{"id":32767,"date":"2026-06-24T20:30:51","date_gmt":"2026-06-24T18:30:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/flyfishing-blog.com\/flyfishing-blog.com\/?p=32767"},"modified":"2026-06-24T19:59:02","modified_gmt":"2026-06-24T17:59:02","slug":"9th-generation-of-handcrafted-american-quality-performance-value","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/flyfishing-blog.com\/flyfishing-blog.com\/2026\/06\/24\/9th-generation-of-handcrafted-american-quality-performance-value\/","title":{"rendered":"9th Generation of Handcrafted American Quality, Performance, & Value"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/h3>\n

St. Croix Fly unveils next-gen IMPERIAL & IMPERIAL SALT fly rods at ICAST<\/h3>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"St.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hang around fly fishing circles long enough and, chances are, a large majority of anglers you\u2019ll meet started with, and still have an IMPERIAL rod in their arsenal. Tried and true, the IMPERIAL series of all water rods delivers more than powerful, multi-purpose actions; this iconic series represents a union of tradition and technology, which has kept it at the intersect of American-made craftsmanship, performance, and value for over 60 years.<\/p>\n

Similarly, the IMPERIAL SALT series has earned an enthusiastic following among saltwater anglers who appreciate it\u2019s American-crafted quality, power, and value.<\/p>\n

For 2027, both IMPERIAL and IMPERIAL SALT enter their next generation, poised to please even more anglers \u2013 from passionate new recruits to hard-to-please fly-fishing veterans \u2013 and, perhaps, be handed down to their kids and grand-kids.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"Imperial<\/p>\n

\"For<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

An iconic symbol of American craftsmanship, performance, and real value for over 60 years, IMPERIAL<\/a> enters its ninth generation looking and fishing better than ever. High-modulus high-strain SCIV carbon matrix construction is bolstered by St. Croix\u2019s IPC, FRS, TET & SPF tech to produce improved fast actions across all models. Tapers and layups have been refined to provide noticeably smoother loading and even more responsiveness in hand.<\/p>\n

Seven versatile IMPERIAL models from #3 to #8-wt. now feature upgraded Fuji K Series stripping guides, upgraded hard chrome running guides, machined aluminium reel seats, and premium-grade cork handles. #3 to #6-wt. models also receive modernised, micro full wells grip designs. IMPERIAL is precision-crafted from premium materials to outlast their owners. All IMPERIAL fly rods continue to be engineered and built, tip-to-butt, in Park Falls, Wisconsin, USA with a 15-year warranty.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"All<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

IMPERIAL TECHNOLOGY GROUP<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u2022 Premium, high-modulus SCIV carbon matrix construction
\n\u2022 Fortified Resin System (FRS) technology combines a fortified super resin with computer-operated curing ovens delivering precise temperature and time management throughout all stages of blank curing. FRS prevents micro-buckling, keeping carbon fibres in alignment and resulting in blanks tested to be 33% stronger than those built with standard resins and curing methods
\n\u2022 Integrated Poly Curve (IPC) mandrel tooling provides improved energy transfer and increased strength
\n\u2022 Taper Enhancement Technology (TET) incorporates precision-cut, curved blank patterns from state-of-the-art computer pattern-cutting machines. Curved TET patterns fit and lay up more precisely on IPC mandrels, resulting in stronger and more consistent actions with improved feel
\n\u2022 Slim-Profile Ferrule (SPF) design adds herculean strength with minimal added weight<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"Premium,<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

IMPERIAL FEATURES<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u2022 Upgraded hard chrome snake guides
\n\u2022 Fuji K Series CC Gunmetal stripper guides with aluminium-oxide rings
\n\u2022 Hook-keeper
\n\u2022 Micro full wells premium-grade cork handle [IU3794 \u2013 IU6904]
\n\u2022 Micro fighting butt [IU6904]
\n\u2022 Full wells premium-grade cork handle with fighting butt [IU7904 \u2013 IU8904]
\n\u2022 Uplocking, machined-aluminium reel seat with aluminium insert
\n\u2022 Cordura rod tube with rod sock
\n\u2022 15-year transferable warranty
\n\u2022 Designed and precision-crafted in Park Falls, Wisconsin, USA<\/p>\n

IMPERIAL MODELS<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u2022 27IU3794 \/ 3-weight, 7\u20199\u201d, 4-piece, fast action \/ Retail $395
\n\u2022 27IU4864 \/ 4-weight, 8\u20196\u201d\u201d, 4-piece, fast action \/ Retail $395
\n\u2022 27IU4904 \/ 4-weight, 9\u2019, 4-piece, fast action \/ Retail $395
\n\u2022 27IU5904 \/ 5-weight, 9\u2019, 4-piece, fast action \/ Retail $395
\n\u2022 27IU6904 \/ 6-weight, 9\u2019, 4-piece, fast action \/ Retail $395
\n\u2022 27IU7904 \/ 7-weight, 9\u2019, 4-piece, fast action \/ Retail $395
\n\u2022\u00a0 27IU8904 \/ 8-weight, 9\u2019, 4-piece, fast action \/ Retail $395<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"Born<\/p>\n

