St. Croix Victory 7'3" M Spinning rod REVIEW!! (A+ certified gem)
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- Опубликовано: 26 фев 2022
- Today we dive deep on a very nice $200 spinning rods from St. Croix, the Victory 7'3" medium spinning rod.
Where to buy:
Omnia: omnia.direct/z8J1rY
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If anyone is interested, I finally added a key light to my recording setup so I can have some proper lighting on my face when doing these videos. Less "washed out" looking I hope.
I got this model and the 7"1 last year when they came out as well. And absolutely love them great rods for the price.
Love your channel, keep up the good work!
Punch, took this rod out Tuesday chasing smallies in the NE and ran into a wolf pack of smallies chasing small smelts and absolutely hammered them with an green pumpkin, purple copper fleck tube on an 1/8 oz jig head. IT WAS 30 minutes of pure bliss/fun!! Caught like 8 fish on consecutive casts and this rod returned enough feedback for me to feel them pick up the tube so I could set the hook. Fighting fish on this rod was fun, and it was the perfect action for keeping tube hooked fish pinned. You described this rod as fun to fish and I totally agree. A REALLY good stick for the money. Good, spot on, review.
Neko, Ned rig and open water wacky rigging is where I love this rod. Great rod.
Handled this stick today at Bass Pro. The tip action is very similar to my 7’ MF Legend Elite.
It’s definitely on my radar
great video. The Rip n Chatter rod is for sure a name thats stuck with me though!
Have the mojo bass glass and the victory in that model.
Spot on with the ST. Croix rods. They are definitely soft. I have a 6’9 medium light “extra fast” Avid X. I love it for drop shot and neds. Even though it’s a softer action, it’s still very sensitive. Also have 6’6 medium fast Avid X casting rod. It’s softer action is great for target casting smaller squarebills
I bought a 6'10" ML last year at the classic in Ft. Worth. I use it to throw little cranks, little top waters, spinners and little soft plastics. Great rod for what I wanted to do.
I enjoyed the video. I just picked up the 7'3 ML yesterday. I'm looking forward to getting it out and figuring out where it shines.
Same here I can’t wait to figure out that model
Lookin hard at that rod. After using it, what's the verdict?
Awesome review, just bought a 6' 10" MLXF and paired it with a Fuego LT 2500 and it's featherlight. On par with the Zodias in the weight department, waiting to hit the water. Definitely interested in picking up a 6' 8" MF or 7'
I have the 7'1 and the 7'3 victory spinning rods and these are my opinions:
The 7'1 is an AWESOME rod for single hooked baits like texas rigs and worms. Its a pretty versatile rod that can handle most stuff. The 7'3 rod even though it is rated to have an extra fast tip, feels waaay more like a moderate fast tip. It bends deeper down than like how you would expect a crankbait rod would, but not as exaggerated. I lost a few fish today from using flukes because I felt like my hooksets were weak and the slower tip didn't help. Don't have that problem with the 7'1 rod. The verdict: the 7'3 victory is great for jerkbaits and topwater poppers or other lures that use treble hooks. The more parabolic bend can help you keep the fish pinned with those treble hooks in place.
Ultimately it boils down to using the right rod for the right situation. I messed up today cause I thought I could drive 4/0 sized hooks on a bendier rod when I should of used a true fast action tip. The Victories are awesome rods and are well worth the money, especially with that 15 year warranty. Hard to beat!
I've been told the 7'1" is more or less inline with the typical 7'1" M/F casting rod which is good for weightless senkos, crankbaits, jerkbaits, finesse jigs and even lighter spinnerbaits (up to 3/8oz) where the 7'3" is the finesse medium.
I wish they made a 6'10" version of the 7'3"
Would the 7'1" victory medium heavy be good for ned rigs and drop shot as well. I like to fish swim baits and topwater mostly to be honest but since it's a little squishy would you think the medium heavy will still be effective at finesse fishing? Thanks!
Thats my exact combo. I absolutely love it.
How does this compare to the Tatula 7'3" medium/XF? I had that one and thought it was too stiff for throwing 1/8oz jighead/underspin with paddletails. Seemed pretty fast _to me_ but if this is softer I may try it(I can get this one for $150)
Thanks for all the great content. Have you tried the 6’10 ML version ? I was looking for a great spinning rod to throw small Ned Rigs/ paddle tails around 1/16oz in deeper water. Any thoughts ? Thanks
I picked up the 7'1 Med-Fast this winter hopefully I can get some action on it this spring.
