What sort of rod are st croix rods like as I might buy one as I have seen them at quite reasonable prices, would it be a good purchase for someone who is relatively inexperianced at fly fishing?

Thanks
AL

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Hi AL
Like all companies they make a range of rods. My bottom line advise on buying a rod, don't do it unless you have tried one out. Look at the classified section, full of buyers remose and items that never get used. The 2 St. Croix's that I have I think the name is Rayne or something. Nice rods, a little on the fast side but it has been awhile. Nothing wrong with them but I don't use them. Don't rush into a purchase unless you are confident of your choice.

St Croix SCIV are my most preferred rods to cast. They are the legend Ultra series. The Legend Elite are similar, though a touch stiffer in a lot of cases.

Almost across the board, the SCIV are moderate fast actions and pretty fast recovery. They are all rated pretty accurately for line weight, though the bigger rods are slightly underrated (i.e. the 9', 9 and 10 wt rods could also be called 10 and 11 wt rods).

The Avid series are pretty similar for action, though the graphite is a little lower modulus and they make up for it with a tiny little bit more wall thickness in places. The tips aren't quite as light as the SCIV (compare the tip top sizes of the blanks). However, they are my first recommendation for a beginner as a rod to try. The actions typically fit almost every caster and they are good rods to learn on and grow into. To me, most 'beginner' rods have fairly low performance and leave you wanting more shortly after you learn what you're doing. The Avid are still forgiving enough for a beginner but they perform much better in the long run.

The Imperials are a bit more specialized if I'm honest. They are standard modulus graphite and the better feeling ones are in the shorter/lighter range. I had the 8 wt and it was fine for my purposes (short range casting) but it wasn't a high performing blank. I built the lighter ones as trout rods and they were fine. They are truly moderate actions though and not what I'd recommend for a beginner even though they are more entry level than the avids. I also owned some of the 'premier' line when they were called that (about 7 years ago now). I still have one or two at home in the US. They didn't make the trip over here with me so that tells you how much I use them.

If you have a specific one you're looking at, post the model here and I'll tell you what I know. For the most part they are rated honestly, but there are a few models that jump out good or bad.

Thanks
Rick

I have the legend ultra elite (what a grand title for a fishing stick!) in a 7ft6 4 weight.
Short answer is yes they are really nice rods and depending on the model you byu, beautifully finished.
Go for it,

Bri

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www.goldengrovecottages.com

Whats this one like anyone know.

St.Croix Premier 4pce 9' #6 Graphite Loch Trout Fly Rod

Thanks

AL

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Hi AL
The only thing I see about the Premier is that it is a spinning rod. Below are a few reviews from the states.
St. Croix Premier® Spinning Rods : Cabela's

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/St.Croix-Premier-4pce-9'-%236-Graphite-Loch-Trout-Fly-Rod_W0QQitemZ400080667392QQcmdZViewItem?rvr_id=121775994782&query={query}&fitem=400080667392&linkin_id=8060231&mt_id=635&kw={query}

Darwin heres a lionk to the rod I was looking at.

Thanks
AL

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I have a couple of Legend Elites, where are you based AL, I'm in West London, if thats at all convenient for you you'd be welcome to have a cast with them to see if they suit you.

Hi Al
I do not know this rod and have not seen it over here. I do know that St. Croix and other companies put out inexpensive rods and do not market them or even list them on their web site. I have 2 from St Croix and 1 form Scierra that I paid around $50 to $60 new. Not great and not bad, I got what I paid for and they are made by name brand companies, so they are not junk. I will use the St.Croix on lakes, and I actually like the Scierra for dry flies.
Try and find one in a shop that will let you cast it if you can, this way you have an idea of what your spending your hard earned money on. Buyers remorse sucks!
Good Luck!

I had an Avid, it was a lovely rod, a fishing rod, not a casting poker, the only reason i got rid was it was very similar to my loop multi and i just dont see the point in duplicating tackle

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