How about the Triumph? http://stcroixrods.com/rods/default2.asp?rodname=65&section=spin

looks pretty dang good to me, but i figured i'd ask here....so...how is this rod?

i dont know from experience...but i have read on here i think, that it is crap...that it is not made in the USA like the other st croix rods...someone correct me if i am wrong

Cliff

I bought one early last year and it lasted about 4 months.  It cracked just above the reel seat.  My first impression was this was a good rod for the money but luckily I was able to take it back.  When I returned it the sales guy said that they have had quite a few of these rods returned but it had a been great seller when it first came out.  

I would do some searching and see if you can find a St. Croix Avid on clearance.  It has to be the best deal right now you can find on a rod.

The Triumph uses the same components as a Premier but is assembled in China. I think their a decent rod if you can cherry pick thru them to find a good one....pay attention to the guide installation on these guys. I've seen some that were pretty bad but then again...I picked up a Avid two weeks ago that the epoxy was cracked on the bottom guide wrap...

I have 4 Triumphs and I think they are great.  I haven't had any issues with them.  

Epoxy can be cracked by mishandling at the store.  

Anthony

As a St. Croix fan, I am appaled that they offer this rod in their line-up. This is a terrible example of shoddy product under the umbrella of an otherwise outstanding company.

Look for an Avid on sale. St. Croix is introducing a new Avid and the current model is being discontinued. Some of our members hace picked them up at $65-$100. BPS has them for around $120, but I expect that price to be reduced soon.

You really think so?  I haven't seen any indication of poor quality.  Unless the Triumph sticker peeling is a big deal.  It is a $60 rod with a good blank.  You can't buy the blank for that.  

I like mine and I have been fishing them hard for about 1 1/2 years.

Anthony

For the price they aren't bad. You're probably not going to find much better at that price point unless something goes on sale. They are supposed to be the same as the Premiers, but they have a slightly different feel to them. I'd have to say that the Premiers are slightly stiffer than their Triumph counterparts, or at least it feels that way.

An absolute piece of crap.

It's an embarrassment to the St. Croix line.  

I wrote them a letter and told them so.

they sent me a decal.

Like Avid and RW said....St. Croix starts differentiating from the rest of the crap with the Avid series.

I fished a Premier ( Actually 2 Premiers) for 18 months, and one Triumph. All were 6'6" Med Action. The actions are different between both models. The Triumph held up better. I had insert issues ( They came Out) on both Premiers; ( Third form the top on one and the stripping guide on the other. Cabelas and BPS switched both of them, and both outlets said that the guides were an issue that they have seen often enough to cause concern. I gave away the Triupm and sold the premiers I am going back to Fenwick, from whence I started, I know the St Croix is considered a better product but i really loved my HMX"s and I am really not sure why i switched . I think its from years of using the HMX, Im used to it and its what I like.

I have heard tell that the Triumph is not the same quality but was hoping it was not the case. All of the other lines from the premier to the legend elite have served me well for years of service so I hope this is not a preview of things to come. Overseas manufacturing now explains why they can sell them so much more reasonably priced.

I have two and still use one. It's a 6'6 M/F spinning. I like it. I stopped using the other because I replaced it with an avid. Can't really argue that switch.

i dont like the triumphs because they have the st croix name that is SUPPOSED to relay quality.............

 i just picked up an avid at dicks sporting goods for $65  so you can get a great rod for a cheap price right now if you look around

i dont like the triumphs because they have the st croix name that is SUPPOSED to relay quality.............

i just picked up an avid at dicks sporting goods for $65 so you can get a great rod for a cheap price right now if you look around

It is a quality rod, I know I used it and for the price it is an excelent rod without all the insert hassles of the Premier.

Bought a Triumph two years ago....was thoroughly dissapointed. Now it sits in the rod rack in the garage until my son is old enough to use it.... :

, I know the St Croix is considered a better product but i really loved my HMX"s and I am really not sure why i switched . I think its from years of using the HMX, Im used to it and its what I like.

Oh.

I thought you went back to the Fenwick's because they fit in your buttcrack......er ....I mean rod holder better.  8-)