Nice video , if you get the chance try the St Croix Legend Tournment Walleye 7.3 mxf , you will love it !
Have you used the avid line to compare vs the victory line ?
My river rod is a two piece ML Avid X, never cared for the micro guides on it. Hopefully they’ll come out with some 2 piece versions. Hiking down to river is tricky. Have a Daiwa Tatula on it no problems and a light setup! Thanks for the review!
St Croix has really moved away from two piece rods, which is sad. I really wish the Victory 7'10 ML was a two piece.
I love it for drop shotting and small swim baits
Subscribed. I love st croix but I’ve busted three of them so far. One I fell on in the boat but the other two was from snags. I will order them again and just remember not to use rod to unsnag.
Awesome review thanks
Thanks for watching!
Any idea how the 7'1" or the 6'10" actions are compared to this one? Mainly concerned with how far down the blank they will flex (I love how deep this one flexes).
I got the 6’10.. love it.. Great rod ..just like he says it’s more of a fast than an extra fast though. Super lightweight.
I think because the nrx is stiffer towards the top it makes it seem like that tip is more of an extra fast. But I owned St. Croix avid x and bass x, definitely extra fast rods. In fact I think for most rod builders Saint Croix does the best extra fast tip of any company even though you might think their rods are a little bit more limber could be true. I think for 7’3 to keep the weight down it’s less material ,so more flex
Trying to decide between 7”1 and 7”3 spinning Victory, looking to fish crank baits and 1/16oz jig head with mister twisters for River smallies and fish a frog with it on pond/lake. I’m about 5’8” so I was leaning more toward the 7”1 but the 7”3 has fantastic reviews.
Don't overthink the height/rod size thing.
Can the st croix victory be used in salt water?
I'm thinking about picking up a Victory in 7'3" but I'm undecided between the M and ML. I already have a 7ft Tatula M and am looking for something to better throw lighter baits, would you suggest the M or ML in the Victory?
I picked up the MXF 7'3"
Brian, I know you feel sensitivity is subjective (and I agree), but in your hands compared to other rods you have fished, if you were throwing a ned rig on the Victory, how would you rate its feel/feedback with respect to bottom contact applications?
I think it's appropriate for a $200 price point rod, honestly it feels pretty good.
Thanks for the review. I went and got 3 lol 7’1 mf spinning then the 7’3 mhf And the 7’4 hf in casting
What about the Expride Rods what do you think about them?
I checked out the victory casting rods , they were tip heavy and the hook keeper was in a bad location.
If you ever get the chance to compare the 6'10 victory vs the 822 dsr that would be an interesting vid
How did you like the sensitivity of. the victory? What in your opinion does it come close to? St croix is redoing the legend bass I’ve heard. Hopefully those are decent.
It's right on point for a $200 price point rod. It's plenty sensitive.
Have you tried the new eyecon series? I heard that they re-engineered the scII blank but not sure if it's noticeably better.
No, but the eyecup series is a lot of bang for the buck in the walleye space. I'm excited to check out the new version for sure.
Great videos!! What a few frog rods would you recommend? I have bought 2 in the last few years and just don’t like them. Thanks.
In general or in the St Croix world?
@@PunchFishing a few different brands
@@jeremyduncan91657'4" DaiwaTatula frog rod is nice. Weighs 4.95 ounces. I know you probably already got one, but I thought I'd mention it. It's more of a heavy cover frog rod, not open water
I think the NRX+ 872S has a much stiffer tip than that 7'3" M Victory. That Victory is much better with lighter lures and is super soft tip. Love both of them though. I like it as a smallie DS rod. Tip is soft enough to cast light weights and that deeper bend really just fights the fish. Nice name drop mess up at 9:45 ish 🤣 hard to make a video perfect... lol good video bud!
Yes, I tried to make sure I was clear that the Victory is much softer than the 872s BUT I think it's "close enough" to give people a smilier experience at less than half the cost.
Between st Croix victory and Daiwa tatula, which one would you pick if you can only buy one rod. Why? Thanks
Man, The tatula's are great rods for sub 200.. and with discounts you can get them closer to $100. Really you can't go wrong with either BUT the Tatula rods are going to have a stiffer, most "extra fast" action vs the Victory rods in general.
