Hello,

I will start this by saying I don't want to start an argument with this question, so here goes.

I'm wondering what it is that everyone loves about the Croix SCIV blanks. They cost more than "average" for either the blank or finished rod, but in comparing fairly similar blanks, the blank weights on them are not much lighter, or at all lighter than blanks costing much much less.

Last year I built a 7'6" ML MHX Hot Shot blank that was advertised at 2.0 ounces - priced at about $70 I think. A 7'6" MLXF SCIV blank is advertised at 1.9 oz and $155. It isn't perfect apples to apples, but in comparing other relatively similar blanks, the SCIV do not seem to be a lighter blank than many others at 1/2 the cost.

So, if the draw to spending more on these blanks isn't physical blank weight, what is it? Action, durability? Something else? Just curious to hear your opinions.

Tucker

Many like them because they are built in the US. I like them because they are predictably good blanks. I've never had a disappointment with any grade of St. Croix blank. From what I've heard, their customer service is about as good as it gets.

There are, of course, many other good blanks available. We are very fortunate to have the almost unbelievable selection of rod-building components provided by companies that also have very good customer service. We can @#$%& about the price, but bottom line, we can make just about any rod we want to with what's available to us. And St Croix is a significant player with high quality and great variety of product.

St.Croix is my go to blank and yes they have exceptional customer service. Comparing st.croix to st.croix I prefer the sc4 and sc3 as opposed to sc5 and sc2, the sc5 seem more unfriendly to misuse and sc2 are a little heavy for me.

That being said I generally select the best blank for the application I intend to use it for; if that is a mhx blank then that is what I am buying or recommending (Mudhole has great customer service as well). Being familiar with blanks will help, I find that some mhx blanks are faster than the same rated St.Croix blanks, in some applications this might be a positive or a negative. Get what suits your application best for the price range you need to met.

DG

It has been my experience that St Croix blanks are very consistent and their ratings are very "predictable," meaning that once you get the St Croix descriptions understood, all their blanks will fit into those descriptions consistently. That is not always the case with some others.

It also has been my experience that when St Croix says a blank is "medium" power, it is most likely a little more powerful than blanks from others that are called "medium"l power. Which might explain why their SCIV weights may seem a little high. The blank is most likely a little more powerful than the one you're comparing it to.

I would have to concur with Dan about the SCIV being the sweet spot, in spite of the fact that 4 of my builds of SCV70MF blanks have been in service for up to 9 years without a failure. I own one, and it is my favorite for tubes and jigs like swim jigs.

And adding to Michael the sc5 are great blanks, I have not had one fail due to defect. However, they do not like hitting the gunnel or trolling motor when jerkbait fishing, the sc4 and SC3 are more forgiving in that scenario.

DG

There is absolutely nothing wrong with MHX blanks, they are a very good buy and compare favorably with blanks costing much more. In addition, the MHX warranty is exceptional, just mail them the small sections above and below the break, the filled out warranty form, and $15 for shipping and handling, and they send you a new blank no problems no hassles. These short blank sections fit in a small padded envelope, so you do not need to send the broken blank back with it's high shipping costs. Does not get much better than that. Just make sure you register your blank.
Norm

Tucker,

All of the St. Croix blanks are consistently good. Generally speaking, my blank of choice from St. Croix is the SC-5. I just appreciate the over all feel, weight and performance of this grade blank.

Take care

St. Croix has always been a step better, for me, in one "hard to qualify area".....sensitivity. I also feel they are the epitome of "spin jig" action. Reckon I should mention I fish salt water so I'm mostly using SC2 and SC3. As far as weight.....an honest blank maker once told me, "If bass rods had to deadlift their rating people wouldn't buy them because they would weigh too much." Maybe St. Croix is simply more honest?

If you can buy at wholesale the price isn't so bad:)

Russ in Hollywood, FL.

Russell, nice to hear from you , has been a while. I always enjoy your insight.

I have no affinity for St Croix. I've never fished a St Croix rod. I'm 50 years old, and have been fly fishing for 18 years. I started rod building 15 years ago. My budget is limited, i search for bargains, with an occasional splurge.

I too have always wondered about the love for St Croix. My guess is that most who love the brand have been using it for a long time, probably longer than the cheaper imported QUALITY blanks have been available, so St Croix has the market presence and quality consistency built up over time. Toss in good customer service, well that leads to brand loyalty. And like Michael mentioned, they are made in the USA. That can cement loyalty. Now I do not KNOW if ALL of their blanks are US-made, but that is the perceived situation. And those elements, quality consistency over time and the perceived US build, whether true or false, is enough to build a great reputation and keep St. Croix at the top in many minds. When one fishes with St Croix, i imagine pride comes into play as well.

This can make other brands without all of those elements appear secondary, though in performance they might be equal or even better.

eric
fresno, ca.

Tucker,
Weight and price isn't everything, if the hot shot blank your mentioning is the one I'm thinking of from MHX, the St. Croix is not similar, it's head and shoulders a better design and execution.
I've not used as many MHX blanks as I originally intended as the first ones I bought in the early years didn't hold up well. Blank replacement and fast customer service never a problem. Just don't like redos, especially more than once.

SC customer service is absolutely amazing. Haven't built on an SC blank yet, but I own 5 of their rods. I've called their customer service at least 3 or 4 times with semi-random questions and they talk to you like a long lost friend. And yeah, that whole "Made In America" thing stands for something in my book. My father worked in manufacturing for 34 years until his job was sent to Asia. I feel a sense of pride in buying American Made whenever possible.