I've never cast the ST Croix, but I did build a DanCraft FT 9' 5weight . It is the fastest most responsive rod I've ever had. Dan is great guy to deal with and gave me all the advice I needed for my first build.

Try asking this question over at;
[url=http://www.rodbuilding.org/list.php?2:fb798]http://www.rodbuilding.org/list.php?2[/url:fb798]
i am sure you will get many replies.

Good Luck,
Silvertonedevil