St. Croix has something going with these victories. If they can bring this same formula to the Legend Tournaments I could see those being great too. How does the sensitivity compare to the windbuster? I love mine but I think it lacks a little bit in the sensitivity department
I think it's perfectly fine for the price point. It's really not fair to compare it to a $400+ dollar rod.
Yeah brother can’t really compare the Victory Series of rods with a extremely high end rod like the Megabass P5 windbuster. The Windbuster is an anomaly among its piers anyway. It IMO fishes close to more of an NRX level type rod. Obviously a flagship model for Loomis as the P5 is one of Megabass flagship rods. Victory’s are incredible rod for the money.
How would 3" Spark Shads as well as light cranks do on this? Or would you recommend a different Victory?
They would work fine
Considered one of these but curious about the Steez AGS spinning rod line as well. Read mixed reviews that they are stiffer blanks. Which can be closer to the 872S for lighter weights and harder to throw..
If you are considering a steez ags, I own a 7'1 medium and it will chuck light baits if you use braid to a leader using lighter line. The action is very similar to a windbuster to where it has a tip thats crisp and responsive, but has plenty of power and backbone for like river fishing current. Pick one up in hand and see if it speaks to you, but if you get one you won't regret it. Will also throw jerkbaits and small cranks in a pinch, as well as walk topwaters with ease.
Pros- guides are stronger than before
Grip is a good shape and size
Blank is crisp and responsive
Ridiculously light, almost 1 oz lighter than previous steez rod Gen.
Cons- stupid expensive
Hook keeper sucks
More power than most medium rods (can be good or bad depending on how you like a medium to load)
Cork is meh quality, too much filler for my liking.
If you want a dedicated rod for light stuff, get the steez 7'6 mml, it'll throw okashira heads, small swimbaits, small jerks, etc. Will launch them a mile too, and the steez ml is the shorter version of that for light dropshot, neko and ned rigs
What’s your opinion on the best ned rig rod? I have a nrx852, but probably not the best rod for ned rigs.
Really any medium spinning rod should be able to toss ned rigs perfectly fine. I think we overthink the requirements for a "good" ned rig rod. The ned rig was meant to be tossed on budget gear. 852s would be perfectly fine for tossing Neds. Might be a LITTLE stiff, but just use ned heads that have stout hooks and you'll be fine (Outkast Perfect Ned for example).
@@PunchFishing Thank you.
One question I’m in Florida what would you use the victory 7’1 mh for?
Casting?
@@PunchFishing spinning rod
@@williammata6019 light Texas rigs, weightless plastics, light spinnerbaits, mostly everything that’s not treblehooked
Great review. I agree that St Croix have always been a little soft. First time anyone’s ever honestly said that, thought I was crazy lol.
I'd like to get your insight on the similarities and differences between the Victory and the Loomis GCX. I'm looking to get the 6'8 spinning rod for walleyes. Sensitivity, weight, quality, etc?
that sounds like that would be an interesting video. two good middle road rods.
Nice 👍🏻 how does it fish compared to 7’M Expride?
The Expride has a more traditional extra fast action, little more power. Less squishy. I would use a 7'M around docks vs the victory for sure. Plus the expride has way better guides and the high power X wrapping.
I bought the 6,10 med lgt.. I almost bought that “ max tactical “ , I still might .. want it for tubes and maybe smaller keitech’s. Thanks for the video .
I like this rod for tossing keitechs, however i'm not sure if it's stiff enough to "crack tubes". If you toss lighter weight tubes or "finesse" tubes for sure. I'm not sure honestly, I didn't really test mine as a tube rod to be honest.
Definitely lighter tubes.. I think Zona used the NRX version for crackin
I want to try the two 7'10" models for Hair Jigs and Spy baits
That's exactly what they were designed for! They look sweet.
So this is a bass pole and not a walleye rod?
Can you do a review on the new expride when you get your hands on one.
of course!
Nice!
In my opinion the Victory Series rod is better than the new Megabass Lavante rod. I have 2 of the Levante's and they are and will continue to be my bad weather rods.
How would you rate this rod against the 7’ med Expride?
Rate as in what categories?
softer i throw 5' senkos on my expride i wouldnt on the 7'3 victory.. Speaking of Expride I cant wait for that new model to hit the shelves! I really like the feel and balance with the Monocque handle on the newer zodia should be bomb with that expride blank!
