ST. CROIX Legend Elite Panfish | Ultralight Rod Review

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[@ifishcatfish]

Made in America, FOR AMERICANS! - Transport without fear! - Boat flip without fear! - Hook keeper! (find me a JDM rod with hook keeper) - Comfortable handle - FIFTEEN YEAR Transferable Warranty! (yes, 15) - Normal size guides! - Can fish with any line you want, in any weather you want. - One piece blank! GORGEOUS Load Curve! No Stiffness in the middle! Definitely worth considering as alternative to JDM!

[@smoothddd]

ive heard this before from many anglers till they have started to hold some high jdm rods... they never went back... just have a try, i order from digitaka, it comes safe in a tube - always

[@2musiclover534]

When I build, I don't put a hook keeper either. I just hook it around the guide. Anything to save 1/100th of an ounce....LOL!

[@ifishcatfish]

hook it around the guide? These titanium frame torzite insert guides? Never.. : ) Also 1 gram at the handle does nothing to balance..

[@2musiclover534]

@@ifishcatfish Not the inserts but the frame. And yeah.....:) or I could clip it to the reel foot where I tie a line around it. Hard to explain but works a charm. As to balance, for me, it is not the 1 gram or balance, but the principle that I try to build absolutely as lightly as possible. My 6' 6" is 1.000 oz flat. or 28.4 grams. That's almost exactly half of that eradicator.

[@ifishcatfish]

but you don't have a hookkeeper! If you don't have a hookkeeper who knows what else u dont have. Maybe u dont put all the guides, maybe fewer wraps.. It's easy to lose weight when u remove stuff, but the end effect is still not the same as having high quality stuff. Like these race cars that dont have seats or AC or anything...

[@dannylalumiere6538]

I am a new subscriber, I never fished for crappy but I fish a lot of trout in Canada. I use the same type of equipment and you are probably the only one who talks about ultra products. Great videos and really like your detailed opinions. Keep going and looking forward for further videos! Cheers from Montréal ;)

[@ifishcatfish]

I am so happy to hear from viewer outside of US! Thanks for taking the time to drop a line

[@VincentKearney1967]

I’m really liking this rod ,I have a St.Croix Mojo Surf for salt and I can tell you they are excellent . Thank you soo much for the video ,excellent review Victor !

[@ifishcatfish]

thanks VK!

[@arkansawtraveler]

Great job. This is the perfect review for this rod!

[@MrAlexissantana]

Long awaited video has final come. I have this Exact same Rod Victor and I LOVE-IT. Mines is paired with a the Ci4 Stradic 1000 and though the colors are not a Perfect marriage, the performance and weight combo is a High-end performer. Sometimes it’s not all about color coordination but Performance. This is my ONLY Rod and Reel Combo that color wise don’t match. I have tried reels that match in color, but the performance together wasn’t there until I married this Rod with the Ci4 Stradic. Like always Victor love your videos my friend. FishOn!🎣🐟🐠🐡

[@ifishcatfish]

Ha - i said in the video i really like the balance with the stradic CI4+ 2000 (which is same as 1000) . I just feels right in your hand. The Luvias i have on it weighs the same, with that handle. Got a 13.5 on shabbona today and 6 x 12 inch. Go get you some!

[@MrAlexissantana]

@@ifishcatfish thanks for the tip Victor.

[@Mck100El]

Great review and comparison - I'm sold!

[@ifishcatfish]

unfortunately many people got sold and this model seems to be sold out right now. But let me know if u find it

[@NinjasGoFishing]

I ended up selling my Panfish elite, I much prefer the JDM rods and cheaper options. If I had to pick between these and my Majorcraft Go Emotion, I’d pick the Go Emotion every time. I’ve been putting work on my 5’6” BnM Sharp Shooter this year and even though it’s heavier, I still like fishing with it more. For me, the St Croix’s recovery wasn’t fast enough and I much prefer a stiffer rod for my jigging tactics. I’m thinking about getting a 5’6” ACC Crappie Stick next, I’ve held one and it’s super light and the rod tip seems stiff enough. But as the weather gets colder and crappie get bigger, I need to start bringing out my bass rods. Recently bought a Megabass Destroyer Addermine rod that needs some testing :D All in all, great review Victor, keep it up!

[@ifishcatfish]

that Go Emotion is so stiff, man.. not an ultralight rod really.. I think you just fish bigger fish than me and have preferences for more stiffness. I have ACC crappie stix and that's a Bass blank for sure. The true power is Medium. I have tests showing the rod bending as much under load as my medium power rods. I don't think i will ever sell this rod, because of the guides and the one piece and the strong blank. Thats the only 300$ rod where u can boat flip fish with confidence : )

[@Mikethefisherman]

Another good review as always

[@ifishcatfish]

thanks Mike

[@ralpheastham5615]

Almost all of St Croix's rods are a little more moderate in terms of the rod bend than most seem to be, but that is my favorite thing about them. Despite that, as you point out, the ones which are fast recover fast, which is really more about what action is and not only "it bends close to the tip."

