I have this rod in the 10ft version and its the perfect travel rod. I travel to Costa Rica twice a year to Crocodile bay resort and bring this rod along with an inshore travel rod from St. Criox. First there are no issues with this rod and carry on travel, the case is very sturdy and secure. I have never had a problem with TSA carrying this rod onto the plane. This rod is very fishable and very strong. Although it is a four piece rod it is surprisingly strong. I've used this rod for surf fishing for stripers in NJ and roosterfish in Costa Rica. I also like this rod when on the boat as it can cast plugs and metals a mile. In Costa Rica when we get on schools of smaller tuna this rod is perfect for launching small metals into the school and has plenty of backbone for the fight. I have also been fortunate enough to land a 70lb roosterfish from a pier with this rod. All around on of my favorite rods.

My wife informed me I couldn’t put a rod rack on her new car, since it’s our vacation vehicle I told her I would have to buy a travel surf rod. This rod fit the bill perfectly over the past 2 weeks I’ve caught slot bass, 5-8 lb bluefish and a couple weakfish and it handled the job nicely. Would I use it in big surf or a big rip, no, would it be a jetty rod no. But on the sand in calm to moderate surf it gets the job done. Solid components and no separation when casting. Paired it with a 4000 series Daiwa reel, 14lb fireline.
Now if TD would restock the VR75’s I’d be all set.

Absolutely love this rod. Perfect for inshore fishing and even for the bigger inshore fish down south. Great for tarpon, red fish, stripers, roosters , exc.

Even though 3 pieces it’s still sensitive enough to detect bites, does great at chunking with light lead or light plugging 1-2oz range

The rod fits together beautifully. Form a seamless unit. Once I fish it, I can comment on the feel, but so far I'm very happy with it. It's light weight, and flexes nicely. I'm sure it will not disappoint.

A drawback is the weight of the tube--It's, well, a brick.

Also, the tube is about 2-3 inches taller than the tallest rod segment. I wouldn't care except that it's already a close call as to whether it will fit in my largest suitcase. Since Mexico doesn't allow rods as carry-on, I might have to check it as a separate piece of luggage, which will cost at least $50 round trip. But let's see if it fits in my suitcase.

All that said, I'm pretty sure I will love the rod in the long run. Bottom line is that in high-end travel surf rods I don't find any better options out there. Will just have to sort out the travel details.

I bought the St Croix 9' Triumph Surf Travel rod. The rod is terrific. Great length, weight, balance and performance from the beach. Only minor problem was that the case arrived with a broken zipper. I made one phone call to Tackle Direct and St Croix sent a new case directly to me. That is outstanding customer service from both Tackle Direct and St Croix!

Excellent casting rod with St.Croix durability at a great price. I travel to baja on a regular basis fly fishing but always wanted a surf rod to bring along with. Price point for the quality is exceptional. Highly recommended.

It also does a good job with tossing smaller poppers and stick baits in the surf as well. I use it for both stripers in Monterey Bay, and chasing rooster fish in Baja.