Croix Custom Ice
Technique-specific premium ice rods in REC Recoil-guided super-grade cork builds, 20"–42".
- Models
- 16
- Price
- $140–$170
- Type
- Ice
The Croix Custom Ice is St. Croix's flagship ice rod series, occupying the premium end of the company's ice lineup. Anglers here are dedicated ice fishers who want technique-specific rod specs for species like panfish, walleye, and lake trout. 'Custom' in the name refers to the technique-keyed design approach instead of to individual rod customization, each model is tuned for a specific presentation. Blanks use varying material combinations per model to achieve differentiated actions; St. Croix historically uses both carbon fiber and composite blanks within their ice range to control tip behavior.
Guides are REC Recoil nickel-titanium memory-wire guides with a black pearl finish, which spring back to shape if bent during cold-weather use. Split-grip handles use super-grade cork for sensitivity and wet-weather grip. The series has drawn praise for tip sensitivity and technique specificity, though some users have reported occasional tip breakage with aggressive hook-sets. All 16 models are ice rods ranging from 20" to 42" in length. Action designations span XF (extra fast), F (fast), M (medium), and M+XF combos.
Power runs L through H. Short models (20"–24") in L/XF suit small-hole finesse panfish jigging; mid-length models (28"–32") in ML/M cover a wide range from light walleye work to heavier crappie presentations; the 36"–38" M and MH models serve walleye and mid-depth lake trout; the CI42HM (42" H/M) is the series' sole heavy-power model for deep lake trout or large walleye from extended depth.
Deeper Dive
A closer look at notable models.
The shortest model at 20" L/XF; designed for tight ice shanties or ultra-finesse panfish work where minimal rod movement translates directly to tiny jig animation. Extra-fast tip provides immediate bite detection at short lengths.
The only moderate/moderate-action model in the lineup; M/M construction suits presentations requiring sustained bend on hook-set like live-bait walleye rigs or spoon work where a forgiving bend reduces hook pull on aggressive fish.
Highest-power fast-action model other than the H/M 42"; 36" MH/F is the choice for heavier jigging spoons and larger walleye or lake trout in shallower water where a stiff fast tip is preferred over parabolic bend.
The sole heavy-power model and the longest in the series at 42"; moderate action distributes load along a longer blank appropriate for deep-water lake trout jigging with heavy tungsten or larger live-bait presentations.
Rods in this series
| Model | Length | Power | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| CI20LXF | 20" | L | $140 |
| CI24LXF | 24" | L | $150 |
| CI28LXF | 28" | L | $140 |
| CI28MLF | 28" | ML | $150 |
| CI28MLXF | 28" | ML | $140 |
| CI30MXF | 30" | M | $150 |
| CI32LXF | 32" | L | $150 |
| CI32MF | 32" | M | $150 |
| CI32MLF | 32" | ML | $150 |
| CI32MLXF | 32" | ML | $150 |
| CI32MM | 32" | M | $150 |
| CI36MF | 36" | M | $160 |
| CI36MHF | 36" | MH | $160 |
| CI36MLF | 36" | ML | $160 |
| CI38MXF | 38" | M | $160 |
| CI42HM | 42" | H | $170 |