@@PunchFishing New Exprides with the mat unsanded blank and improved upper cork grip may be interesting. Possibly a tad more sensitive but not enough probably to notice. Ive had the 7med Expride since they came out but thinking on a longer rod for better neko rig hookups..Had some heartbreaks with that rod.
Love my victory line of rods actions are spot on just wish they where a little more blingy looking because they make a tough sell when they see a zodias for say
They are definitely not flashy looking.
I been trying to buy one of this rod the 7’3 heavy to be specific and I can’t find it anywhere
Omnia has it in stock. Use his code for 15% off.
@@nosrednas24 what’s his code?
PunchFebruary15
My codes change month to month, but the current one is punchfebruary15 (just swap the month out for the current one usually).
@@nosrednas24 thank you I really appreciate it I just placed the order
They make a good stick, however, they are all on the heavy in weight side in comparison to others in that price range.
St Croix is definitely a walleye company, but I really like their musky stuff. Also really like the 73MXF as a walleye stick lol
Yeah, for sure. I was just saying that I think the overall feel of their bass rods (from Legends to premiers) STILL feel like a walleye guy designed them.
@@PunchFishing haha that’s probably literally the case, love your content even though I’m not a bass guy
I was looking at this rod and ending up going with Dobyns Champ XP 703 due to a awesome sale price.
Although I totally agree with you on Croix naming there rods. 🛑, no one cares! Haha
Thanks for the review! After talking with St. Croix rep on pairing rod to stradic fl 3000, and watching your review as well as a few others, I ordered the Victory 7'1" MF today.
Not sure about the NRX comparison, but would love to see a blind test by individuals that wouldn't know the difference. to see how they compare them. I think sometimes we become biased buy knowing how much we paid for something. However, I would hope that there is still a knoticable difference , as otherwise there is no reson to by any brands more expensive rods. Personally I have never used a G Loomis rod, but have Avid UL 7" spinning and Avid 6.6 ML casting, which I love. Sound like from what the rep said, the victory replaced the Avid casting, and is an upgrade in blank over the SCIII Avid.
You will like it!
The only St Croix rod name that sticks is the "Big Cranker" legend tournament
I’m puzzled why you would compare a $200. Victory to the $600. NRX, shouldn’t it be a GCX or a Zodias ?
I thought I made it fairly clear in the video. The reason is because St Croix basically designed a rod that is almost identical to a very popular rod in the G Loomis lineup. The 7'3 medium is not a rod that Croix has ever put into the lineup until this particular Victory model. I think the 872s is the obvious inspiration for this rod.
@@PunchFishing I get it, and thanks for pointing it out✊
i’ve felt that st croix make stiffer and more powerful rods, in their bass rods, than other comparable brands in the same class. They’re always a tad stiffer and stronger than any other brand. Agree or disagree?
this or the regular tatula bass rods?
Man, great question. The Tatula rods have more traditional "extra fast" actions and are a quite a bit stiffer than the Victory spinning rods. With Victory you're paying a "made in the USA" tax, so if that's important to you then I'd invest in a Victory. They both are quite good.
@@PunchFishing made in the USA tax, and a 15 year warranty tax. Step on a tatula and you're boned. Step on one of these, and you're still boned, but at least you can get a new one at a decent discount.
I have that same 73s and the levante 2020 jerkbait special and Zodias casting MH and ML bfs that are only used a couple times that I'm going to sell because I've now ruined myself with nrx, nrx+, Conquest and Expride's 😟. Those rods are great for the money but never got a fair shake when they were put up against the big daddy's
Are you saying this particular rod has some versatility in it, such as even throwing some Jerkbaits on it?
Jerkbaits is tricky honestly because with how deep the rod flexes it might be a bear to snap action into the bait all day. I suppose it could do it, but I'm not entirely sure if it would be GREAT at it. I don't have a good answer for you because I haven't tossed hard baits on it.
Mojo bass is extra extra fast! Lol
I disagreed onextra fast version of Saint Croix. I bought one of the Saint Croix rods with extra fast and it was perfect and legit.
I wish they made this in a 6'10" or so length - although honestly 7'3" is probably okay, not skipping it or anything.
How's this compare to the Daiwa Tatula Elite Ehrler Dropshot 7'1" M/F? That is the perfect all around spinning rod (at least from the perspective of someone who uses casting gear whenever possible).
