The exhaustively researched anthropometric-designed handle is unlike any rod you've experienced before, providing improved performance and control.  

 

Check it out!

 

I just wish it was nicer looking...I think the angles and sharp cuts in the handle make it look ugly.

A classic case of "when you run out of ideas"

Word of the day, anthropometric. And I learned it on a fishing forum.

1 minute ago, MN Fisher said:

I just wish it was nicer looking...I think the angles and sharp cuts in the handle make it look ugly.

 

Yeah, they tried to get too cute. If that handle shape is so much better, how come none of their other rods have them? I think the way most anglers hold their rod (casting) they choke up to the point where they aren't really holding the rod by the handle anyways. The reel seat is what matters more...to me at least.

 

I have a buddy who lives near Park Falls. He stopped in at the factory yesterday to hold some. He didn't care for them at all, and he loved the previous line. I guess everyone is different. Matt Allen had good things to say about them, but he also has reason to ($). 

2 minutes ago, padlin said:

Word of the day, anthropometric. And I learned it on a fishing forum.

Ergonomic has lost traction this is a variation and again somewhat misused.  They may very well be a more comfortable grip than others but  still based on averages for mass consumption.  Technically you would take anthropometric measurements of an individual to custom make a grip that is the most ergonomically efficient. 

What confuses me is the Victory is a slightly better blank and US made but only $10 more than the MOJO.  Does the grip really make that much of a difference? 

41 minutes ago, webertime said:

What confuses me is the Victory is a slightly better blank and US made but only $10 more than the MOJO.  Does the grip really make that much of a difference? 

I dunno - but considering the new Trigon is $20-$40 more than the 'original'...if I'm spending that kind of money, it's gonna be a Victory.

 

Or the older Mojos from ALF's used area when my budget is tighter.

The Cabelas in my area have the old Mojos for 120$

^ ALF currently had them at $118

I’m in the opposite camp here and think they look sharp. I’ll hold off on how the handle feels in hand until I actually hold one. I will agree with @webertime in the Victory only costing $10.00 more and the warranty is 15 years vs the 5 year warranty for the Mojo.

 an·thro·po·met·ric: of or relating to the scientific study of the measurements and proportions of the human body.

4 hours ago, NorthernBasser said:

If that handle shape is so much better, how come none of their other rods have them?

 

That's not how it works.  It takes complete re-tooling and materials to make these handles.  This means:

1. It takes time to phase it into other product lines

2. It's going to take some time for angler acceptance

3. Bass anglers are open to change (as opposed to other species)

4. Bass fishing requires casting accuracy. This handle allows for much greater control and accuracy.

 

So bass fishing was a natural fit first to introduce these handles.  Will there be more St. Croix rods with these handles?  Probably.  I think angler feedback, adoption, and sales will drive that decision.

 

I need to hold it.  If it is comfy, I'd sport it.  

I hope this line works for them. St. Croix has been getting dragged through the mud on facebook and reddit because reel seats are falling apart or coming unglued in the BassX line, Victory line and Legend Tournament lines.

 

my local tackle store (Sail) even has 2 legend Tournament rods discounted because the reel seats turn 360 degrees (obviously the glue failed there too). 

 

2 hours ago, Hulkster said:

in the BassX line, Victory line and Legend Tournament lines.

I have multiple rods in all of those and haven't seen any of the problems you describe.

I believe its only with the recent lines (post pandemic?) 

 

if you go on reddit fishing gear forum and Facebook St. Croix Rod Enthusiasts pages its absolutely brutal. people are posting pics to verify and getting frustrated as you might imagine because there are so many warranty claims its getting backed up etc.

 

one good step in the right direction is they already came out with an new Bass X line because of the reel seat issues with the current line. 

 

Look at the reviews on TW on the old line: 

 

https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/St_Croix_Bass_X_Casting_Rods/descpage-TCVB.html?from=basres

 

I'm sure SC will rebound from all of this. They are a great company.

 

its just a shame because their reputation is taking a hit from all this. 

 

 

 

It wasn't too long ago that they also took a hit when they stole an idea from a local Muskie guy up there. I forget what all that fuss was about exactly.

It’s about the “pistol” grip design in the big swimbait rods.

 

The reel seat issues are true. My club is all St. Croix. Lots of issues with latest Bass X and early victory. My local shop agrees. St. Croix changed the seat design in the Bass X for a reason, because the previous design didn’t work.  St. Croix also makes it right if you have an issue. I had a seat fail on a early Victory, the company made it right and I have had no issues on the latest version. I have another friend who has had issues with the new legend tournament seats, I have not had an issue with mine.  
 

I believe the issues were/are more of an adhesive problem and not so much a problem with the seats themselves. Either way, St. Croix knows what’s going on and has and will make it right, they are still great.

21 minutes ago, r83srock said:

St. Croix knows what’s going on and has and will make it right, they are still great.

 

 

                                                      

I hate that they put the hook keeper below the reel seat.  My MB EMTF has one there, and the first time I used it, I almost got both treble hooks in my hand when I picked it up.

3 hours ago, Hulkster said:

I believe its only with the recent lines (post pandemic?) 

Mine are post-2019.  I'll keep an eye on them, but they've been fine so far.

26 minutes ago, DaveT63 said:

I hate that they put the hook keeper below the reel seat.  My MB EMTF has one there, and the first time I used it, I almost got both treble hooks in my hand when I picked it up.

 

I don't know why any manufacturers do this. not only can you get a hand full of hooks, your line is across the reel which can damage your line. 

 

its so stupid. 

I have an older model of Mojo that is one of my favorite do all spinning rods I own. The color of the handle reminds me of some Fenwick rods I've had. As someone who has had an issue with my fingers/hand going numb from rods/reels that didn't fit my hands well, I'm curious to see how these feel. Obviously a lot of research went into this. I think the "Why hasn't anyone else done it",  is maybe nobody else has thought of it? Every idea has to be done for a first-time. Every ICAST people complain about no new ideas, just companies copying each other, then a company comes out with something new and we complain ? A tough group to please we are.

Zenaq has been making those triangular grips for a decade om their big game pelagic rods.  They feel good in hand, but some guys say cause cramps during a hard fight, which wont be an issue with LMB.  I would be surprised if they didnt have problems with initial models.  Every time Fresnillo falls debuts a new rod, they have issues with the first models.  It took quite a while for them to get the gen 1 mojos right, my preordered gen 1 should have never left the factory as the tip has a crazy bend in it and 1 of 3 of the newer inshore mojos are breaking.  I really liked the way the previous gen bass X felt.  The blanks were really nice and although the spinning grips didn't look too hot, they feel great.  I guess they figured out real quick that the reel seats were a weak point so they started on the replacement right away.  Personally Im not sold on the newer SC3+ material being superior to the SC3.  Its lighter, thats for sure, but the only Victory I (6'10 ML) is the has the worst lightweight vibration transmission of any rod Ive owned in the past 20 years, which makes for a poor finesse rod.  As a SC fan since the late 90s its sad to see.  I know they will make things right its just a matter of time.