Is the STX actually worth the extra money?

IMO absolutely for the centrifugal breaking alone. It is much easier to handle. Add the infini-spool design and other little details and it's $30 well spent.

Actually, the SX has the same spool, but the STX does have other good upgrades, it's worth the step up IMO. The SX is no slouch though, looks really slick with a black rod as well.

I stand corrected, the sx spool changed with the 16 01 version.

For sure worth the little extra money over the SX. IMO, the SX is over priced for what it is. The STX is not. The dual braking gives you a lot more control, and makes the reel much more versatile.

Thanks for the responses.

The op didn't designate spinning or casting reel. I have 4 soron stx spinning reels, excellent reels.