Randy Price

@Derek1, I bought the Legend X last fall so I really haven't got to use it much. I've had the Legend Xtreme a couple of years now and I really like it.

Finally got a chance to get out and do a little bass fishing!

I'm impressed with you guys! I just keep mine leaning in the corner of my garage.

@bogfrog, I agree with you on the new Mojo. I bought a 6'8" MXF "Wacky" model for my teenage son and was very impressed with it. I normally use Legend Series rods but have been VERY pleased with the new Mojo Bass series.

Thanks guys for all the responses. If I ever get the chance to see and handle a Dobyn's I'll try one out.

I live in the upper midwest (IL & WI border)and had never heard of Dobyn's until I visited this website. Around here St. Croix & G. Loomis are the premium rods that most guys like.

@Nelson DelaneyIsn't it sad in life when we finally get something we want only to find out it's not what we thought it would be? I'm 55 and have had that happen numerous times!

I've always thought a Stella FJ (or whatever the current model is) would be cool. I owned a Sustain a number of years ago but really didn't notice much difference between it and the Stradic. I own 6-10 Stradics of various models (Ci4+ and regular models) and have been very pleased with them.

For spinning I'd recommend a St. Croix Mojo Bass (power/length your preference) with a 2500 Shimano Sahara or a same size Diawa Tatula.

Thanks for the responses. Can I use this rod for senkos? I like to bass fish senkos wacky style.

Stopped by Park Falls Tuesday and bought a B Stock Legend X 610MLXF spinning rod. Do any of you guys have this rod and if so what do you use it for?

Shimano Stradic 2500 FL. You will not be disappointed.

I'm 100% St. Croix. I visit the factory one to two times a year and like the idea of supporting local American craftsman.

I had a Tatula and Ballistic LT and as others have said I couldn't get past the cheap plastic feel. I have 8-9 Stradic's with most of them being Ci4+. Have NEVER been let down with a Stradic and I have a FG that is 20 years old.

The only differences between the new model and the old are Daiwa Air Guide System guides and a difference finish on the handle. Not worth a $ 200.00 price increase to me.

@Hulkster, I think only the 1st year of production did not come with a hook keeper (2013). My 2013 didn't come with a hook keeper but I sent it to the factory and for a very small amount (I think less than $ 20.00) they put one on and now you couldn't tell it wasn't original. My 2017 came from the factory with one installed. I asked the guys at SC why they didn't include a hook keeper on the first run and he said many people do not like hook keepers????

@rtwvumtneer6, thanks. I'm sure you will be happy with it. I have never had a bad experience with any Shimano reel.

I like the grip on the Legend Xtreme. It's tacky when wet or hot and cleans up very easily with a baby butt wipe. My only complaint has been the machined aluminum butt cap. It looks very nice but slides on hard surfaces when stood on end. I wish they would have but a piece of rubber or something there to prevent this.

I was at the factory last fall and one of the guys in the store told me they were going to redesign the grip to be more of a "teardrop" shape. I have a couple of the Legend Xtreme rods and really like them. The only thing I don't like is the machined aluminum cap on the bottom of the grip. It slips too easily if on a hard surface.

In your price range I have used and been pleased with the Shimano Sahara, Nasci, and Daiwa Revros LT. I didn't care for the Tatula or Ballistic but that was just me. If you like to backreel then Daiwa is a better reel for you as the newer Shimano reels dropped this feature.

Hi Jay. I've been happy with my SC rods but part of that is because I visit the factory once a year and get to meet the folks building the rods. I like the fact they're American made. Funny I'm hard core about that but think nothing about putting on my Malaysian made Shimano Stradic Ci4+??????

It's funny how differently rods are loved/hated where you live geographically. I live in the upper midwest (right near the IL/WI) border and of course most guys love St. Croix. I had not even heard of a Dobyn's until recently. The other premium rod is G. Loomis that is well thought of......but not as much as SC.

A few months ago my local Gander Outdoors was going out of business and had all their St. Croix rods 50% off so I bought another Legend Tournament Walleye that I didn't need but felt it was too good of a deal to pass up.

What is your budget? I like the St. Croix Legend Family of rods but they are expensive. For less money I like the Avid or Mojo Series in a 6'6"-7'0" length.

For reels the Daiwa Revros and Shimano Sahara are GREAT for the money. As far as rods the St. Croix MOJO line is really best bang for the buck IMO.