[@paulmackesy51]

Recieved this exact model rod yesterday. Paired it with a Shimano Vanquish 2500S. Don't think I,ve ever had such a well balenced rod & reel combination. Feels absolutly amazing in my hand. Your review played a part in my decision to acquire this rod. Thank you!

[@ifishcatfish]

what do u fish for

[@paulmackesy51]

I am in NW Ohio so Bluegill, Cappie and Perch are main targets. The DNR has been stocking Saugeye here for many years now so they targets also but not necessarily with this rod, although I believe it will handle the occasional surprise.

[@ifishcatfish]

@@paulmackesy51 yeah thats a great rig. You can go even smaller size on the reel if you want

[@paulmackesy51]

@@ifishcatfish I recently picked up a Cardiff CI4+ 1000S that matches this rod beautifully. Slightly heavier reel at 170 grams but still balances nicely. They look like they were made for each other.

[@piaoliang5467]

@@paulmackesy51 this rod feels really good with 170 gram reel. Better than it feels with 150 gram reel

[@Fisherman_83]

I love St. croix. I have 8 total I have three diff series but haven’t bought the panfish one yet. I will have to put it on my list.

[@ifishcatfish]

remember - find a small dealer and bargain!

[@2musiclover534]

Wooo Hoooo! I've not seen this yet but already 'liked'. I will watch it later tonight. Hope you compare it with the Abu Garcia. A Top of the Line US rod....would be great to see what you think.

[@ifishcatfish]

i did compare the two. A lot : )

[@victorsimonsen921]

i think you finally found a st croix rod you like!!!

[@ifishcatfish]

I like my other St Croix rod too.. : ) They not as good but much cheaper..

[@TheTinHorseMonty]

Another great review!

[@ifishcatfish]

hey Monty! U and i need to do a some kind of collab/challenge. I know i never came in the spring, but i still wana come see these lakes down there..

[@TheTinHorseMonty]

@@ifishcatfish Sure thing! Where are you located again?

[@ifishcatfish]

Chicago suburbs.... its gona be a long ride, but nothing else to do in winter here...

[@TheTinHorseMonty]

@@ifishcatfish Ya probably 5+ hours but let me know.

[@haroldpruitt8207]

Much appreciated.👍👍👍

[@philhicks2167]

I have this rod with the same reel with longer handle. I also have it in a 6-4 length. By fare the the best rod. I have over a dozen st. Croix rods also have g-lumis rod 6ft rod good rod. Thanks for the vidio. Keep it up.

[@ifishcatfish]

i am not selling this one ever. And mind you, i gave my $350 majorcraft AWAY : )

[@philhicks2167]

Also have it in 5ft 6in. Thanks

[@captainrylenaviation29]

This rod is on one of my list due to its warranty. Since I bought the Eradicator 6"7' im hooked... So I bought another slow taper special the 6"9' xultra light eradicator slow taper special version...Man all I can say is wow... I used it recently in Zion Illinoi for trout season.

[@ifishcatfish]

this one feels different... it's just a way to fish with a super light and sensitive rod without having to worry about boat flipping or scratching or transportation... You can take it anywhere and fish for anything and have a peace of mind

[@captainrylenaviation29]

Yap. Great idea.I current broke the tip of that 6"7' eradicator while traveling. I talked to Randy on how to get it fix but usa currently don't offer it. So I'm buying the top version as a replacement in digitaka.

[@ifishcatfish]

@@captainrylenaviation29 really? How much is the tip shipped?

[@captainrylenaviation29]

$190 total from digitaka shipped

[@ifishcatfish]

@@captainrylenaviation29 ouch! The whole rod is 270. The tip costs more than the rod..

[@anderson8869]

Fantastic review and information only found here. Any reason you don't seem to use the Daiwa Tatula LT spinning reels on your ultra lights?

[@ifishcatfish]

thank you sir. My tatula is size 2500. I use it for white bass mostly. I used to fish with cheaper rods and they actually feel better with the 2500. But the last few rods I got just don't feel or look right with a 2500 size reel. But i am starting walleye fishing now and all of my 2500 size reels will get back in service. Also, when i dropshot i will use a stronger rod and 2500 size reel, so i can lift a 1/4 ounce dropshot sinker without bending the tip too much..

[@ASyv93]

Bought this rod because of you. Hopefully when it comes in it doesn’t feel flimsy and noodle-y, like most panfish rods.

[@ifishcatfish]

Unless you are paying me for advice i wouldn't care, buddy : ) I think you will like it tho. I had a guy with a 1,000 dollar combo in my boat a few days ago and he grabbed it and loved it so much that said he will buy it when he gets home. He uses only Japanese gear besides this. St. Croix should give me some fee for all the traffic i sent them.

[@ASyv93]

@@ifishcatfish aha, aw man. Send their PR people this video. It comes in next week. Will use it next weekend. Can’t wait!

[@mzwmeathook3691]

The legend elites are such a sensitive rod.I started using them for light inshore jigging this year and I gotta say its my favorite rod for this application.

