RAYFIN: Premium International Performance

St. Croix Rod reveals all-new European perch and zander technique-optimized rod series at ICAST 2024

Furthering its promise to provide all anglers with the Best Rods on Earth® delivering the upper hand in any situation, St. Croix Rod announces an all-new international rod series for 2025. Consisting of 25 technique-specific casting and spinning models purpose-engineered and handcrafted with St. Croix’s top technologies, very latest materials, and task-specific componentry and ergonomics, RAYFIN delivers premium St. Croix quality and uncompromising performance  to elite anglers in pursuit of zander and European perch, worldwide.

“RAYFIN joins our Legend Tournament Pike series to provide an even broader selection of premium-quality technique-specific rods to international anglers,” says St. Croix Brand Manager, Ryan Teach. “These are one and two-piece technique-optimized rods crafted on our SCIV+ carbon fiber blanks with rigid titanium guides, carbon fiber and titanium reel seats, and progressive, premium EVA split-grip handles unlike anything else ever offered by St. Croix Rod. Driven by input and rigorous testing by our international team of field testers, these rods have been over three years in the making.”

St. Croix RAYFIN Series Technology Suite

SCIV+ Carbon
RAYFIN rods are built on technique-optimized SCIV+ blanks, which are a hybrid of SCIV and SCVI carbon materials. SCIV is a high-modulus high-strain carbon fiber material producing extremely light and sensitive rods. SCVI is an exotic, super-high modulus high-strain carbon fiber material that adds power with minimal weight. The two materials are combined in varying proportions and locations in each specific RAYFIN model to optimize technique-driven actions and performance.

Integrated Poly Curve (IPC)
RAYFIN’s IPC blanks are rolled on mandrels with one continuous taper. The elimination of transition points means more uniform wall thicknesses from tip to butt and, ultimately, rods with smoother actions, increased strength, and greater sensitivity.

Taper Enhancement Technology (TET)
A dramatic departure from traditional straight-line patterns, RAYFIN rod layups begin with curved patterns, precision cut on computer-controlled pattern-cutting machines. When combined with IPC mandrels, these unique patterns result in extreme consistency and improved sensitivity.

Advanced Reinforcing Technology (ART)
RAYFIN rods feature ART – an exotic carbon fiber material that adds a magnitude 10X of strength with virtually no increase in blank diameter or weight. ART significantly improves hoop strength and reduces cross-sectional deformation under severe load.

Fortified Resin System (FRS)
RAYFIN rods feature a fortified super resin combined with state-of-the-art computer-operated curing ovens that manage all stages of the critical curing cycle. This keeps carbon fibers in proper alignment and prevents microbuckling that can otherwise create weak spots.

St. Croix RAYFIN Series Features

• Seven casting models and 18 spinning models, optimized for perch, zander, and other global presentations
• Super-high modulus hybrid SCIV+ carbon fiber blanks for smooth and balanced high-performance technique-specific actions
• Fortified Resin System (FRS) technology
• Integrated Poly Curve® (IPC®) mandrel technology
• Advanced Reinforcing Technology^TM (ART^TM)
• Taper Enhancement Technology^TM (TET^TM)
• Lightweight and rigid titanium guides with silicon carbide rings
• Progressive, split-grip premium EVA handles with cork rubber accents for exceptional angler comfort and extreme durability
• Ergonomic and lightweight Fuji TCH carbon fiber reel seat with carbon fiber and titanium locking nut for dramatic strength and sensitivity
• Protective mesh rod sleeve included
• 15-year warranty backed by St. Croix Superstar Service
• Designed and handcrafted in Park Falls, Wisconsin, U.S.A. for anglers worldwide
• Retail price $415 to $540 USD

