Hi guys,

 

I really want to thank you last time for the feedback you guys provided me. It really helped with my buying decisions.

 

Unfortunately, the gear monkey is back again, and I can’t shake him off.

 

I’ve read a really good article on TackleTour on the St. Croix Legend Elite 7’ medium power fast action casting rod giving it a stellar review found here: http://www.tackletour.com/reviewstcroixlegendeliteec70mf.html.

 

I know that the review found on that article is pretty in-depth and goes into a lot of detail, and I know that it is given by a credible source. However, I want to hear some reviews by the members here as well. I’ve scoured a lot of sites to see user reviews and did not find much. There were only three reviews on TackleWarehouse. If any of you own the latest rendition of the St. Croix Legend Elite of any model in the line, I’d love to hear from you.

 

I already own a good amount of St. Croix rods, and I’m well aware that their build quality is superb. However, I’m really curious how the latest Legend Elite’s sensitivity compares to the equivalent G. Loomis rods. I’ve heard that the sensitivity isn’t quite on par with NRX. People say it’s more in between the IMX and GLX in terms of sensitivity. For reference, I own latest GLX rods, and I actually own the previous model St. Croix Legend Elite rods albeit two piece salmon steelhead rods. Not saying it’s not sensitive, but I don’t think the Legend Elite rods come anywhere close to how sensitive as my GLX rods are. However, at the same time, I don’t think it’s a fair comparison because they are two piece rods, so it’s not an apples to apples comparison.

 

Secondly, I’m also interested in getting a new spinning rod as well. There was another really good article on TackleTour that also gave stellar reviews of their 7’ MLF spinning rod: http://www.tackletour.com/reviewstcroixles70mlf.html. Can this rod a hold a candle to the Conquest 842 SJR? How is the power on this rod as I know St. Croix runs a little heavier that what they rate. Is it closer to a medium or is it a true medium light? Any user input on this rod would be greatly appreciated!

 

Thanks,

The Pond King

I have the LE 7' M and it is a fine rod.  I would say it is on par with the GLX when it comes to sensitivity.  I have paired mine with a Daiwa Steez SV TW and it's a match made in heaven.  If I had to compare this rod to one in the G Loomis line up, it would come close to the 843C GLX.  

 

As far as the power goes, in the LE line up a MH is just a fuzz over a MH in the GLX rods but that is not the case with the Legend Tournament and Avid rods. They are more closer to a whole power over the G. Loomis equivalent. 

 

Also, I can' speak for the 7' MLF but I would imagine the Conquest is on whole different level than the LE.  I do have the 6' ML Fast in the Avid and it is pretty close to a ML from other rod manufactures but I also have the 6'8'' M X-fast and it is a big jump up in power from the ML. 

 

 

  

Two piece or one is not the issue with sensitivity, which I know of no way to measure.  I have built 4 rods off that blank and the one I kept is my favorite tube rod, even though it has an old guide system on it.  I'm thinking of rebuilding it with Fuji KLH guides.

I doubt if there is much difference between top of the line blanks for sensitivity unless they have significantly different guide systems, meaning the WEIGHT  of the guides located in the top half of the blank.  Lighter is better.

 

Much more important than trying to determine the differences in sensitivity is, IMHO, going with the grip design that works the best for you.  Ergonomics.

What is rod sensitivety? 

We can measure the rod weight and determine the rod balance, is weight and balance considered Sensitivety?

The rod action or how it bends under load of the line going through the rod guides is determined by ridgitiy from tip to reel seat. Is rigidity Sensitivety?

Line movement going through the rod guides and number of guides can be transferred to the anglers finger tips via the high modulus rod. The faster the action, the higher power or ridgitiy of the rod and the rod weight and length determine how the line transfers movement. Is line movement Sensitivety?

The only thing we as anglers can feel is line movement to know what our lures are doing. Sensitivity is subjective, determined by the anglers experiences and ability to feel and interpreted line movements. A fishing rod can only dampen line movements, it can attenuate it.

So does a Saint Croix Legend Elite 7 dampen line movements less then any other rod availble, only you can determine that depending on the line you use, the weight and balance of the reel, distances you cast your lures and the weight and type of the lures you use.