[@ifishcatfish]

for light salt duty.. this is perfect. U not gona be able to use a JDM rod for that, with no paint, no clear coat, no warranty ....

[@mzwmeathook3691]

@@ifishcatfish I've actually been using the legend elite inshores.I love them for jigging.So sensitive.I still think the avids cast better though.

[@dannylalumiere6538]

The perfect matching reel for this rod in therms of looks would of been the shimano Cardiff ci4 2000S. Dark green with cork knob ;)

[@ifishcatfish]

AGREE. But i tried this reel (subscriber sent to me) and i did not like the feel. A lot of resistance and somehow the gears did not feel smooth. Very strange as I am sure it uses the same hagane gears as all the other shimano reels of that price range. Anyway... did not buy that one..

[@hugomatado2260]

Great review. Have you reviewed the the St. Croix avid ultralight rods? Specifically the AVS66ULF2.

[@ifishcatfish]

no, sorry

[@2musiclover534]

Interestingly, I've read up a lot about micro guides and there's been serious rod builders who test both. I've always been told that micro guides do not reduce casting distance - or actually have a bit more distance. Also, it may be helpful to some day actually fish them side by side using the same reel and line set up. Just thinking out loud here...

[@ifishcatfish]

I DO fish them side by side - ALL THE TIME : ) The only way to believe this BS is not to have fished both of them side by side. Think about it - it's not so difficult to make a small guide. Why are 99% of the rods with regular guides? Try to answer this question. Why make regular guides AT ALL? It takes more material to make them, they are more heavy... Watch my video on micro guides..

[@meatloafmzmfei5189]

Hey , just wanted to say I love your channel And every time I watch it I always learn something new. And any ideas of an ultralight reel for around $80 to $100 thanks and stay safe!

[@ifishcatfish]

Regal LT, Legalis LT, Exceller LT, Fuego LT and Revros LT are all one and the same reel. They are the best value in ultralight fishing, and they cost a lot less than 100$. Between them buy whichever u find on sale. I dont know a good ultralight reel that costs $100. There is nothing else i recommend until u get to $180, for a Daiwa Tatula. Then $270 for Shimano Vanford. Then 370 for Twinpower and 420 for Vanquish. These are the only reels I recommend. They are actually great value at their price points, even if they cost a lot

[@meatloafmzmfei5189]

Hey what about a Daiwa bg For UL fishing , or is it too heavy?

[@ifishcatfish]

Too heavy, yeah

[@leewgh45]

Another great in depth video! I've always wondered about the ferrule connections and if they effect the action of a rod. I have a 4pc. presso and it seems much stiffer than the 2 or 1 pc. similar size rods I own. You should add Dr. or professor before the i_fish you have some of the most in depth videos out there great stuff.

[@ifishcatfish]

the 4 pieces is indeed MUCH stiffer than the 2 piece presso. It is like Medium power rod, not ultralight.

[@2musiclover534]

@@ifishcatfish The Daiwa 4 piece is stiffer not due to the ferrule alone, but due to a different blank design. That's my opinion as I've handled both and own the 4 piece version.

[@ifishcatfish]

True. Much stiffer blank. But having 3 connections doesn't help for sure

[@richardbledsoe3312]

I'm a new subscriber,,,mostly watched for the review of the st.croix. I have been thinking on purchasing one. A good friend had one and he let me us it for a few crappie. Loved it. Liked the review on both the rods. Wondering about how the price will effect my decision. Would love feedback

[@ifishcatfish]

its a great rod. Price and value are unique for everyone. Depends on what kind of life you have, how much money you make, do u have savings, or your are struggling to make ends meet. Different for everybody. But whatever you decide - good luck in your journey!

[@vintageliving]

I completely agree this being a true ultralight rod. Unlike a lot of other St Croix rods that are overpowered for their ratings. I've had one myself for a few years but haven't touched it in awhile. I would rather use my JDM rods but that's just me. I should probably sell it. Good rod with excellent guides. I just wish it had a higher graphite content than it does.

[@ifishcatfish]

i'm never selling mine. Best blank curve that I 've seen since I do reviews. All other blanks have kinks in the curve, including the eradicator. Also the only 1 piece I have

[@ifishcatfish]

But then again I am also never selling my Eagle Claw Crafted Glass rods - MSRP $30 : )

[@vintageliving]

@@ifishcatfish Yeah, that's very true when it comes to the test curve. It is a very smooth transition. Great rod, I just haven't used it over a year but I'm thinking I will today though...

[@TheFishingNomad]

I've gotta be honest. This was my first real high end rod. I've used rods $100 or less for ever and wanted to try the best of the best. I bought a used one of these that was one year old on eBay for a big discount off of full retail. Got to use it for the first time two days ago. While it felt great in hand, performed well, and I really enjoyed it, I was disappointed. I don't have much experience with these types of rods like you do, but I could see very little difference between this and a moderately priced rod. It's by far the nicest rod I owe, but I'm not sure if it's worth the price. Anyway, like always, I enjoyed the review. Nicely done.

