New Legend Xtreme Inshore series produces second consecutive ICAST saltwater win
Stalking bonefish on aquamarine flats, or placidly push-poling for backwater redfish, the last thing on your mind are casinos and cactus. It’s a statement that applies equally to the radical rod-smiths at St. Croix. For when these eminent engineers first envisioned a new, nonconformist saltwater series?the Legend Xtreme Inshore? nary a thought focused on the annual ICAST tradeshow, nor the anticipated honors that followed them to the Las Vegas desert.
Nonetheless, for the second consecutive year, St. Croix unleashed a brilliant inshore tool, once again winning the award for Best Saltwater Rod in the 2013 ICAST New Product Showcase. The prestigious industry honor, decided by elite outdoor media, recognizes the most exceptional products in each category among a virtual “who’s-who” list of sportfishing firms.
The prestigious selection may have been inevitable. For while the Xtreme Inshore’s pure pearlescent finish and futuristic physique created a powerful compulsion to grip one and grin, it was more likely the rod’s comfortably “fishable” feel that inspired the winning votes.
“We’re exceptionally proud of our new Legend Xtreme Inshore series, as well as the 2013 ICAST award for Best New Saltwater Rod,” said Jeff Schluter, St. Croix V.P. of brand management. “The engineering and materials built into this high-performance four-rod series make it a true dream to fish in any inshore venue.”
Schluter adds that beyond premium features such as Kigan Master Hand Zero Tangle titanium-frame guides and Fuji SK2 reel seats, every facet of the Legend Xtreme Inshore series has been built with technology developed exclusively by St. Croix engineers. “We used the best blanks? a blend of SCV and SCVI graphite? to maximize power, strength and sensitivity while keeping weight to a barebones minimum. Next, we imbued the rods with Integrated Poly Curve (IPC) tooling and Taper Enhancement Technology (TET). These elements yield seamless, continuous curve tapers providing precision actions and even greater sensitivity. Finally, all stress points along the blank were fortified using our Advanced Reinforcing Technology (ART)?an exotic carbon fiber that bolsters hoop strength by a magnitude of 10, while minimizing blank diameter and weight.”
While ICAST voters may have been initially drawn to the Legend Xtreme Inshore’s laundry list of technical specs and striking physical appearance, Schluter believes the rod’s Xtreme-Skin handle likely helped seal the deal. “We introduced Xtreme-Skin at last year’s ICAST show, and won the Freshwater Rod category with the original Legend Xtreme series as a result. This proprietary handle repels water, dirt and fish slime, and cleans up easily. Xtreme-Skin is another St. Croix first?a handle that provides a positive grip with improved casting efficiency and sensitivity. It’s a radical departure in handle design, but perhaps a necessary next phase?something that feels instantly familiar and comfortable when you’re fishing.”
Arriving at retailers in October 2013, St. Croix’s Legend Xtreme Inshore rods have been designed and are handcrafted in Park Falls, Wisconsin. Each of four models?three 7-foot spinning rods and one 7-foot casting rod?are protected by a 15-year transferable warranty backed by St. Croix Superstar Service. Retail prices range from $380 to $390.
About St. Croix Rod
St. Croix Rod is a family-owned manufacturer of high-performance graphite and fiberglass fishing rods headquartered in Park Falls, Wisconsin. The company offers a complete line of premium, American-made fly, spinning and casting rods under their Legend Elite, Legend Xtreme, Legend Tournament, Avid Series, Premier, Wild River, Tidemaster, Imperial and other trademarks through a global distribution network of full-service fishing tackle dealers.
The company’s mid-priced Triumph, Mojo Bass/Inshore/Surf, Eyecon and Rio Santo series rods are designed and engineered in Park Falls, Wisconsin and built in a new, state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Fresnillo, Mexico. Founded in 1948 to manufacture jointed bamboo fishing poles for a Minneapolis hardware store chain, St. Croix has grown to become the largest manufacturer of fishing rods in North America.
By: Traditions Media
