a link to show what is new for 2018?
Here's a link to the 2018 catalog: https://issuu.com/st.croixrod/docs/scr_cat2018_issuu
The factory doesn't have all of the rods ready yet, so that's why they're not on the website. They told me to call and check the availability of the specific model and if they have it in, they'll sell it over the phone.
A-Jay reply :
On 2/15/2018 at 7:17 AM, badgerboyng said:Here's a link to the 2018 catalog: https://issuu.com/st.croixrod/docs/scr_cat2018_issuu
That's Cool ~ Thanks
A-Jay
WI_Angler1989 reply :
On 2/15/2018 at 6:55 AM, Turkey sandwich said:This is how I end up spending money... I love my Legend Elite and they seem like they're essentially a split grip version of the same rod. Now I want to buy stuff that I don't need.
Truer words have never been spoken. What model LE do you have? I've thought about getting one of those as well, but my wallet won't cooperate..
Loomis13 reply :
On 2/15/2018 at 6:55 AM, Turkey sandwich said:This is how I end up spending money... I love my Legend Elite and they seem like they're essentially a split grip version of the same rod. Now I want to buy stuff that I don't need.
I haven't looked at them that closely, but I thought they were exactly the Elites but with a split grip. Feel me to tell me otherwise, because it would save me some research!
Chowderhead reply :
On 2/15/2018 at 7:17 AM, badgerboyng said:Here's a link to the 2018 catalog: https://issuu.com/st.croixrod/docs/scr_cat2018_issuu
The factory doesn't have all of the rods ready yet, so that's why they're not on the website. They told me to call and check the availability of the specific model and if they have it in, they'll sell it over the phone.
Perfect — thanks for the info.
Turkey sandwich reply :
On 2/15/2018 at 9:52 AM, WI_Angler1989 said:
Truer words have never been spoken. What model LE do you have? I've thought about getting one of those as well, but my wallet won't cooperate..
7' MH F casting. It is one fantastic jig rod. They hooked me up after I snapped a tip on a Rage (my fault) for something like $150. I wanted a LTB, but they didn't have it in stock, and they substituted it and discounted it for me. Their customer service is absolutely second to none.
In comparison - I own a Feelfree Lure. They sent me a rudder kit that was missing half of the hardware, and had TONS of hardware that wasn't even intended for my kayak (it's a secondary manufacturer that makes their rudder kits and they have no direct oversight). It took 4-5 months of going back and forth between me asking them to send me a hardware kit because I couldn't tell them exactly which pieces were missing (because the kit didn't come with so much as an inventory list). Well, it took posting a complaint on the Feelfree owner's Facebook group for them to eventually say "send us the whole kit and we'll send you a new one". They bashed me on the page, despite being respectful, and banned me from the group for complaining about their customer service.
While I generally like my Lure, I will never buy another boat from Feelfree, but I will buy rods from St. Croix for as long as I'm able to get on the water.
WI_Angler1989 reply :
Spunds like quite the tedious situation, @Turkey sandwich. I can understand why you'd want to avoid that scenario again. Regardless of how you like the product. I've always heard St Croix has fantastic customer service, but I've never had to deal woth it yet. I've been fairly lucky woth not damaging rods and such (knock on wood!!)
I'm going up to the factory this spring with a buddy, maybe ill score a quality Eliye in the factory seconds stock! Other than that I cannot afford one hahaha. Yet.
Turkey sandwich reply :
On 2/15/2018 at 6:27 PM, WI_Angler1989 said:Spunds like quite the tedious situation, @Turkey sandwich. I can understand why you'd want to avoid that scenario again. Regardless of how you like the product. I've always heard St Croix has fantastic customer service, but I've never had to deal woth it yet. I've been fairly lucky woth not damaging rods and such (knock on wood!!)
I'm going up to the factory this spring with a buddy, maybe ill score a quality Eliye in the factory seconds stock! Other than that I cannot afford one hahaha. Yet.
St. Croix is phenomenal on the customer service end. Feelfree just kept responding to emails telling me how good their customer service was, while absolutely sucking at actually solving problems.
As for getting good stuff on the cheap, I've heard that they sometimes have great deals at their factory, but if you check out their bargain bin, sometimes you'll find some pretty killer gear discounted like crazy.
tracker01 reply :
Good thread. I’m looking a couple my self.
Scuba Steve reply :
This season I bought a 7' MH-F in the regular avid casting. Used it for 5 minutes and knew I didn't like it. It's wayyy tip heavy.