[@ifishcatfish]

Interesting... Which moderately priced rod felt similar to this, if u don't mind me asking? I have a lot of moderately priced rods but they seem to be heavy and not very sensitive..

[@TheFishingNomad]

@@ifishcatfish I should have been clearer. No rod was "similar" in regards to build, action, performance, etc. This rod is superior in all regards. What I meant was that this rod is priced 400% higher and I don't think it performs 400% better or anywhere close. I believe there is a diminishing level of return as the price gets higher. A $200 St. Croix will be much better than a $50 rod. However I don't believe a $400 St. Croix is that much better than a $200 St. Croix. Does that make sense?

[@ifishcatfish]

these things are not so clear. Money also has diminishing utility.

[@TheFishingNomad]

@@ifishcatfish Definitely not. I guess what I'm trying to say is that it is a very nice rod, but I'm not sure if it is $360 nice. Anyway, great review as always. Tight lines.

[@philhicks2167]

I see a great difference in my st. Croix rods. Thanks

[@fjin1]

Hi I fish, thank you for another quantity video, which you model would you buy for drop shot deep water (30ft +) jumbo perch with 1/2oz weight ? 6ft9 fast action or 7 ft extra fast action ?

[@ifishcatfish]

i dont like extra fast action rods for anything. So i don't care what you are gona use them for, i would prefer the 6'9 anyway : )

[@ReelAZMatt]

@i_fish Have you tried the Loomis Panfish rods? I may go for one of the GLX's over JDM due to made in USA and NOT China.

[@ifishcatfish]

No, i haven't tried it. I didn't like the handle on the pictures. Which rod was made in china? I didn't get that..

[@1Cast1Fish]

Very nice rod, have some myself

[@ifishcatfish]

UL? I thought u r a bass guy

[@1Cast1Fish]

@@ifishcatfish I have a 6’ 3” med light action, use it for kayak fishing for smallmouth and panfish. Also a great drop shot rod. Definitely a upper tier rod and has the price to show it...but worth it if you got the $

[@ifishcatfish]

for kayak... you dont have many options for high end rods. I definitely woulndt use this JDM stuff because it is so fragile and you would damage it in a kayak for sure. This is a strong blank and has the right warranty

[@MAX99999]

Rules for dealers and high end products like this, MAP PRICE. minimum advertised price. They can lose they ability to be an authorized dealer if they lower the price. To sidestep this, you can ask for a reel to be bundled with it or something else. Some dealer agreements will still punish them for this, but will be gray area for some manufacturers. The dealer will take a huge risk to sell and then give you a receipt for a lower than MAP price if they are authorized. This is also the reason why you see nikon and canon cameras bundled with free lenses, batteries etc. As a former retailer who adhere to MAP, manufacturers will send out secret shoppers and also track serial numbers down to dealers who do not follow rules. This is one reason on warranty registration cards, there is a line to query for price paid and place bought. Seems like a solid rod- it’s a shame some of their stuff is made in Mexico now and we need to double check country of origin.

[@ifishcatfish]

Well I can promise you on St Croix u can get a deal.. St Croix should just sell these direct to customer under 300 and make a serious dent in the JDM market

[@stepheno.2730]

Victor, how does this rod stack up against the Panfish series? Obviously, higher-end components are used but is there a big difference in sensitivity and feel? Thank you.

[@ifishcatfish]

i dont like to use cheap expressions like this, but the difference is night and day. Nothing in common. The panfish rod has cheap steal guides and very wobbly top half and very stiff first half. Very strange rod, i never liked it. This is top of the line titanium/torzite guides, and a very sharp blank, very fast recovery, and at the same time the first half of the rod is more flexible. The panfish rod has very poor sensitivity. It is easier to see the tip bend than feel the bite. The LEP has excellent sensitivity, even if its not quite up to par with JDM stuff. I honestly think the panfish rod is a bad deal at $100

[@stepheno.2730]

@@ifishcatfish thank you for your honesty. I’ll have to see if I can locate a dealer that has these in stock.

[@bluesky5587]

Victor,,,going grab one of these…it will be for lake shore fishing ..micro Ned rig….would you still recommend this model for that purpose or might a longer version be better even if I need to go to light…..I think they also come in 6.9 and 7foot….many thanks

[@ifishcatfish]

I love this rod, after all the japanese rods i bought. I still keep mine. I don't remember all the models, if u want longer get longer, but make sure action is FAST, not XF.

[@bluesky5587]

Perfect …that answers my question…thank u

[@jamesloerzel4377]

They are beautiful, but are they worth the amount, price difference as a Fenwick hmx, at 6 times the price. That St. Croix...I would be pairing it with the diawa tatula LT 2000.

[@ifishcatfish]

Fenwick HMX is not as light, not as sensitive, but MUCH better VALUE. Great blank and high end guides for 70 bucks - hard to beat.

