I did go to Joe's during their little Spring Fishing sales week event thing. Typical 20% off and rep samples @ 50% off. I didn't see any St. Croix rods on the rep samples like they typically do have some. Saw a bunch of Diawa's, 13 Fishing, and others that I didn't pay much attention to.
Like usual, Joe's put up mostly old stuff from last year on the racks. They did get some new stuff, but mediocre and not really what I'm looking for or at least like to play around with. Anyway, I did splurge on another rod. Not that I needed it, but more like to have something similar yet more updated.
Shimano Poison Adrena 6'10" M casting rod. It was the only one left on the rack of it's kind. So I guess it will become part of my collection on the wall. Comparatively it is similar to my St. Croix 6'8" MXF Legend Elite in performance and function. The St. Croix 6'10" MXF Legend Elite is so much slower and heavier in feel due to the bulky handle grips.
A few backyard casting test and it feels so natural and flows really well with 1/4 oz. practice plug. Again that carbon monocoque handle design works with such a functional dynamic on the rod that my reel palming casting just works in such a balance. I am now appreciating the no hook keeper on the rod. Nothing to catch on and the casting just flows. I still like how some St. Croix rods comes with their hook keeper positioning and that does not interfere in anyway either. I use to think that not having a hook keeper was a cheap out method, but not anymore. It's more like a trade off. If the need is so serious, some velcrow ties works wonders for hook keepers. I already use those things for heavy sinker keepers on my other rods to prevent the sinker from banging around.