So, I just opened up a ML/F Triumph and the thing is a buggy whip, when compared to the HMG ML/F rods that I have and I'm talking about a factor of 2-3.

 

I get that you have different blanks, finishes...etc, but I was hoping to throw 1/16oz shaky heads with Bizz Bait Killer Kraws and the tip is bending a couple of inches and I just dont see it happening.

 

From reading BR I thought the St Croix rods were pretty stiff. My main purpose for this rod was going after river spotted/kentuckys while wading.

 

I bought direct from SC with a gift card...130.00 I'm willing to upgrade, but what do I up grade too? I'm thinking another 50-75 bucks...river rod.

Don’t give up on it before you actually fish it. I use a Triumph ML for river smallmouth and throwing 1/16 oz Ned rigs. You aren’t going to be able to throw the light stuff as easily on a stiffer rod. You’ll be able to handle light lures and strong fish more easily than you think.

   It is from 1993 ..... or thereabouts. The Triumph line is the older Premier blank that is being assembled in Fresnillo, Mexico. It was designed at a time when stiff-tip rods were NOT popular. So the tip "gives". That being said, the Triumph line is strong and robust.

   However .... you say that you're going after river hybrids? I do that, too. I love to get into a school of wipers. It's like hooking onto a runaway freight train. I use MH/F casting gear. You said you're using ML/F? Wow! I did that a couple times, accidentally. What a fight! Got broke off at least twice.

   Are we talking about the same "hybrids"? They're a hybrid of white bass X striped bass (striper). They run from three to (rarely) ten pounds in the Mississippi river. They hit at 90mph .... and then they accelerate.  ?    They are naturals at using the current to their advantage, and they pull, as I said before, like a runaway freight train.

   As far as the hard tip on St. Croix rods ..... it's the Avid series and up that have it. I have a M/F Avid spinning and a ML/F Avid-X spinning, and I've lost fish on both of them because they shook the hook off. Funny, but the more forgiving rods that I got to deal with that problem were both Fenwick rods; a L/MF River Runner and a M/F Eagle. That being said, I've always admired the Triumph line for their all-round capabilities. It's just their reel seats that I can't stand. I've always thought that the blanks were absolutely great.       jj

I've upgraded now, but I used my 70MLF Triumph for nearly 10 years for everything from bluegill to 20+ lb catfish. No bells or whistles, but it fishes well. I thought mine felt whippy in the store, but it didn't fish that way.

10 minutes ago, jimmyjoe said:

   It is from 1993 ..... or thereabouts. The Triumph line is the older Premier blank that is being assembled in Fresnillo, Mexico. It was designed at a time when stiff-tip rods were NOT popular. So the tip "gives". That being said, the Triumph line is strong and robust.

   However .... you say that you're going after river hybrids? I do that, too. I love to get into a school of wipers. It's like hooking onto a runaway freight train. I use MH/F casting gear. You said you're using ML/F? Wow! I did that a couple times, accidentally. What a fight! Got broke off at least twice.

   Are we talking about the same "hybrids"? They're a hybrid of white bass X striped bass (striper). They run from three to (rarely) ten pounds in the Mississippi river. They hit at 90mph .... and then they accelerate.  ?    They are naturals at using the current to their advantage, and they pull, as I said before, like a runaway freight train.

   As far as the hard tip on St. Croix rods ..... it's the Avid series and up that have it. I have a M/F Avid spinning and a ML/F Avid-X spinning, and I've lost fish on both of them because they shook the hook off. Funny, but the more forgiving rods that I got to deal with that problem were both Fenwick rods; a L/MF River Runner and a M/F Eagle. That being said, I've always admired the Triumph line for their all-round capabilities. It's just their reel seats that I can't stand. I've always thought that the blanks were absolutely great.       

I apologize...Kentucky or spotteed bass.

 

Why the hell I said hybrid, I DONT KNOW.

10 minutes ago, Armtx77 said:

I apologize...Kentucky or spotteed bass.

 

Why the hell I said hybrid, I DONT KNOW.

 

   Don't worry about it. I kinda doubt that you're the first person in the world who ever made a mistake.  ???  But now I see where you're headed. Spots dive; LMB jump, and that's why I needed the softer tip. You'd probably love the Avid or Avid-X lines. That's if the hard tip is that important to you. If it's just strength, then I'd keep the Triumph.     jj