I got a 6'8 MH-F 2018 LTB instead. The balance point with my Revo X is where the spin down cork meets the rod, just in front of the reel. It feels almost weightless in my hand. I put a furniture leg cap on the butt with a few quarters in it and the balance point was dead center of the reel. I love it.
WRangler506 reply :
On 4/24/2018 at 3:38 AM, Scuba Steve said:This season I bought a 7' MH-F in the regular avid casting. Used it for 5 minutes and knew I didn't like it. It's wayyy tip heavy.
I got a 6'8 MH-F 2018 LTB instead. The balance point with my Revo X is where the spin down cork meets the rod, just in front of the reel. It feels almost weightless in my hand. I put a furniture leg cap on the butt with a few quarters in it and the balance point was dead center of the reel. I love it.
Im looking at similar rods. Was the balance corrected by going with the 68, or going to the LTB? I guess Im assuming they have the 68 in the Avid line but havent checked. Im looking for a well balanced 68-71 MH/F casting rod....
Scuba Steve reply :
On 4/24/2018 at 9:59 PM, WRangler506 said:Im looking at similar rods. Was the balance corrected by going with the 68, or going to the LTB? I guess Im assuming they have the 68 in the Avid line but havent checked. Im looking for a well balanced 68-71 MH/F casting rod....
I believe the Avid only came in a 6'8 M-XF. I wanted a MH and I don't care for XF. The LTB came in a 6'8 MH-F. It weighs only 4 oz. My Abu Revo X weighs 7.8 oz I believe, and without adding weight the balance point is an inch or two in front of the reel seat. Best feeling combo I've used so far.
waymont reply :
The 6'8 MH-F 2018 LTB is the business. I think the balance is incredible with a Daiwa Tatula Type R and a Lew's Pro G. It floats in the hand. It's super sensitive and is my main bottom contact rod for jigs and texas rigs.
The handle is super comfortable. I also have a LT Walleye 6'6" ML spinning rod and it's amazing too.
It's a perfect all around rod for spinning rod finesse bass styles. I used to have older Loomis IMX rods which I loved but these new Legends are just plain more comfortable and fun to fish.
fishwizzard reply :
Does anyone have strong opinions about the spinning reel seat on the new LTB rods? From looking at pictures I cannot get a sense of how all the cut-outs “work”. I grip spinning rods with my entite hand infront of the reel stem so that rules out a lot of reel seats.
A-Jay reply :
On 12/16/2018 at 9:01 PM, fishwizzard said:Does anyone have strong opinions about the spinning reel seat on the new LTB rods? From looking at pictures I cannot get a sense of how all the cut-outs “work”. I grip spinning rods with my entite hand infront of the reel stem so that rules out a lot of reel seats.
As a ST Croix stick fan - I fish several in the LTB line.
I have & rather like the previous spinner rod handle but have not yet fished the new one.
Have checked it out (in store).
It's nice & perhaps even better than the older model.
All that said & on a separate note, I ventured into the world of the Daiwa Tatula Elite AGS Spinning Rods last spring.
At about the same price point as the LTB - IMO it's a better stick.
Love everything about it especially the lighter weight and carbon graphite guide frames.
I'll not purchase another ST Croix spinner choosing instead to go with these Diawa rods.
Might want to check these out prior to making your decision, I'm glad I did.
A-Jay
fishwizzard reply :
On 12/17/2018 at 12:33 AM, A-Jay said:
All that said & on a separate note, I ventured into the world of the Daiwa Tatula Elite AGS Spinning Rods last spring.
At about the same price point as the LTB - IMO it's a better stick.
Love everything about it especially the lighter weight and carbon graphite guide frames.
I'll not purchase another ST Croix spinner choosing instead to go with these Diawa rods.
Might want to check these out prior to making your decision, I'm glad I did.
A-Jay
I only have a single St Croix rod, an Avid 62m/XF, and I really like it which has given me the itch to try an other one from one of their higher-end lines. I was thinking a LBS68MLF spinning rod as I have far more casting rods then spinning at this point.
I do agree that the new Daiwa rods seem like something special. I got to hold one of the AGS rods over the summer, the long Neko/Hair Jig model. It was crazy light and the reel seat/forgrip is about perfect for how I like to hold a spinning rod. Just swinging it around the store without a reel on it made me want to take it home. I am not convinced I would use one enough to justify it but have thought up a specific inshore presentation I think it would be great for, so one might find it's way home next spring.
related Fishing Rods Reels Line Knots topic
previous topic
most viewed Fishing Rods Reels Line Knots topic
© 2024 - fishing.qciss.net. All Rights Reserved.