June 26, 2012
By Florida Sportsman Newswire
From Press Release
Speaking of a system, it's said that “A system is only as good as the weakest link.” Sometimes, despite the quality of components involved, a weakness arises during the manufacturing process – this to include the rod curing process in other factories.
To achieve the maximum effectiveness of a resin in the bonding process, utter sophistication is required not only in the oven itself, but also the time and temperature management. Using new state-of-the-art ovens, St. Croix is able to achieve perfection. The curing cycles are timed with exactness. Temperatures are policed without fail. There'll be no rod building crimes – ancient ovens with mismanaged times and temperatures – in Park Falls, Wisconsin. St. Croix guarantees that…
The lower end of the fishing rod spectrum has tampered with terminology, too. Back when, IM6 meant something. Now it and even higher IM claims seldom reflect the true quality of a rod – as expert rod engineering and building is a combination of premium parts in harmony with real hands-on craftsmanship.
So somewhere along the line, the idiom “composite” comes into vogue. Everyone's saying it, and many manufacturers abusing its meaning. In fundamental terms, composite refers to the bonding of fibers and resin (think of glue) to create the rod blank. And like the 33-step process that goes into building a St. Croix rod, the bonding of fibers is taken to a scrupulously scientific level.
St. Croix's flagship resin meticulously bonds to each and every fiber. This advantage is enhanced when combined with St. Croix's sophisticated curing system. This powerful resin and curing union is called Fortified Resin System or FRS. The result of FRS is a rod that's 33% stronger than rods built with standard resins and curing practices. FRS prevents microbuckling by keeping the carbon fibers in proper alignment.
Several St. Croix rod series feature FRS. For 2013, FRS is available in Legend® Xtreme, Legend Elite®, Legend Tournament® Bass/Musky/Walleye, Legend® Inshore, Legend® Surf, Legend® Salt, Bank Robber™ and High Stick Drifter rods.
About St. Croix Rod
St. Croix Rod is a family-owned manufacturer of high-performance graphite and fiberglass fishing rods headquartered in Park Falls, Wisconsin. The company offers a complete line of premium, American-made fly, spinning and casting rods under the Imperial®, Legend Elite,® Legend Ultra,® Legend Tournament,® Avid Series,® Premier,® Wild River,® Tidemaster,® and other trademarks through a global distribution network of full-service fishing tackle dealers. The company's mid-priced Triumph,® Mojo, and Rio Santo series rods are designed and engineered in Park Falls, Wisconsin and built in a new, state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Fresnillo, Mexico. Founded in 1948 to manufacture jointed bamboo fishing poles for a Minneapolis hardware store chain, St. Croix has grown to become the largest manufacturer of fishing rods in North America.