[@con-3617]

have u ever checked out edge custom rods? owned by gary loomis, pretty pricy but i'd imagine with your UL rod experience an the quality of an edge blank the rod would come out brilliant!!

[@ifishcatfish]

Custom rods are no good for reviews : ) As nobody else can know what u r talking about. I wouldn't buy any of this if it werent for the reviews : ) But let me check them out just to know

[@con-3617]

if i were building a custom i’d imagine you’d know some killer parts, just a thought not intended for reviews

[@ifishcatfish]

flattering, but i actually dont know killer parts. But i always find stuff that doesn't make sense and could have been better without extra cost.

[@perrybeaubien]

What length so you recommend as I am about to purchase a St Croix Legend Elite Panfish?

[@ifishcatfish]

i dont know all the models, but i really love mine, even though i have a bunch of japanese rods

[@vexedlamp5569]

You should purchase the Ugly Stik Carbon, they say it's their lightest rod.

[@ifishcatfish]

I have 12 Ugly sticks.. I use them a lot for catfish and carp

[@vegetablejoe2389]

I just got the 6.9 Panfish series...Ultralight.

[@ifishcatfish]

did u order after seeing this video or before?

[@vegetablejoe2389]

@@ifishcatfish Before.

[@jimscott4552]

Can you please explain the importance of the load curve to the performance of the rod. Thank you.

[@ifishcatfish]

Boy... this is like a two hour discussion.. First of all a homogeneous curve tells you about the quality of the production process. If you see my video about Ugly Stick Striper 8 foot rod - that rod was bending ONLY at one point, one foot from the tip. You could tell that their connection of the solid tip to the rest of the rod sucked. The curve tells you exactly what is going on through out the blank - where u have stiffness or where u have weakness. The best is a perfect parabola with no stiffness and no weakness. That is also best for maximum distance, because you are compressing the entire blank, and then the entire blank is decompressing and catapulting the bait for you. If there was a lot of flex in one point, and stiffness in the rest of the rod - you would be doing the whole casting with just that point.. All of the expensive rods actually have load curves at the manufacturer - whether they publish them or not.

[@jimscott4552]

@@ifishcatfish I think I follow the brief explanation, just was not getting there on my own. 👍

[@ifishcatfish]

im not sure thats the best explanation. Maybe i can talk about that in some video, during the winter, when no fishing.

[@advent660]

@@ifishcatfish Було б дуже цікаво!!!

[@pescaycocinaconelsinaloa742]

🎣🎣👍

[@ukasz3903]

unfortunately, in Poland this rod costs about $ 476, it's a big price, looking at the prices of other rods, I wonder if this rod is worth the price? and by the way it's another great review and video!

[@ifishcatfish]

that is ridiculous. Do NOT spend $476 on this rod... the right price is about half of that

[@krirys]

jak nie kupiłeś to żałuj .

[@FredPecheur]

Impressive test would like to make same tools for rod action test vert intéressting. Thanks you greeting from France

[@ifishcatfish]

hey there! Hows life in France these days?

[@FredPecheur]

@@ifishcatfish hi there Life is great ô THink COVID is thé same For all state happy to discuss together

[@aphalaaphala7891]

Hi, I enjoyed the video 👍 Can you please measure the tip and the but diameter of the rod blank?

[@ifishcatfish]

what difference does it make, if i showed u the bend curve?

[@aphalaaphala7891]

@@ifishcatfish It is important because of the taper/conicity of the rod blank. That's why It would be useful for me, if it want make difficult to you.

[@ifishcatfish]

@@aphalaaphala7891 right. But the only think u need taper/conicity is to see how the rod bends, and that's already demonstrated. You are looking for the means, but the end result is already there. If this video is not enough to make your mind whether u want a rod, I don't know how you buy your rods. It's not a big deal to measure the tip, but i can't get myself to do something that makes no sense. If you think I am weird, think whether you do things that don't make sense to you. I bet you don't.

[@aphalaaphala7891]

@@ifishcatfish As I said earlier these measurements bring useful information for me and it's not only about the bend curve. Some of the well known manufacturers share this info about their products on their official websites. Do you think it's by coincidence? As far as making things that are senseless is concerned, life has taught me to be more tolerant and to accept different points of view. Maybe other people's opinion is not so deprived of sense as we think. In this line of thought I would always help someone if he asked me, especially if it is not a big deal for me. Of course it's a matter of personal choice. In the end, we all share the same hobby 🎣 Tight lines!

[@TwinklesTheChinchilla]

3/16oz is such a weird lure rating. Still, as much as I'd like to add a light or UL panfish rod to my lineup, I think I'll stick with my Denali Pryme.

