St. Croix Rod Blank Input

I am going to be making a hybrid panfish/light walleye rod in the near future. I have decided on the 1 piece 6’6″ Light Power, Fast Action as I have this rod in the Premier and it is very versatile. They make this blank in both the SCV and SCIII models, I know the SCV is a better blank but is it worth the extra money? I plan to pair it with Recoil guides and a small diameter cork handle.

I you are going to spend the money on recoil guides dont cut yourself short by buying the lesser blank.

The SCV blank is lighter and alot more sensitive !

If it were I,I would turn that small diameter cork handle into a split grip.

What reel you using ?

I am not sure I would use a “light” rod for walleye tho, but it will make a GREAT panfish rod !
What ever you decide please post ending results.

JMHO Jeff

St. Croix makes some seriously good blanks-buy the best you can afford?? As for a 6’6″ light blank for walleye: I have a 6’6″ UL Avid (fast action)that I rarely use for walleye, but in certain instances it’s a game changer. Basically, in a light bite or a situation where they tend to mouth the bait. Occasionally, while dragging/vertical jigging, or drifting light live bait rigs, I’ve had cases where the slower load-up on the rod blank either gave them time to get the hook in their mouth and/or kept them from feeling the load up and dropping it. My Med-lights and medium fast actions were just a bit too stiff for the application of the day. South of P4(yes, there are others pools with great walleye in them) I’ve seen guys who will fish an UL vertical jigging or rigging almost exclusively, and there’s been days that my ML or M walleye rods were just a bit too fast and I watched those guys outfish me-we were all getting bit, but my “faster” rods were costing me hook ups.
The ability to drive a solid hook set into a fish in a typical pitching or vertical presentation makes the light rod sometimes underpowered. In my sometimes less than humble opinion, sounds like an awesome panfish set-up with secondary applications for ‘eyes, depending on conditions. When she’s done, post a pic please?

Thanks for the input guys. I have used a 6’6″ Premier Light power for my primary walleye rod as long as I can remember, so I feel pretty confident in its ability to dual purpose although it may be a tad light for some walleye situations. I am leaning towards the SCV but dang it’s going to get pricey building it, even with a discount. I use braid 95% of the time so I figure the no stretch makes up for some lack of rod power. Once I get her made up I will post up some pictures!

I love St. Croix blanks they are amazing but have you looked at possibly using a Rod Geeks blank? They are designed either by a ex St. Croix designer or they are a subsidiary of St. Croix (I cannot remember which) but they are amazing blanks and as good as any St. Croix I have used. Not only that but they are cheaper and you can get it in custom colors as well.