There’s a 7”1’ that I’m going to order
Balance is very important when you’re spending hundreds of dollars. The closer the balance point is to the reel the better. Trust me folks and try it.👍🏾
This video cost me 4 Benji's - Rod plus Stradic FL!!
Your assessment that their rods are walleye focused is dead wrong. I sold high end tackle for over twenty years and St. Croix casting rods have always been noted as heavier and crisper in its actions and powers. I fished the AVID series since its introduction and there's nothing squishy or soft about them.
they are decent sticks.. I just still prefer the Zodias in that price point.
I would agree but there's not a rod in the Zodias line that kinda matches that 7'3 M specs for fishing deeper finesse. They have the 7'3 MH but it's quite stiff.
I have found the opposite but only own about 3 rods in each lineup. I have found the victories to be more sensitive and light. But the actions are slightly more moderate. Both great lineups though.
Wish you would have taken it outside and whipped it and let us see the action.
Mine has been lost in the mail for 2 weeks lol
Uh oh! USPS or Fedex??
Just casually smacks an NRX on the wall 😂
Story of my life.
These day with great rods at killer price points, st.croix is totally overrated and over priced by a large margin.
Or seeing someone actually use it on here 🤦♂️
The red stars on the rod makes it look kind of communist
U couldn't give me or pay me to use ANY SHITMANO G LOOMIS OR EVEN SHITMANO RODS, THEIR ARE CRAP, OVER PRICED don't stand behind their warranty, if it was a REAL
GARY LOOMIS ROD different story
I promise you, the Victory 7'3 Med, XF Spinning is not made for a Kayak. You will lose a lot of fish! You can not keep them pinned in a Kayak. I even did a video to explain out of frustration and I hate doing video's. You will eventually break the rod trying to keep fish leveraged. I have spoken directly to St. Croix 3x's about losing fish in a kayak and finally the breakage. Prior to the breakage, St. Croix stated " the 7'3 Med XF is not made for a Kayak", You can't get enough leverage at the Kayak to keep fish pinned due to the lowness of the kayak, the height of the rod & the tip having too much give. You lose fish within 6' or right at the kayak when you are grabbing the fish, or trying to net. St. Croix asked me to send it back for $50 & get another rod. I did not, I kept fishing & losing fish. I tried the sweep method, LOST FISH. I tried the crank, pull method, LOST FISH!, until Eventually, I broke My 7'3 Med trying to keep the fish pinned using the Candy Cane method. St. Croix advised me to get the Victory 6'10 spinning because it is so much more sensitive and much better in a Kayak, great for weightless & drop shot..
Good to know! I've never fished from a Kayak (I have a bass boat) so I don't know what yak anglers are really looking for.
Do you think the 6'10 victory would work for fishing hair jigs from a kayak ,? I have a 7 '6 that I use when I'm in my boat , new to the kayak fishing . Thanks
@@bobbybass1944 you won't be able to make very long casts
@@bobbybass1944 I just have a couple of ?'s.. What type of fish you going for? Bass? Walleye? The 6'8" is wonderful.. I have been killing them in shallow & deep. More sensitive then the 6'10", especially for walleye & finicky Small mouth. The leverage is excellent in a Kayak, when you have to stick the rod up & drop on a retrieve, xtra fast can be bad on a kayak, you lose leverage because you are so slow on the bring in.. The catch in a kayak is AWESOME!!!!!! Lastly, the 6'8" allows you to use a little heavier hair jig, especially if you go for walleye or bass in heavy current.. I fish Detroit River, St. Clair & hopefully Lake Huron. Even the Clinton River is not as deep, but the current is constant.. love the 6'8".. They stay pinned.. Hopefully this has helped some!! Catch them all!!!
One last thing.. You are going to love Kayaking fishing. You can always call St. Croix directly.. They are great about answering ?'s.. I like the rep Andy the best. He was the most informative & patient.. I get decent distance on my lite lures. If you really really really like losing fish by the side of your kayak, go with a long rod.. plz don't feel the burn, I felt😭. St. Croix rods are softer to me. My 6'8" spinning rod tip doesn't react as fast as my other extra fast rods, but fish stay pinned, beautiful bend.. I have shorter rods in my Kayak then my boat.. You are going to find that a 6'6 - 6'10 casting rods are going to be your friend.. Unless u stand a lot, which, I do for flipping & pitching.. & when I am throwing deep cranks, I go with longer rods...
St Croix rod's are very unbalanced and that's very bad and over priced.