[@ifishcatfish]

i agree. It is strange that americans, that are struggling with math and fractions, are using this kind of rating system. whats wrong with 1 gram, 2 gram, 3 gram, 5 gram

[@samuelgonzalez3275]

Hey Victor have you tried the g loom imx 6010 5ft

[@ifishcatfish]

no, i have not tried any rods of that brand. I didnt even know they have UL rods

[@samuelgonzalez3275]

Sorry it’s g loomis

[@ifishcatfish]

@@samuelgonzalez3275 no, i got it, but i thought they make only bass rods

[@watchman316ly]

I'm confused- did you mean index finger or have you mistaken pinky for pointing finger

[@ifishcatfish]

I was just joking. Just making the point that one rod has too small guides. But pinky is good enough for UL

[@charlesronk2989]

Is this the same St. Croix panfish series rod that is at bass pro for 109-129? I have never owned a St. Croix rod. Most of my rods a Bass rods and are BPS rods. It seems the more I spend on their rods the less durable they are. My oldest is a pro qualifier. It broke once and was replaced under warranty. Then the top eyelet came off, but it is about 15 years old. Many of my other rods from them broke without warranty. I am someone who would never spend the money for a G-Loomis. I was looking at BPS Panfish Elite for $80 . The Ugly Stick Elite is only 49 and it has the highest reviews of any of the panfish rods. My current panfish rod is a Berkley Lightning Rod I have had for 30 years.

[@ifishcatfish]

well dont but an Ugly Stick for Ultralight fishing, that's just horrible. These people who write the reviews are lumberjacks. And no, this is not the Panfish rod. Just google the title and you will find it. This is a very expensive rod that you really don't need. It is for passionate and devoted ultralight anglers

[@dopey006969]

I have a field &stream 6ft 1in it has micro guilds it too has a split handle i would take it over both of these rods I know mine cast futher I have caught 5& 6 pound trout with this rod !!!!! The micro guides let you cast further

[@ifishcatfish]

fantastic!

[@vmanukraina6343]

Nice Video. Where are you from?

[@ifishcatfish]

Bulgaristan

[@watchman316ly]

Is this better than the Shimano Cardiff 6'2 SULF Area Limited?

[@ifishcatfish]

I would love to know myself...

[@watchman316ly]

@@ifishcatfish I can send you mine so you can do a comparison. Here's a link to the KZbin video for it. Sorry it is in Japanese language only. kzbin.info/www/bejne/eXLQnWebq66BmrM

[@advent660]

Greetings from Ukraine! My father's name is also Victor, it's a beautiful Slavic name. Please help in choosing a rod. I have been catching St.Croix Legend Elite LES76MLXF2 for 9 years and now I have decided to try something lighter and buy Legend Elite Panfish. Of the entire model range stopped at two: LEP60ULF and LEP64LXF. I understand the difference between these models, but I can't choose because I think the LEP60ULF will be too soft, because I've always fished at extra fast. And 64LXF will be very similar to what I catch now and will not allow to throw ultralight baits. I hope for your help because to ask anyone in Ukraine))

[@ifishcatfish]

If you like XF, buy the 6'4 XF. No, it will not be anything similar to what u have now, it will still be softer than what u have now. I don't like XF because the body is very stiff in the middle. I like to see my rod flex a lot in the middle. The 6'0 ULF is not a soft rod at all in my opinion. Anyway, buy whatever u prefer, and don't worry, it will not be similar to what u have now

[@jasonyang5296]

Hey I know this video is old. But do you know if a size 2500 diawa exceler would fit? I just order the rod

[@ifishcatfish]

I dont know if it will fit but it is way too big and heavy for this rod. Even 1000 size exceller is too heavy. I recommend something more expensive for this rod, like the new Caldia LT or Luvias LT or Presso LT or Soare XR

[@jasonyang5296]

@@ifishcatfish ok ty very much sir

[@jasonyang5296]

@@ifishcatfish do u reccomend the asian portal website to buy these from? And could you explain paying VAT?

[@ifishcatfish]

@@jasonyang5296 no, i can't help with any of that. If had any problem I would be liable, and i want no part of that

[@sho95100]

Never treated any cork handles and not a single issue . I believe natural oil from your hands is the best protection. Of course I’m talking about west coast it maybe different in other location.

[@ifishcatfish]

U dont get holes in the cork?

[@2musiclover534]

When you compared the St Croix and Abu Garcia, may I know how much weight you loaded each rod with? I think you said that there were more weight on the Abu Garcia though I think that the St Croix probably is actually high power so I wonder if you mis-spoke - or perhaps I misheard. Thanks.

[@ifishcatfish]

I did not misspeak. Pay attention to the work Relative. My point was that the ABU is loaded like 80% of its Maximum while the St Croix is load is like 50% of its Maximum. So Relatively speaking, the ABU has a heavier load than the St Croix, because it is loaded almost to the Max.

[@2musiclover534]

@@ifishcatfish Thanks my friend. So do you mean that both had the same number of ounces and just loaded differently with the same weight? Apologies if I am a bit slow in understanding. Thanks again for your INVALUABLE help to the UL community. You and Alphahawk are just tops on youtube. Thanks.