What I have learned about bass anglers is the money the pay for the rod and reels the better it feels to them.

Tom

 

4 hours ago, WRB said:

What is rod sensitivety? 

We can measure the rod weight and determine the rod balance, is weight and balance considered Sensitivety?

The rod action or how it bends under load of the line going through the rod guides is determined by ridgitiy from tip to reel seat. Is rigidity Sensitivety?

Line movement going through the rod guides and number of guides can be transferred to the anglers finger tips via the high modulus rod. The faster the action, the higher power or ridgitiy of the rod and the rod weight and length determine how the line transfers movement. Is line movement Sensitivety?

 

Tom

 

May be the most ridiculous thing I have ever read. 

 

To actually answer your question, the LE is about on par with the GLX regarding sensitivity. Fish Tanks advice is right on point with my opinion of these rods. 

I will take this a step further into what you consider rediculous reading. 

By running the line over your fingertip you can detect strikes from line movements without a rod faster then using any rod without touching the line. The rod has zero Sensitivity without line movements.

Tom

8 hours ago, WRB said:

I will take this a step further into what you consider rediculous reading. 

By running the line over your fingertip you can detect strikes from line movements without a rod faster then using any rod without touching the line. The rod has zero Sensitivity without line movements.

Tom

What will transfer “sensitivity” better, a thinner, more limp line, or a thicker, stiffer line? Or some combination of the two?

2 hours ago, r83srock said:

What will transfer “sensitivity” better, a thinner, more limp line, or a thicker, stiffer line? Or some combination of the two?

Line with the lowest coeffient of drag going through the water. Smaller diameter line has less surface area. Braid is the smallest diameter to strength ratio with the high coeffient of drag. Fluorocarbon is the lowest coeffient of drag with lowest strength to diameter ratio. Nylon monofilament line is the highest coeffient of drag, good strength to diameter ratio. No panacea line yet exist. Small diameter FC is the best we have to date transferring line movements IMO.

Back to the OP's question, SC 7 series rods are the companies state of the art rods, no reason to compare them to other highend or high price point rods unless you are thinking about changing brands. The only way to know how a rod performs for you is picking it up and doing your own touch and feel evaluation. 

Tom

 

13 hours ago, WRB said:

I will take this a step further into what you consider rediculous reading. 

By running the line over your fingertip you can detect strikes from line movements without a rod faster then using any rod without touching the line. The rod has zero Sensitivity without line movements.

Tom

I am aware what you are feeling. What I was not aware of is why you wrote a paragraph of nonsense about a rod you have never fished. I am aware that the rod is there to detect line movements. Otherwise, good information

The rod doesn't detect line movements, you do. The rod can only dampen line movements, it can't attenuate them. I believe some anglers believe a rod can attenuate vibrations. The less dampening affect a rod has the better the feed back of line movements the angler can detect. 

It comes down to how well the rod performs casting the lure without dampening feedback. I learned years ago not to rely on the rods feedback and rely instead on my own senses of sight and feel. 

Like every bass angler I enjoy light weight strong good casting performance rods.

Sensitivety is subjective to each individual anglers sense of feel.

Tom 

4 minutes ago, WRB said:

The rod doesn't detect line movements, you do. The rod can only dampen line movements, it can't attenuate them. I believe some anglers believe a rod can attenuate vibrations. The less dampening affect a rod has the better the feed back of line movements the angler can detect. 

It comes down to how well the rod performs casting the lure without dampening feedback. I learned years ago not to rely on the rods feedback and rely instead on my own senses of sight and feel. 

Like every bass angler I enjoy light weight strong good casting performance rods.

Sensitivety is subjective to each individual anglers sense of feel.

Tom 

I agree that the rod doesn't detect line movements but it transmits the line movement in which you detect. This has to be the case because it wasn't then why would a NRX with 15 lb fluorocarbon feel more responsive than a Ugly Stix. I agree

How did detect several giant bass strike my jig cast over 100' away using rod biult in the early 8O's and early 90's compared to today's high tech rods? I used light weight Lamiglas graphite rods for 35 years.

