Gear Review: St. Croix Legend Xtreme

What is it?

St. Croix Legend Xtreme

What sets it apart?

From lure action to light bite detection, sensitivity plays a big role in angling success. St. Croix’s next generation of Legend Xtreme rods takes this truth to a new level by combining unique components, materials and technologies in their blanks, guide trains and handles to maximize the energy transfer from the line to the rod to the angler’s hands. Through an exclusive partnership, St. Croix’s Legend Xtreme rods now include Daiwa’s sensitive, strong AGS carbon fiber guides with Fuji KG tip top and torzite ring. The guides’ rigid frames efficiently transfer energy, increase responsiveness and reduce cast recovery time for continuous feeling.

How do I use it?

Essential to the new Legend Xtreme rods is St. Croix’s Integrated Poly Curve mandrel technology and design, which adds continuous tapers to eliminate “stepped” transition points for smoother, stronger, more sensitive blanks. Also, St. Croix improved its Advanced Reinforcing Technology, a high-tensile high-modulus cross-grain material that reinforces the blank and maintains strength with decreased weight by using less material. Other key details: Taper Enhancement Technology and a strategic blend of super high-modulus SCVI carbon in the lower section and high-modulus/high-strain SCV carbon in the upper section. Four casting rods and three spinning models, each with Kigan titanium hook-keepers, come in matte-black finish.

How much?

$630-$650

More Information:

StCroixRods.com

Angler’s insight:

St. Croix showcased its rod-building prowess by complementing the highly technical blank and guide elements with a well-conceived Gen2 Xtreme-Skin handle. Designed to improve grip and heighten energy transfer, this handle features a rain drop coating that offers more friction points for better grip, wet or dry, and transmits greater feedback from the rod. Also, the durable, lightweight Fuji SK2 split reel seat should enhance overall sensitivity.