[@ifishcatfish]

No, the st croix had 5.5 ounces i think, and the Abu had only 4 ounces. But one rod is UL and the other is Super UL, so u cannot use the same weights on both rods. The load is relative to their max capacity. Just give it some thought and u will see the point

[@2musiclover534]

@@ifishcatfish SUPER!! Exactly what I needed. Thank you for the clarification. Now everything makes sense as the St Croix is less whippy.

[@aaronrowen7258]

If you could only have ONE ultralight rod and reel as a best app around what would it be?

[@ifishcatfish]

it depends for what fish for what fishing. I like the Eradicator more than this, but it is a very specialized rod and doesn't have much muscle. If i have to chose only one, from the ones I have, i would probably chose this one, just because it can do everything

[@aaronrowen7258]

I fish in Idaho creeks, streams, small lakes and small rivers is what the rod would be for. Mostly trout on all kinds of bait.

[@aaronrowen7258]

For where I fish and the different species I plan to run three rods. A medium light, a light, and an ultralight in versions lengths. I can only afford one rod in each category so I am trying to find a good rod and reel for all three any recommendations for these rods and reels would be greatly appreciated! Thanks for your reply

[@ifishcatfish]

well if you are on a budget.. these are pricey. Anyway, if my review is not enough for you to figure if you want or don't want this rod - you are out of luck, because you will not find more detail on youtube for a rod : )

[@smoothddd]

evergreen salty sensation.. best ul rods series...you have to try

[@ifishcatfish]

I avoid small companies... There is no support if something happens. It's difficult anyway, but with a bigger company you have SOME chance of getting a spare tip or something like that..

[@smoothddd]

@@ifishcatfish evergreen is known to have the best ul rods on the market. Highest sensitivity available ...

[@ifishcatfish]

'KNOWN' ? : ) By whom? I don't think any of the other brands would recognize that claim. Sensitivity in all the best rods is very similar... and hard to distinguish

[@smoothddd]

@@ifishcatfish im in the Japanese high quality rod market for 12 years... evergreen salty sensation is one of the best you can get regarding sensitivity and quality.. i had yamaga blanks, Tict, graphite leader, xesta, evergreen, Apia, sorry but usa brands are just garbage regarding sensitivity compared to high jdm rods, dont waste your money.. try Aji (horse mackerel) japanese rods..

[@ifishcatfish]

that's your opinion, but it's definitely not something that is commonly accepted..

[@rickdalie]

Soon as he said $360 Yea ill stick with my jawbone form cabelas for 20 bucks and super blue it to make it a 1 piece

[@ifishcatfish]

i did superglue a few of my rods to make them 1 piece... Constant disassembly wears the connection

[@benruthlessburger8905]

Can you review the avid panfish st.croix 2024 version

[@ifishcatfish]

I dont like these rods. If someone sends it to me i can review it but i aint buying it

[@benruthlessburger8905]

@@ifishcatfish you don’t like the avid?

[@ifishcatfish]

@@benruthlessburger8905 i don't like ANY St Croix under 200

[@benruthlessburger8905]

@@ifishcatfish the avid is 220…

[@ifishcatfish]

@@benruthlessburger8905 OUCH! TERRIBLE!

[@mandogfish7418]

what is your favorite rod?

[@ifishcatfish]

usually the last one I bought : )

[@ifishcatfish]

This is a great rod though. I am never selling this one.

[@RLA1983]

What would you rig on this ?

[@ifishcatfish]

this is the most universal rod i have. U can to anything from twitching a trout magnet to swimbaits

[@RLA1983]

@@ifishcatfish Is there anything I shouldnt try with it? I have two rods, this one and a baitcaster but I always get confused what I should rig to each one.

[@krirys]

ordered LEP70LXF , all that remains is to wait.

[@ifishcatfish]

why the extra fast?

[@krirys]

@@ifishcatfish I bought for the perch and I don't regret it, it's great.

[@eugenejohnson8635]

that St Croix is it better than the daiwa presso Rods

[@ifishcatfish]

Unfortunately - yes. It is much lighter.. Presso is already a very light rod, but it feels heavy compared to this. Also sensitivity is not the same. This has faster recovery and is much better for jigging. But i have to say - of the two rods - it is Daiwa Presso that looks the more expensive rod

[@paulgiannetto8377]

@@ifishcatfish Also the presso is 60-80 bucks not 300 plus so not really fair considering the value that the presso represents

[@eugenejohnson8635]

I change my mind about what I said back then I went and ordered two of them Daiwa presso ultra light rods man I was wrong about them Daiwa presso rods for $69.99-$79.99 in my opinion they are not very far behind st croix legend elite panfish rod it’s light but that I really don’t care about the weight long as I can pull the fish in the boat are the bank if y’all know what I mean 🍺🥃👍❤️🇺🇸✝️✝️✝️

[@coachelak]

choose only one soare or this one :D

[@ifishcatfish]

Soare has better everything. However i still love them the same and will never sell this rod

[@coachelak]

@@ifishcatfish i know you told that in movie already „im not selling this rod „ 😄 but soare is in 2 pieces…. Visual is 10 times better but i am afraid that soare is stiffer on the bottom And that curve will be not So nice, i like when rod is working All the way but still stays fast… now i have luvias And this is litlle to strong on the bottom for perches about 25 - 35 cm

[@ifishcatfish]

yes, my reviews are really good. Usually people just need to watch them carefully, but they don't. Thats the reason i am not gona sell this rod - the blank bends perfectly through the entire length of the blank. All the other rods are too stiff here or too soft there. Soare has better components but i don't like the solid tip.

