Legend Elite by St. Croix

[REW]

Does any one have any on the water experience that they would like to share with this new rod.

In checking some of the actions -- St. Croix seems to have it all figured out. I am just wondering if on the water experience justifies the $$ ??

Thanks very much

REW

[steve(IL)]

Will you be (slack line ;-))vertical jigging with it? My somewhat suspect in-store comparison techniques say it doesn't have the liveliest feel compared to some other rods.

[twogunI use mine]

I'm very happy with mine. I find it sensitive and durable. Made in the USA, you get quality with value. How can you go wrong?

[Nick_Ia]

I just used my new Elites this last week in preparation for a tourney on the Mississippi. The ES63MXF was a really nice vertical jigging rod. I have the old twist grip style with a Stradic 2000 series and used both braid and mono. The rod did everything I expected with tremendous sensitivity and more backbone than I anticipated. I didn't catch any substantial fish(only shorties)with rod but I'm happy with performance so far. I also used my ES70MLF for a short time but did not catch any fish on the that rod. I'll let you know if a couple of weeks how they rate with more use.

[FJH1]

REW, I'm using (2) of the new Legend Elites (ES63MXFTG) for 3-way rigging. Prior to the Legend Elite rods I have been using Legends (LS60M) and Avids (AS60MF). I rig with really light droppers (1/16 ounce) and feel is really important to me. Overall I would say that the Legend Elite is most comparable to the older Legend, but noticeably lighter. I do like the slightly longer length (6'3 compared to 6'), however this might be detrimental in strong winds. St. Croix "re-introduced" the Legend handle style on the Legend Elites. I love this handle style especially on cold mornings. It's much nicer holding onto cork than the metal reel seats on the Avids. It's difficult for me to compare the Legend Elite to the Avids because my Avids have a "fast" tip and the Legend Elites have an "extra fast" tip. It is noticably different. The Avid tip is considerably "softer". This past weekend I was rigging on a post spawn flat with the Legend Elites and could really feel the minnows panicing whenever I would pass near fish - very good sensitivity. Post again or e-mail me if you have any more questions.

Best Regards,

FJH

[FJH1]

Nick_IA brought up a good point, the Legend Elites have considerably more backbone than I expected given the weight.

Best Regards,

FJH

[REW]

Thanks for all the updates.

I built a 6 6 medium fast tip - legend elite this winter with hidden hood and fugi seats and guids. Nice balance and feel -- but from my initial testing -- I think that this rod is a bit on the stiff side for most of my walleye fishing.
It might be just perfect for some of my bass fishing -- but time will tell.

It is a very light rod -- with lots of backbone -- but will have to test it further for walleyefishing.

I am speculating -- that this rod might be just fine for deep vertical jigging with heavier weights in the 3/8-3/4 oz catagory. But I am thinking that the action is too stiff for anything much less than 3/8 oz.

Take care

REW

[Weyes1]

REW,
I have two of the 6'ML being made as we speak.
I will let you know in the next two weeks. It's unbeleivable the sensitivity and action that the blanks have. Heck, I just might be able to feel the fish breath on the jig just before I set the hook. A lot lighter and more sensitive than the older SCIV blanks.
Good Luck!
Weyes1