i've got a st croix ben doerr surf rod that i like a lot. it's my go-to plugger.
i've got a st croix ben doerr surf rod that i like a lot. it's my go-to plugger.
If you are going to spend that kind of money, then why not go for a custom rod. You get the blank you want, the guides you want, it's made to your measurements, it's wrapped the colors you want, it's balanced, and you end up with more guides than factory to avoid breakage. For 300-400 you can have the rod of your dreams.
"Don't be shy, give it a try"
If you go on Surfcasters Journal Lou Caruso has some vids on the testing he did w/ the mojo and once on youtube if you click on all vids by surfcasters journal they have tested the legend also.Personally if I were looking at the legend and $400 plus I'd be calling Fin or Doublerunner as Cardoc said for that money maybe more it can be built to your specs matched to your reel and you will be getting much more for the money vs. a factory rod.The Mojo is designed by St. Croix and manufactured in Mexico and has a 5 yr. warranty while the legend is manufactured in Park Fall by St. Croix and has a lifetime limited warranty.
Cranky Old Bassturd.
I have learned from Finchaser, that there is more to building a rod than just putting a name on it. I have looked at some St Croix's, lamiglas, and other high end rods lately. When looking at a rod blank, each one has a spline down the shaft. A lot of the rods i have checked were not built on the spline which is the strongest part of the rod. From what Fin has shown me and taught me, a rod not built on the spline will twist on casts and you don't even see it. Also, you stand the chance of breakage which is common on high end rods. That is why a custom builder will add more guides, make sure it's built on the spline for accuracy and durability, and very important - balance the rod for you. That way your arms are not fighting to hold the rod tip up. It will naturally rest in your hands eliminating arm and shoulder fatigue. To spend $400 bucks on a rod that may not be built correctly or should I say precisely, imo woudl be crazy. I certainly would find a rod that I like or a couple of them. Then talk to finchaser and get a price from him on building it. I promise you will be happier and very pleased that you made the decision to do it that way.
"Don't be shy, give it a try"
When I see if I can get back into this someday seriously I will get a rod built I need to take my back into major consideration.also you will see the ugly stik customs all spin on a cast and all of them shatter at the joint I had a quite a few break kept sending them back, I have one left but it will never make it through a serious fishing session one blue and its all over for that rod.
Cranky Old Bassturd.
mojosurf review, around $200
legend review. around $400 +
Here's what I think of them (10'6" rods, 3/4 - 4 oz)):
The Mojo 3/4-4 oz is a great rod for the money. Its "softer" than any rod I have ever used, is very light (can throw with it forever without getting tired). I have thrown 3/4 oz up to 3 oz without a problem. The reel seat is cheap, I did not like it. Otherwise, put a butt cap on it and its a very good, different, light rod.
I am now using the 3/4 - 4 oz Legend and its the best all around rod I have ever used. I put a rubber butt cap on the rod as soon as I got it and its an awesome rod. Light, powerful, sensitive. Works pencils, throws light plugs, does everything I need it to do. I really like the grip, much better than anything else I have used.
While the Mojo is a real nice, fun rod, worth the mony, the Legend is as light, more powerful, sensitive, a better quality rod, and just feels like a high end rod. The Legend has a better warranty also.
If I was to spend up to two hundred dollars I would buy the Mojo if that was the type of rod I was looking for. I bought the Legend (used, a guy fished with it for a few weeks) and am extremely happy with it. I had been using a Lami Supersurf 10' 1-4 oz (1 piece) rod for a few years as my primary rod. Its a great all around rod, an awesome rod. The Legend is lighter, faster, I like it more. Its a rocket launcher.
One thing about buying higher end rods, I usually either buy used or have found some very good prices by talking with tackle stores selling rods (have gotten lucky a few times). If I remember correctly I have seen almost new Mojos (used a few times) for $150 - $175).
Also, when I looked at the Mojo or Legend with the different oz ratings the rod action was completely different, not to my liking.
White Water Monty 2.00 (WWM)
Future Long Islander (ASAP)
If you are going to spend that kind of money, then why not go for a custom rod. You get the blank you want, the guides you want, it's made to your measurements, it's wrapped the colors you want, it's balanced, and you end up with more guides than factory to avoid breakage. For 300-400 you can have the rod of your dreams.
"Don't be shy, give it a try"