They almost built the perfect rod for me and then they went with a split grip. I am wondering if they will come out with a microguide version of the standard avid? I also wonder why they did not go with a spiral on the X? I don't see how the x would not benefit going all the way, vise leaving off the final step.

I used to have that frame of mind. But since I went to split grips, I love them. Same for my old man. Had to change up his cast, but it gained him distance on his casts.

I would love to see someone big like St. Croix do a high quality, spiral wrapped rod with micro guides.  I don't know how it would sell but I would buy one.  As for the split grip, I like em, makes 2 handed casting easier.

I wish cork handles didn't come on high money rods. I have yet to find an affordable cork split handle rod outside if Lew's and theirs don't look too promising.

The nice thing about st.croix is they give you the option to build one yourself or have someone build it how you want it.

Really? How much we talking (ballpark)?

What he means is that St Croix blanks are available to custom builders. Prices vary by builder and build specifics. Email me if you'd like a quote on something.

I wish cork handles didn't come on high money rods. I have yet to find an affordable cork split handle rod outside if Lew's and theirs don't look too promising.

Lew's makes amazing products. What about them doesn't look too promising?

Split grips have nothing to do with gaining you extra distance on the cast. Also it doesnt lighten up the rod, it saves the company money. Ever wonder why most rods in the $100 price point are being made with eva foam instead of cork? 

The only rod I liked was their speed stick and they only come with the HD EVA grips. I have nothing negative to say about the reels.

I am building a an AVS6LF right now full cork, recoil guides and will have around 225 in it, could have went with standard guides for about the same price as a factory Avid!! I also will point out any St Croix blank is available to anyone, not just custom builders,,,, I buy my own, and then have my builder do what I want,

but the builders can't buy it any cheaper than I can. check with your choice of builder and price it both ways. For me I buy everything so he doesn't have any time in anything but building it, for me this is cheaper.

I am building a an AVS6LF right now full cork, recoil guides and will have around 225 in it, could have went with standard guides for about the same price as a factory Avid!! I also will point out any St Croix blank is available to anyone, not just custom builders,,,, I buy my own, and then have my builder do what I want,

but the builders can't buy it any cheaper than I can. check with your choice of builder and price it both ways. For me I buy everything so he doesn't have any time in anything but building it, for me this is cheaper.

Actually, your builder should be able to get everything cheaper than you can, assuming he is doing it as a business and has wholesale pricing with suppliers.

Unless one has an inside line, St Croix's price structure is the same for everybody. Croix sets the price for their 7 blank dealers, MSRP for retail customers and xx% off MSRP for wholesale customers.

The only discounting St Croix allows is on discontinued models.

Unless one has an inside line, St Croix's price structure is the same for everybody. Croix sets the price for their 7 blank dealers, MSRP for retail customers and xx% off MSRP for wholesale customers.

The only discounting St Croix allows is on discontinued models.

So what you're saying is a builder with a wholesale account with say, Mudhole, doesn't get wholesale pricing through Mudhole on St. Croix blanks?  

I just want to know how a split grip allows me to cast further and makes two handed casting easier???

So what you're saying is a builder with a wholesale account with say, Mudhole, doesn't get wholesale pricing through Mudhole on St. Croix blanks?

No. Wholesalers pay wholesale, regardless of which of the 7 blank dealers you buy from. The prices are set by St. Croix.

I just want to know how a split grip allows me to cast further and makes two handed casting easier???

I don't know who you're talking to but I never said a split grip allows you to cast further.  I do like having that butt grip as a handle for your back hand.  I feel like it makes 2 handed casting easier, for me.

 

No. Wholesalers pay wholesale, regardless of which of the 7 blank dealers you buy from. The prices are set by St. Croix.

I'm not sure what you're trying to say.  Capt Bob said he pays the same for components and blanks as a builder.  If a builder is selling for profit he should have a tax # as a reseller.  He then sets up a wholesale account with Mudhole and gets his components, St. Croix blanks included, at a discounted price because he is going to resell them as a built rod.  This is how it works with everything Mudhole sells, including St. Croix.  Thus, Capt Bob can't get his components as cheaply as a builder.

Split grip isn't a bad thing. Yes, I agree that a full cork grip usually makes for a more balanced rod. However, some applications call for me to keep my rod tip down anyways, so the rod being a little tip heavy because of a split grip is necessarily a bad thing. Case in point, a jerkbait rod or deep cranks. 

I certainly don't mind full grips.  I prefer the way they look for sure.  I just think split grips work better with how I cast.  It isn't a deal breaker for me either way though.

I don't know who you're talking to but I never said a split grip allows you to cast further. I do like having that butt grip as a handle for your back hand. I feel like it makes 2 handed casting easier, for me.

I'm not sure what you're trying to say. Capt Bob said he pays the same for components and blanks as a builder. If a builder is selling for profit he should have a tax # as a reseller. He then sets up a wholesale account with Mudhole and gets his components, St. Croix blanks included, at a discounted price because he is going to resell them as a built rod. This is how it works with everything Mudhole sells, including St. Croix. Thus, Capt Bob can't get his components as cheaply as a builder.

Then Capt Bob either has an inside track to buy below wholesale or he is getting it wholesale from somewhere. That is the only options. I have a wholesale account with Mudhole and Bingham. Call either one, the price is the same as its determined by St. Croix.

 

None of the builders I know, myself included will build a rod with components provided by the customer without an upcharge.  That's how custom builders make some of their money.  We have the tax license, the inventory and the operating costs.  It's just like any retail store.  We buy at wholesale and sell at retail.

Back on topic!  I prefer full grips, but my most favorite rod in the world has a split grip Tennessee handle with slide rings.

Then Capt Bob either has an inside track to buy below wholesale or he is getting it wholesale from somewhere. That is the only options. I have a wholesale account with Mudhole and Bingham. Call either one, the price is the same as its determined by St. Croix.

 

None of the builders I know, myself included will build a rod with components provided by the customer without an upcharge.  That's how custom builders make some of their money.  We have the tax license, the inventory and the operating costs.  It's just like any retail store.  We buy at wholesale and sell at retail.

Ok, then I think we are on the same page.  I was assuming Capt Bob was paying full retail price for his stuff and wasn't aware that a builder could buy wholesale.   He threw some numbers out there and I assumed those were retail numbers.  If they weren't, my apologies.  My comments wouldn't apply if he's already getting a discount from someone.

 

Back on topic indeed!

That's awesome that mudhole.com uses my picture for their St.Croix Freshwater blanks. I haven't seen it used anywhere in a little while. St croix loved that pic for awhile, they used it in several ad campaigns