Here are the contenders.
1. Sage, Largemouth Bass Rod(original model). MSRP $550. 00(line inc.)
2. Redington Predatror 7'11" 8wt. MSRP $279.95
http://www.redington.com/fly-fishing-rods/predator/
3. St Croix Mojo Bass Fly Rod 7'11" 9wt MSRP $149.95
For starters, the St Croix is brand new, and only test cast. If my impressions change after fishing it, I'll add an update. Also, this comparison is limited to a short, side by side casting session, with some visual and tactile impressions. All rods were cast with a Sage Largemouth Bass line.
Visual and tactile. All rods are nicely appointed, but the Sage color took a bit getting used to. I noted the reelseat hardware on the St Croix looks "cheap", but seems to hold the reel well. There's a small blemish at the tip top guide too. The Redington and Sage are near flawless, and have nice hardware. The grip on the St Croix is noticeably bigger(I have small hands)than Redignton and Sage, but not uncomfortable. Wiggle test shows the St. Croix flexes easiest, with the Sage and Redignton flexing about the same, but with a different profile. Without a reel strapped on, the Redignton feels slightly tip heavy compared the Sage, and the St Croix feels like it has the lightest tip.
Casting. I lawn cast each rod, with a leader, but no fly. I had two rods rigged(I have a 3rd reel setup but didn't have time to look for it), and swapped the reels to different rod combos so I could test each one side by side. My impressions are, the St. Croix is the softest/slowest of the bunch, with the Sage coming in next, and the Redignton being the fastest/stiffest. The St Croix has a progressive flex, all the way down to the butt section. The Sage has a somewhat soft tip, but a very stout butt. The Redignton feels stiff from tip to butt. All handle the 330 grain floating line, which is close to AFTM 11wt rating. All rods cast the entire 80' line with relative ease. One thing that I do when fishing topwater bass, is I pick up and lay down a set amount of line. For comparison, I laid out about 50-60' of line and made repetitive casts. The Redignton and Sage lift and recast that amount with little effort. It took a bit more effort with the St. Croix, but once dialed in, it was effortless too. Overall, I personally liked the Sage best, then the Redignton, and the St. Croix a very close third. I like fast rods, but the Sage's softer tip gives me better feedback. The stout butt section makes the Sage feel like the powerhouse of the bunch. The Redington and St. Croix are close. I comes down what you like more. The relaxed action from the St Croix, or the stiff tip to butt on the Redignton. By the way, while the St. Croix flexes deep, it has some guts in the lower section. I'm anxious to get this one on the water. It could easily move up a notch on the list.
.......and when comparing any gear, it's about as subjective as it gets. I have spent a lot of time with the Sage LMB rod, and that's likely why it comes out on top.
briansII
Btw, what do you think about using any of these for stripers?
I couldn't wait so I pulled the trigger on the Sage largemouth which comes with the Sage Bass taper line. Now all I need is a place to fish - I think I might finally get some use out of the float tube. I never really got into using it for trout that much, but for bass it should come in handy.