[@coachelak]

@@ifishcatfish i like your videos And some of them i wathed many times again 😅 And you confirm my thoughts thank you And keep doing your perfect job

[@user-ok5kl2gn1c]

Great rods bro give me st.croix rods

[@ifishcatfish]

I WOULD, if you hadn't called me 'Bro'

[@ownvideofootage]

I arrived late to the party. Can you explain what JDM means? ... "Japanese..."

[@ifishcatfish]

Japanese Domestic Market. Rods built for domestic market only, not for export

[@ownvideofootage]

@@ifishcatfish thanks man!

[@lionels839]

After spending thousands of dollars in Avid, Legend xtreme and less expensive models..I found that cheaper rod brands can do the trick even better.

[@ifishcatfish]

well u need to do some youtube videos on that. That kind of revelation is really valuable, people would sub right away. I am very interested too, keep me posted if u make such a video

[@carloscruz7317]

$360! Gtfo people pay that shit! I fish with a line wrapped around a Gatorade bottle! Wow

[@ifishcatfish]

i have done that for years in Bulgaria

[@walden6272]

$360? No thanks. lol I'll stick with my cheap $35 ultralight Rosewood rod. :)

[@ifishcatfish]

The cork is the same : )

[@walden6272]

@@ifishcatfish lol yes. As long as there are fishes at the end of the line, I'm happy. :)

[@jimscott4552]

15 year warranty? I guess every company gone away from the lifetime warranty.

[@ifishcatfish]

Ha! I thought it was a lot! Now u make me think.. maybe it is actually a reduction from lifetime...

[@jimscott4552]

@@ifishcatfish By today's standards it is a long warranty. Seems that not that long ago all the top tier rod producers carried a lifetime warranty. Times are changing. Although it makes sense with the push for more sensitivity.

[@ifishcatfish]

great point. that sensitivity is pushing makers to extremes. Without paint and clear coat I dont think St Croix can offer 15 year on this rod

[@mandogfish7418]

lifetime guarantee. filler falls out, get a new rod! I've personally have taken them up on this.

[@ifishcatfish]

well i have sealed the handle pretty good so that's not going to happen, but it does make me feel better : )

[@lovenlife4203]

It's sad that st Croix didn't follow the fuji kr concept. Why even bother building with the highest end guides but not use the manufacturers super scientific layout of what guides. St Croix completely messed up.

[@ifishcatfish]

the guides on this rod are absolutely perfect. St. Croix got it perfect and its very refreshing

[@andrewlee5948]

$360.00 rod? TF outta here 😮!

[@ifishcatfish]

thats the low side of high-end : )

[@andrewlee5948]

@@ifishcatfishIt’s the most absurd thing I’ve ever heard.

[@ifishcatfish]

@@andrewlee5948 wheree do u live? Every part if life is absurd in united states today

[@65FullMoon83]

St Croix are nice rods, but they're way over priced for what the customer gets imho. There's 100% mark up or better on most of their rods.

[@ifishcatfish]

what is the mark up on a $360 JDM rod? + shipping and no warranty. How much does a 15 year warranty cost? You are right that they have high markups, but in this price range most rods will do.

[@con-3617]

bad quark? st croix an loomis have better quark than most rods out there..

[@ifishcatfish]

well u can see it on camera. No need to describe it to you. What did you think?

[@con-3617]

@@ifishcatfish little to no filler compared to the hmx, i defiantly wouldn’t say that they are bad but i haven’t felt any pure quark handles, if they are even produced

[@ifishcatfish]

its not really bad... its just the same as in any other rod. I personally would rather go some synthetic material. It's not nice to have cork filler staring at u in a $360 rod

[@bingostar9207]

I cannot for the life of me see why anyone would pay so much for St Croix stuff other than the fact that they’re made in USA… I get that… but this rod in particular at $300 plus? No!!!

[@ifishcatfish]

Look at the blank under load - looks like a perfect semi-circle! Show me one japanese rod that bends like that! Also its 1 piece. Show me 1 japanese rod 1 piece that u can get in USA! Show me 1 Japanese rod with 15 year warranty! Also it has paint, and then clear coat, and i can transport it without getting heart attack on every bump i hit. You can check my videos on my Major Craft rods. The Truzer was $350, and I gave that rod away. But I am never selling this rod. The ONLY downside of this rod is sensitivity, nothing else. But i am not so stuck on that. My other favorite rods are $60 Daiwa Presso , and they are not even half as sensitive as this, and i still love them (pretty much for same reasons). Don't get too stuck on paper numbers. If you love the rod, keep it.