I am from MN and have always tried to support St. Croix, but don't have quite as many rods in my arsenal as some. I have two St. Croix Rods that are in my hands probably over 50% of my fishing time. One a Premier from 1998 and 1 Avid baitcasting rod that is about a year old. Both are 6'6" MH's with fast action. I think they are just about perfectly balanced with a typical reel on them. I can really tell the difference between the two due to age, but the 1998 rod has taken a beating over the years and is still sensitive enough to feel a jig bite. I always feel in rods and reels you really get what you pay for at the pricepoint and St. Croix to me seem pretty fair compared to competitors, but always win out with me due to being made in northern WI.
I am stoked to be heading up that way this weekend and plan to pick up another addition to my Arsenal at the Factory Store!