WHAT IS IT?
St. Croix PREMIER Series
WHAT SETS IT APART?
The St. Croix PREMIER lineup comprises 45 multispecies freshwater rods (37 spinning, eight casting) with task-specific lengths, powers and actions, including two-piece models. Blanks are made of SCII carbon fiber and fitted with nylon reel seats, handles combining premium-grade cork and cork composite material, and quality guides consisting of aluminum-oxide frames and stainless-steel rings. Casting rods range from 6-foot-6 medium to 7-foot medium-heavy, while the spinning rod options start with panfish-friendly 4-foot-6 ultralights and progress to 7-6 medium.
HOW DO I USE IT?
From fast food to luxury cruises, it seems we’re getting less for our money. St. Croix follows this trend with the newly improved PREMIER line, but in a more favorable tone, the family-owned business based in Park Falls, Wisc., offers less weight. Through the renowned rod maker’s Taper Enhancement Technology (TET), the PREMIER rods feature precision cut, curved blanks that yield enhanced action and sensitivity, while coming in as much as 10% lighter than previous versions.
HOW MUCH?
$145-$205
MORE INFORMATION:
ANGLER’S INSIGHT:
Consistent with the St. Croix reputation, each PREMIER rod is made with attention to craftsmanship and consistency. One of the key technologies that help deliver performance, Fortified Resin System, prevents micro-buckling — a collapse of the blank’s fibers during the compression created under the stress of long casts or intense fights. An advanced super-resin and blank curing system, FRS keeps fibers in proper alignment for a 33% increase in strength vs. standard resins.