\"Born<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Born from exceptional, premium-quality materials and made-in-the USA craftsmanship, the IMPERIAL SALT<\/a> Series hits saltwater fish on the nose with St. Croix performance that punches well above its angler-friendly retail price. IMPERIAL SALT\u2019s powerful, fast-salt actions begin with a high-modulus high-strain SCIV carbon matrix construction enhanced by proven IPC, FRS, TET & SPF tech. Tapers and layups have been further refined in this next generation of IMPERIAL SALT, resulting in improved loading and new levels of smooth responsiveness that makes it easier for casters to access and apply IMPERIAL SALT\u2019s abundant power when needed, while retaining the finesse and accuracy necessary for close shots in slicked-off conditions.<\/p>\n

Five IMPERIAL SALT models from #8 to #12-wt. now feature upgraded Fuji K Series stripping guides, upgraded hard chrome running guides, machined aluminium reel seats, and premium-grade cork handles. Designed for dutiful performance and durability over a lifetime, IMPERIAL SALT rods continue to be engineered and precision-crafted in Park Falls, Wisconsin, USA with a 15-year warranty.<\/p>\n

IMPERIAL SALT TECHNOLOGY GROUP<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u2022 Premium, high-modulus SCIV carbon matrix construction
\n\u2022 Fortified Resin System (FRS) technology combines a fortified super resin with computer-operated curing ovens delivering precise temperature and time management throughout all stages of blank curing. FRS prevents micro-buckling, keeping carbon fibres in alignment and resulting in blanks tested to be 33% stronger than those built with standard resins and curing methods
\n\u2022 Integrated Poly Curve (IPC) mandrel tooling provides improved energy transfer and increased strength
\n\u2022 Taper Enhancement Technology (TET) incorporates precision-cut, curved blank patterns from state-of-the-art computer pattern-cutting machines. Curved TET patterns fit and lay up more precisely on IPC mandrels, resulting in stronger and more consistent actions with improved feel
\n\u2022 Slim-Profile Ferrule (SPF) design adds herculean strength with minimal added weight<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"Upgraded<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

IMPERIAL SALT FEATURES<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u2022 Upgraded hard chrome snake guides
\n\u2022 Fuji K Series CC Gunmetal stripper guides with aluminium-oxide rings
\n\u2022 Full wells premium-grade cork handle with fighting butt
\n\u2022 Oversized fighting butt on IS10904 \u2013 IS12904
\n\u2022 Uplocking, machined-aluminium reel seat with aluminium insert
\n\u2022 Cordura rod tube with rod sock
\n\u2022 15-year transferable warranty
\n\u2022 Designed and precision-crafted in Park Falls, Wisconsin, USA<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"Designed<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

IMPERIAL SALT MODELS<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u2022 27IS8904 \/ 8-weight, 9\u2019, 4-piece, fast action \/ Retail $450
\n\u2022 27IS9904 \/ 9-weight, 9\u2019, 4-piece, fast action \/ Retail $450
\n\u2022 27IS10904 \/ 10-weight, 9\u2019, 4-piece, fast action \/ Retail $450
\n\u2022 27IS11904 \/ 11-weight, 9\u2019, 4-piece, fast action \/ Retail $450
\n\u2022 27IS12904 \/ 12-weight, 9\u2019, 4-piece, fast action \/ Retail $450<\/p>\n

Next-generation IMPERIAL<\/a> and IMPERIAL SALT<\/a> fly rods are being unveiled at booth #2223 at ICAST 2026. Additionally, IMPERIAL will be showcased in the Fly Rod category of the ICAST New Product Showcase. and will be available at authorised St. Croix specialty fly retailers and online at stcroixfly.com<\/a> in December of 2026.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ABOUT ST. CROIX FLY<\/strong>
\nAt the core of our brand ethos lives a simple yet fierce conviction. We exist to create dynamic fishing tools that intuitively help you evolve as a caster and angler. Our focused philosophy continually questions conventional wisdom, inspires innovation, and drives our persistent pursuit of fly rod perfection. When you own a St. Croix, it\u2019s more than just a rod. It\u2019s a promise. It\u2019s nearly eight decades of hard-earned knowledge aimed at designing and building the Best Rods on Earth, so you can be at your best in your own persistent pursuit. Join our journey at stcroixfly.com<\/a>. The St. Croix Family of Brands includes St. Croix Fly, St. Croix Rod, SEVIIN Reels, Rod Geeks, and the St. Croix Factory Store.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

St. Croix Fly unveils next-gen IMPERIAL & IMPERIAL SALT fly rods at ICAST     Hang around fly fishing circles long enough and, chances are, a large majority of anglers you\u2019ll meet started with, and still have an IMPERIAL rod in their arsenal. Tried and true, the IMPERIAL series of all water rods delivers more […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":32770,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_exactmetrics_skip_tracking":false,"_uf_show_specific_survey":0,"_uf_disable_surveys":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[676],"class_list":["post-32767","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-product-news","tag-st-croix"],"aioseo_notices":[],"aioseo_head":"\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t