Thanks guys. I have 4 st croix fly rods but this will be my first venture into a spinning rod by them except for an old triumph. Now I feel like I'm waiting for Christmas morning lol.

if your only experience /w st. croix bass rods is the triumph, more than xmas is coming. enjoy the new rod. you will love it.

I have a 2013 ML and had a 2012 M I liked both extremes and I don't think you'll make a bad choice

Btw I kept the ML

 I am looking forward to your review.I have an older (5-6 years) legend elite spinning rod (7ft,med power) and its my go to all purpose rod. I have thought of upgrading it to an extreme but i like it so much its hard to get rid of it.

The old Extremes are great but I hated the noisy recoil guides.

That's a giant leap from a Triumph to an Xfreme you're in for a real treat. My Avid for me hooked on St Croix, and I was lucky enough to be shopping for new rods when they had precious year LTB models on clearence in the bargain room, then again the next year with the Xtremes.

To aceman, the elites are the same blanks as the Xtremes just different grips and components. Not sure you'd see a big difference unless you really wanted a split grip. But the new handle design of the Xtremes seems to have come with heavier rods then the previous Xtremes. I'm wondering if they added some weight in the handle to improve balance.

I know you are talking spinning, but I have the 7'MF Xtreme in a casting rod.  It is definitely my all-time favorite rod.  I expect the spinning version to be just as nice.  You probably won't be able to find enough good words to describe the difference between the Triumph and the Xtreme.

That move just cost you a bundle,,,,,once you try a Legend Extreme or Elite, one is not enough, you would have been better off not owning one,,,, THEN,,, you could tell everyone how good your other rods are!!!! But now you are going to be spoiled,,,,yes they are that good!! ENJOY!!!

Well I got from a dealer who went straight through the factory and due to demand I finalllly got it today.

It feels amazing. I love the new skin handle as it is very sleek and comfortable. Will be out all weekend and give a review after. Now I just need to order a new CI4+

To aceman, the elites are the same blanks as the Xtremes just different grips and components. Not sure you'd see a big difference unless you really wanted a split grip. But the new handle design of the Xtremes seems to have come with heavier rods then the previous Xtremes. I'm wondering if they added some weight in the handle to improve balance.

After speaking to a rep, I understood it as the blanks are slightly different due to a new process they are using to improve the xtreme?

Eagon you're right, a quick look at the St Croix catalog confirms the redesigned Xtremes feature their new TET process, but that's the only difference I could see other then components. Not sure how much difference that will make between the Xtreme and the Elite.

You can always call and order from Croix direct if you're having a hard time finding a dealer carrying what you want. I've done it a few times, they're easy to deal with.