Earlier today I went on the St Croix web site and was checking out there “new” 2006 rods when I noticed that a new imported “Reign” model had replaced the Imperial line. So I got to thinking well my Imperial, which I am very fond of and bought because it was a good quality
American Made rod with a life time warranty, was to break and I turned it in for warranty replacement what would I receive?
So I emailed St Croix and asked them. There reply was that should my
American Made Imperial need to be replaced it would be replaced with an imported Reign series rod.
Needless to say when I purchased my Imperial the fact that it was an American Made rod was a strong factor in choosing it over other models. Had I known if it were to break that it would be replaced with anything other than an
American made St Croix then I would have never bought it.
To add further insult the new “Reign” rods are ugly as sin and do not even have the regular St Croix label but a huge “Reign” sticker so you know its not even a part of the St Croix line up. I think my Imperial is a handsome rod, it has a St Croix label and also has a real small “made in America” on it, which always made me proud to use it and glad that I paid the money for a rod
made in America by an American.
I am very disappointed in St Croix and will never buy one of their products again, nor will I support any other company that is moving their operations overseas. And why should I? Why not just by a cheaper rod from Cabelas? At least you know what your buying up front and you actually get what you pay for.
I have to wonder if they are so proud of their business choice if they will change their motto to “St Croix an American and Chinese tradition”.
Wow come to think of it I think I still have the old “St Croix an American tradition” sticker that came with my rod on my truck. I guess I will have to remove it. I think I am going to chuck the rod while I am at it.
Randy if you can, please delete my previous post about the St Croix fly rods on sale. Thanks,
Basil