I took the rod out of my strike detection by pointing the rod tip at the lure, with only the guides add resistance to line movements. I don't believe I could have caught those bass using the rod as a strike detector.

Most bass anglers rely on the rod for strike detection by lifting the rod to move the lure.

The lighter weight and more ridgid a rod is the less it dampens feedback is true. Loomis NRX series rods solved the problem of light weight thin wall constructed ridgid rods from breaking, in fact Gary Loomis was the pioneer in light weight graphite rod flexibility developed for fly rods. There is no question NRX changed power to action ratio...10 years ago.

SC 7 series rods are today's advanced technology and only time with angler use will answer the OP's question.

Peace,

Tom

6 hours ago, WRB said:

How did detect several giant bass strike my jig cast over 100' away using rod biult in the early 8O's and early 90's compared to today's high tech rods? I used light weight Lamiglas graphite rods for 35 years.

I took the rod out of my strike detection by pointing the rod tip at the lure, with only the guides add resistance to line movements. I don't believe I could have caught those bass using the rod as a strike detector.

Most bass anglers rely on the rod for strike detection by lifting the rod to move the lure.

The lighter weight and more ridgid a rod is the less it dampens feedback is true. Loomis NRX series rods solved the problem of light weight thin wall constructed ridgid rods from breaking, in fact Gary Loomis was the pioneer in light weight graphite rod flexibility developed for fly rods. There is no question NRX changed power to action ratio...10 years ago.

SC 7 series rods are today's advanced technology and only time with angler use will answer the OP's question.

Peace,

Tom

The Legend Elite is a fine rod however sensitivity wise the NRX still reigns supreme for bottom contact presentations even today against 2019 rods. The Legend Elites are great rods though.

On 10/27/2019 at 1:44 PM, WRB said:

How did detect several giant bass strike my jig cast over 100' away using rod biult in the early 8O's and early 90's compared to today's high tech rods? I used light weight Lamiglas graphite rods for 35 years.

I took the rod out of my strike detection by pointing the rod tip at the lure, with only the guides add resistance to line movements. I don't believe I could have caught those bass using the rod as a strike detector.

 

If you're pointing the rod tip at the lure, then how are you working the bait? I mostly fish smallie waters, where it's almost always windy, and I see many people retrieve tubes with the reels instead of their rods. Are you doing the same thing with jigs? I've always wondered whether there's an advantage to that.

59 minutes ago, portiabrat said:

If you're pointing the rod tip at the lure, then how are you working the bait? I mostly fish smallie waters, where it's almost always windy, and I see many people retrieve tubes with the reels instead of their rods. Are you doing the same thing with jigs? I've always wondered whether there's an advantage to that.

Yes, look up "Horizontal Jigging".

Tom

On 10/27/2019 at 11:38 AM, WRB said:

Line with the lowest coeffient of drag going through the water. Smaller diameter line has less surface area. Braid is the smallest diameter to strength ratio with the high coeffient of drag. Fluorocarbon is the lowest coeffient of drag with lowest strength to diameter ratio. Nylon monofilament line is the highest coeffient of drag, good strength to diameter ratio. No panacea line yet exist. Small diameter FC is the best we have to date transferring line movements IMO.

Back to the OP's question, SC 7 series rods are the companies state of the art rods, no reason to compare them to other highend or high price point rods unless you are thinking about changing brands. The only way to know how a rod performs for you is picking it up and doing your own touch and feel evaluation. 

Tom

 

My Legend Elite has SC6 and a SC5 blend,St Croix doesn’t have an SC 7

Where are you WRB?  Explain your claims of St Croix SC7

12 minutes ago, fvogel67 said:

Where are you WRB?  Explain your claims of St Croix SC7

Unable to log in to reply.

You are right it's was EC7 rod not SC7 rod material.

Tom

23 minutes ago, WRB said:

Unable to log in to reply.

You are right it's was EC7 rod not SC7 rod material.

Tom 

23 minutes ago, WRB said:

Unable to log in to reply.

You are right it's was EC7 rod not SC7 rod material.

Tom

What's EC7?