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St. Croix Imperial i602.2
 
Score 3.83
6',
2-Piece,
MSRP $150.00,
AA 63,
ERN 1.28
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St.Croix Imperial 1602.2 (6' pc) |
Paul |
Jeremy |
Jim |
Joe |
Composite Score |
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| 1.) Rod Tube, Sock and Presentation |
4 |
5 |
5 |
4 |
4.5 |
| 2.) Grip and Reel Seat |
4 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
| 3.) Hook Keeper, Label and Rod Markings |
3 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
3.75 |
| 4.) Guides, Ferrules and Tip-Top |
3 |
4 |
4 |
3 |
3.5 |
| 5.) Short Distance Casting |
3 |
5 |
5 |
4 |
4.25 |
| 6.) Medium and Long Distance Casting |
3 |
4 |
3 |
4 |
3.5 |
| 7.) Roll Casting |
2 |
5 |
4 |
3 |
3.5 |
| 8.) Accuracy and Delicacy of Fly Delivery |
2 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
3.5 |
| 9.) Fish Handling |
2 |
5 |
4 |
5 |
4 |
| 10.) Reviewer's
Prerogative |
2 |
5 |
4 |
4 |
3.75 |
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| Composite Score |
2.80 |
4.50 |
4.10 |
3.90 |
3.83 |
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Jim Stuard's Comments:
Quite
surprising, this mitey mite comes in at 6’ and delivers the goods in a way
the only rod close to it in functionality (the Hardy graphite) can’t;
value. In my opinion, if the ugly duckling Green Stix rod hadn’t stolen my
heart by casting so damned well, this rod would easily have won for best
value. Between the packaging, finish level and castability, it’s right up
there with the more expensive rods and a true 2wt by my estimation.
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Joe Cornwall's Comments:
Scary good, that's how I'll describe this
budget stick from an iconic manufacturer that's been around this business
long enough to know how to get it right. In my notes I wrote: "It
casts so easily, it's like casting with a thought." Accurate beyond
reasonable expectations and a level of feel, both during the cast and with
a fish on, that is more than any reasonable angler could ask for in a rod
twice this price. I'll let my final, scribbled note describe how I
really feel about the Imperial - "This might be the best all-around
panfish rod I've ever cast." Perfect match with the BP UL!
This rod certainly makes my top 5 list from this review, perhaps my top 3.
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Jeremy Kurtz's Comments:
St.Croix has brought back the Imperial line of
rods. This little 6 footer is what I feel, to be the best of the 6 foot
rods in the shoot-out. It is light weight, smooth casting, and very
responsive. It is quick, but not stiff, and casts a nice loop. Casts
very well in close, on out to mid-range. The rod lets smaller fish show
off with excellent feel, although I would not feel comfortable with a
large bass on the other end. This rod isn't intended for that. Think small
stream trout, and bluegills. You may want to try this one with a 1wt line.
The blank is a nice burgundy color. The guides are chrome snakes, and the
wraps and finish are good. The seat is an aluminum up-lock with a nice
rosewood insert. St. Croix has another winner here!
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Paul Feldman's Comments:
This rod was not my cup of
tea, or should I say, “cup o noodles”. It’s one of those short, ultra
limber rods that I usually refer to as “noodle” rods. It does OK on a
short line but you sure can’t push it if more distance is needed. I found
that I needed to use a little extra wrist action to turn the fly over on
longer casts. It might be a fine rod if you are seeking brook trout on a
small creek or bluegills on a farm pond, but if a breeze picks up, reel in
and head for home. On the plus side, I thought the grip was the
perfect size for a 2 weight rod (most are too large) and the reel seat was
very attractive for a relatively inexpensive rod.
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Manufacturer's Comments:
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