I've got the 9' St Croix Triumph, and so do 2 of the guys I fish with. Great rods, nice action, quality of a much more expensive rod at an affordable price point. Mine's paired with a VS 150, not sure what the other guys have on , but mine balances nicely.
The warranty is worth it - managed to crack mine (think it got stepped on) - dropped it off at the SaltwaterEdge, and they had me a new one in less than a week.
I have the 8' and 9' Triumph...love both of them but the butt of the 9 is a little long for me so I may knock 3 or 4 inches off of it....depends on how you like them... good reviews here though..
Have 3 St Croix rods , 7 foot musky 8 years old, 10 foot 4 years
old and the 8 footer I just pick up. The 8 will be my first spinner
from St Croix. Great rods