St. Croix Legend Bass vs Elite

[AustinV]

Ok I’m looking at a legend tournament bass for $262, or a legend elite for $342. Weight difference is only .2oz lighter going to the elite, but it’s also 1” shorter. This rod will be used 99% for jigs. Is the elite worth the extra $80 in sensitivity? Need some input from St. Croix people.

Thanks

[Rude196]

What model Tournament? No experience with elite

[Lanierspotman]

I am on their pro staff and have both rods and used both rods for jigs. Mostly 3/8 and 1/2 ounce with 15 or 20 lb tatsu line in my experience. They are both great rods but I prefer the Elite for the full cork and the ability to feel the lighter bite. Specifically the jig bite where you pick up the bait from slack line and the fish is swimming toward the boat. The Elite has a little better feel for that bite in my opinion. It’s really a lack of feeling the bait, the Elite will provide that feedback more quickly on a long cast, if you know what I mean. Some people don’t notice the difference I’m describing though.

Feel free to PM or call me and I can get more specific.

[Rude196]

I am on their pro staff and have both rods and used both rods for jigs. Mostly 3/8 and 1/2 ounce with 15 or 20 lb tatsu line in my experience. They are both great rods but I prefer the Elite for the full cork and the ability to feel the lighter bite. Specifically the jig bite where you pick up the bait from slack line and the fish is swimming toward the boat. The Elite has a little better feel for that bite in my opinion. It’s really a lack of feeling the bait, the Elite will provide that feedback more quickly on a long cast, if you know what I mean. Some people don’t notice the difference I’m describing though.

Feel free to PM or call me and I can get more specific.

Is that a blanket statement covering all rods? I can tell him in public what the actions of St Croix are and what could match up with his use. St Croix rods are well known for drastic changes in action according to power. Been a life long Croix user and there is definitely a curve in every series.

[yatesville88fan]

I have a legend tournament. Nice rod.

[UWBASS]

It comes down to whether you like a Split Grip or Full Cork. I prefer a split grip for casting rods do the LT works for me. I like full cork for spinning so I have all Elites for that. Sensitivity wise they are both phenomenal but with slightly higher quality graphite id say the Elite has a slight edge in feel which I value much more for spinning application any way (dragging a tube, Ned rig, drop shot etc)

[Locknload59]

I have several of both models and the Elite is a touch more sensitive. Both great rods IMO.

[Lanierspotman]

Sorry if I confused anyone, long day with a flight from Vegas and I probably should have been sleeping. To clarify, I use the LC71MHXF and the LBC71MHXF. I prefer the XF, or extra fast actions in medium heavy rods for my jig fishing. I tend to skip a 1/2 ounce jig a lot. Almost any 7 foot plus length, medium heavy St Croix rod with the XF action will be very similar in action to a 3 power rod of say an NRX from G Loomis, in my opinion.

As for the “lack of feeling”, I was referring to the bite where a fish picks up the bait and never transmits a tap to the rod. There are 2 types of bites, the “tap”and the “bait gone” feeling. I think they are seperate feelings totally. The legend elites have slightly better feel and I sense that missing weight more quickly, and I will pay for that help to get that feedback. The super light “tap” is about the same feel for me on both rods.

My option is the Elite is worth the money for sure if you are a dedicated jig/plastics fisherman.

[Black Haze]

And St Croix customer service is great

[bass-o-maticjm]

Been a life long Croix user and there is definitely a curve in every series.

Same here and agree. One example; I have 2 flipping sticks, one Legend Tournament, one Legend Xtreme. Same length, same power, same action. Two totally different rods! The Xtreme is my primary rod, the Tournament is my backup. I had the same thing going from a Premier to an Avid or Avid to Tournament Legend, etc. all in different rods/applications.

As far as the difference in weight, even minimal, you can feel the difference after a full day on the water.

Pick them both up, put the same reel you'll be using on both, see how they feel and buy what's best for you.

[slipknobber bot]

Easily worth the extra $ for legend elite

[Driftless]

its more than just a difference in grips..as Laniersportsman noted the elite will have a little better feel...the elite is also slightly faster/stiffer...which I like for fishing a jig...or light flippin.

[ColdSVT]

Both a great sticks...I didn't really like the handle on the LTB though...it wasn't bad but it could be better.

I absolutely love my legend extreme...love it!.
Balances way better that the LTB which can feel tip heavy. And the handle works as advertised. Super comfy, feels liggt and very sensitive