St. Croix RAYFIN Series Casting Models

• RAYC203MXF – 2.03M (6’8”), medium power, extra-fast action, casting / Retail $425 USD
• RAYC203MF – 2.03M (6’8”), medium power, fast action, casting / Retail $425 USD
• RAYC208MXF – 2.08M (6’10”), medium power, extra-fast action, casting / Retail $435 USD
• RAYC213MF – 2.13M (7’0”), medium power, fast action, casting / Retail $440 USD
• RAYC213HF – 2.13M (7’0”), heavy power, fast action, casting / Retail $440 USD
• RAYC215MHXF – 2.15M (7’1”), medium-heavy power, extra-fast action, casting / Retail $450 USD
• RAYC218MM – 2.18M (7’2”), medium power, moderate action, casting / Retail $450 USD

St. Croix RAYFIN Series Spinning Models

• RAYS203MXF – 2.03M (6’8”), medium power, extra-fast action, spinning / Retail $415 USD
• RAYS208MLXF – 2.08M (6’10”), medium-light power, extra-fast action, spinning / Retail $420 USD
• RAYS213MLF – 2.13M (7’0”), medium-light power, fast action, spinning / Retail $430 USD
• RAYS213MLF2 – 2.13M (7’0”), medium-light power, fast action, 2-pc. spinning / Retail $450 USD
• RAYS213MF – 2.13M (7’0”), medium power, fast action, spinning / Retail $430 USD
• RAYS213MF2 – 2.13M (7’0”), medium power, fast action, 2-pc. spinning / Retail $450 USD
• RAYS213MHF – 2.13M (7’0”), medium-heavy power, fast action, spinning / Retail $430 USD
• RAYS213MHF2 – 2.13M (7’0”), medium-heavy power, fast action, 2-pc. spinning / Retail $450 USD
• RAYS228MLXF – 2.28M (7’6”), medium-light power, extra-fast action, spinning / Retail $450 USD
• RAYS228MLXF2 – 2.28M (7’6”), medium-light power, extra-fast action, 2-pc. spinning / Retail $460 USD
• RAYS228MF – 2.28M (7’6)”, medium power, fast action, spinning / Retail $450 USD
• RAYS228MF2 – 2.28M (7’6)”, medium power, fast action, 2-pc. spinning / Retail $460 USD
• RAYS259MLXF2– 2.59M (8’6”), medium-light power, extra-fast action, 2-pc. spinning / Retail $500 USD
• RAYS259MF2 – 2.59M (8’6”), medium power, fast action, 2-piece spinning / Retail $500 USD
• RAYS259MHF2 – 2.59M (8’6”), medium-heavy power, fast action, 2-piece spinning / Retail $510 USD
• RAYS274MF2 – 2.74M (9’0”), medium power, fast action, 2-pc. spinning / Retail $520 USD
• RAYS274MHF2 – 2.74M (9’0”), medium-heavy power, fast action, 2-pc. spinning / Retail $530 USD
• RAYS274HF2 – 2.74M (9’0”), heavy power, fast action, 2-pc. spinning / Retail $540 USD

The comprehensive, internationally focused RAYFIN Series delivers new options for premium performance and St. Croix craftsmanship to international anglers in pursuit of European perch, zander, seabass, and more. Featuring technique-optimized lengths, powers, and actions, RAYFIN is crafted with St. Croix’s top materials, technologies, and componentry to support elevated angling experiences around the globe. All-new RAYFIN rods will be available for purchase at St. Croix dealers worldwide and online at stcroixrods.com beginning December 1, 2024.

See them in the St. Croix booth #2223 at ICAST 2024.

About St. Croix Rod
Headquartered in Park Falls, Wisconsin, St. Croix has been proudly crafting the “Best Rods on Earth” for over 75 years. Combining state-of-the-art manufacturing processes with skilled craftsmanship, St. Croix is the only major producer to still build rods entirely from design through manufacturing. The company remains family-owned and operates duplicate manufacturing facilities in Park Falls and Fresnillo, Mexico. With popular trademarked series such as Legend®, Legend Xtreme®, Avid®, Premier®, Imperial®, Triumph® and Mojo, St. Croix is revered by all types of anglers from around the world.