never built a st croix but i am interested in the top of the line scv with scvi graphite on the bottom. i have a few questions -when did the scvi come out, are the older brown or green blanks much different than the newer ones, are the newer blanks heavier after they started using the 3 m resin, when did the integrated poly curve come out, when did advanced reinforcing and taper enhancement technology arrive and finally whats with all the different colors?

I'll give this a shot. Don't take these dates for gospel as I'm going from memory. I think the SCVI started going in the rods in late 2010. The old matte green, then gloss brown blanks are a touch heavier than the new ones. The 3M resin was only used for a couple years (2011-2012 I believe). IPC and ART came to be in 2006. 2013 saw the introduction of TET and FRS replaced the 3M NSi. As for the colors, each series is designated by it's own discinct color.

was this the color progression for the scv blanks- matte green- gloss brown -blue green flip- forest green. the reason i ask is to know if i have an scvi blank and how to tell.

matte green
gloss brown
forest green & blue green flip (offered concurrently)

Hi,

I am a fan of the St Croix blanks, cant say why they are better than others but I really like the rods I have, and know what to expect from them. To me, you get something and lose something too, staying within products lines over time.

My recollection is a little different. I have two St Croix rods using the SCiV blanks, one is a factory build, one is built off a blank by me. Those are matt green. I think they go back to about 2002?? I know it was a long time ago when I bought those products. They called them Legend Ultras. I have two of the first SCV blanks as 8 and 9 wts. Those are gloss brown. They later split the SCV's in the forest green and green/blue flip to differentiate a fresh water purposed rod/blank from saltwater purposed, respectively. The blanks made as SCIV material are significantly different from the SCV's. The SCV's are lighter and a bit faster overall. Does anyone know the technical difference? I wonder if the SCIV's use glass scrim.

As to the 3M nanosilca product, is it try St Croix uses the same technology now, just not using 3M's proprietary version? it would be interesting to me to know, as I want to buy a new SCV blank.

hope this is helpful,

The colors I posted were for SCV spin/cast blanks. The fly blanks have their own color scheme that I am not familiar with.

why did they stop using the nsi 3m resin. are those blanks different than the newer offerings as i've heard they were heavier. is this true?

3M sold exclusive rights to Jarden Corporation (Pure Fishing).

so there were no problems with the 3m resin'ed blanks as you know. i think the sciv blanks do not have the carbon scrim. do you think the medium light scv spinning blanks are dropshot worthy as i like a lighter tip.

There were no problems with the 3M resin blanks. The MLXF model is, IMO, the perfect DS rod. In fact, one of my personal dropshot rods is on the 3M 5S69MLXF model. I also have one of the FRS SCV's in 5s610mlxf waiting for me to find the time to assemble. I'm a dropshot rod junkie. Usually have 3 or 4 on the deck!

The SCV blanks have carbon scrim. The SCIV blanks have glass scrim. That is the biggest difference between the two series.

thanks scott- are their any discernible differences between the 3m and frs blanks that you can feel? these ds blanks you mentioned are extra fast and are they rated 4/10 lb or 6/12 lb test. one last question whats the difference with the 5s70mlf-B and 5s70mlf-G and would said blanks work for dropshotting.

I haven't noticed any difference just handling the new blank. The XF models I mentioned are rated 6-10. The only difference in the 2 models you listed is the color....they are the same blank. I like the XF for dropshotting as I feel they have a lighter tip than the fast ones. I'm sure the fast ones would work for you. If its the shorter length that is steering you from the XF, just extend it when you build. I plan on building my 6'10" as 7'2".

i appreciate you taking the time to deal with a st croix "virgin" one last question -where are you drop shotting at ?

Lake Erie.

i figured with that many ds rods on your deck.

scott if you find anywhere to get crosstail shads in bulk please let me know

I have a friend that made a mold and pours them! They are more durable and he makes custom colors. If interested, shoot me an email.

if you could pick just one st croix best all around spinning blank which would it be?

All around would be the 5S610mxf. My favorite is the 5s69mlxf. I use it more than any other. The 610m is a little too powerful for dropshotting IMO, but it works great for a wide variety of techniques.