St. Croix Legend Xtreme 2020

[wirinhar]

The assumption that the handle is "rubbery" is incorrect.

They have a Monocoque handle with a clear silicone type material that has an abstract or splattered pattern which is part of the handle, not just sprayed on the surface.

It will hold up better to the harsh climate that you live in vs EVA or Cork.

Thanks for info.

WW

[bronzefly]

thx for the review as always Gary. in terms of the sensitivity, how would u rank it amongst the best domestic and jdm?

They are both fantastic and among the best out there in terms of US availability. I haven't fished all of the highest end JDM rods discussed on this site and others, but the Racing Design rods I've fished are definitely among the most sensitive rods I've ever fished. More so than the elite US rods? Maybe, but by the time you get to this level, sensitivity is so good that a little bit more gets a little bit harder to discern.

What is the lower weight limt on the 74 gary?

I've pitched 1/4 oz tungsten t-rigged plastics paired with a Steez A and it's handled that fine. I haven't tried anything lighter but don't feel like I'd want to go much if any lighter than that.

[russ57]

So you could see it as a frog rod, Gary?

[jwill]

How does the Xtreme 74H compare to the Bottom Contact rod action wise?

[bronzefly]

So you could see it as a frog rod, Gary?

Sure, you could throw a frog on it no problem.

How does the Xtreme 74H compare to the Bottom Contact rod action wise?

The tip is a little softer/faster on the Croix. It reminds me a lot of the first generation Megabass XX Perfect Pitch action wise. It really is a great pitching rod.

[jwill]

How does the Xtreme 74H compare to the Bottom Contact rod action wise?

The tip is a little softer/faster on the Croix. It reminds me a lot of the first generation Megabass XX Perfect Pitch action wise. It really is a great pitching rod.

Thanks. I'm really trying to decided between these two rods. That's what I'm looking for, a pitching rod, for fishing laydowns and bushes and such. Which rod has more power for moving fish away from cover? I typically fish 22lb fouro and a 1/2oz jig plus trailer or 3/8oz texas rig plus plastic. My favorite rod for that technique now is an nrx 873 but I wish it had just a little more power.

[Big-Bass]

How are the spinning rods? How about the 6'10" finesse/dropshot rod?

[bronzefly]

Thanks. I'm really trying to decided between these two rods. That's what I'm looking for, a pitching rod, for fishing laydowns and bushes and such. Which rod has more power for moving fish away from cover? I typically fish 22lb fouro and a 1/2oz jig plus trailer or 3/8oz texas rig plus plastic. My favorite rod for that technique now is an nrx 873 but I wish it had just a little more power.

They both have plenty of power for moving fish away from cover and both have more power than the 873. Take your pick, you'll be very happy with either one of them. My preference is the Steez Bottom Contact rod between those two, taking nothing away from an exceptionally good 74H Xtreme.

How are the spinning rods? How about the 6'10" finesse/dropshot rod?

I haven't fished that rod. It feels really impressive in hand and the feedback on it and the 68 has been overwhelmingly positive.

[CGrinder]

Any opinions on the 7'1 MHXF versus the NRX 853? Or the 7' MH against a Loomis 844?

[wilddog66]

Watching this thread closely...

[Chode]

Watching this thread closely...

how closely? because there's a 6ft social distancing rule

[wilddog66]

Watching this thread closely...

how closely? because there's a 6ft social distancing rule

My problem is that lately the fish have been social distancing from my bait!

[goldrod]

Watching this thread closely...

how closely? because there's a 6ft social distancing rule

My problem is that lately the fish have been social distancing from my bait!

[Chode]

Watching this thread closely...

how closely? because there's a 6ft social distancing rule

My problem is that lately the fish have been social distancing from my bait!

[jrk]

I'm very interested in this thread.
I purchased an 8.6 Legend X Heavy casting about a year or so ago, have always like St. Croix actions.
I purchased this rod as I like a longer rod, for distance, etc., and like the torzite/ti guides due to skinny water hunting for reds.
But...I don't enjoy using this rod, and have thought about getting rid of it. I cannot stand these smaller guides they have gone to...I believe the last few on this particular model are 4.5. In my opinion...just ridiculous...we all throw braid to light leader, and our knot tying is very good. Although I can make it work...even with 20lb braid and 10lb flouro, the knocking sound constantly reminds me of how impractical the guide train is, especially for the size of rod this model. Weight saving reasoning is BS...a few 6's instead of these 4.5, or 4's, would be blue on black from my standpoint.

Having rambled above, can anyone tell me their guide train sizing for these new models? And for those that are familiar with this guide material (read experience over time on the water), can you elaborate as to how durable they are within context of braid to leader? Also, do they plan on releasing longer variants?

Thanks for the info and time...