Rapala Countdown 1/4oz Rainbow Trout Minnow vs St. Croix Triumph 7ft Medium-Light Spinning Rod
Head-to-head spec comparison to help you pick the right gear for your needs.
Rapala
$8
St. Croix
$114
Verdict
It's a Tie
The Rapala Countdown 1/4oz Rainbow Trout Minnow and St. Croix Triumph 7ft Medium-Light Spinning Rod are evenly matched — your choice depends on which features matter most to you.
Spec-by-Spec Comparison
| Spec | Rapala Countdown 1/4oz Rainbow Trout Minnow | St. Croix Triumph 7ft Medium-Light Spinning Rod |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Countdown Crankbait | Spinning Rod |
| Length | 0 ft | 7 ft |
| Power | Medium-Light | |
| Action | Fast | |
| Line Rating | 6–14 lb lb | 4–10 lb lb |
| Lure Rating | 1/4 oz oz | 1/8–3/8 oz oz |
| Material | Balsa | SCII Graphite |
| Weight | 0.25 oz | 3.4 oz |
| Price | $8 | $114 |
| Rating | 4.6/10 | 4.7/10 |
| Buy on Amazon | Buy on Amazon |
Pros & Cons
Rapala Countdown 1/4oz Rainbow Trout Minnow
Pros
- Sinks at a predictable rate — 1 foot per second, so you can count to your target depth
- The rainbow trout pattern is Paul's go-to when fish are keying on fry
- Tight wobble at slow speeds mimics a wounded minnow perfectly
- Balsa construction gives the most natural action of any hard bait at this price
- Durable — Paul has trolled the same one for a full season without replacing hooks
Cons
- Balsa can dent on a bad rock strike — not as tough as hard plastic lures
- Need to retune the lip occasionally to keep it running straight
St. Croix Triumph 7ft Medium-Light Spinning Rod
Pros
- SCII graphite blanks give excellent sensitivity at this price
- Fast action handles both trolling and jigging
- Lightweight at 3.4oz — comfortable for long days on the water
- Fuji reel seat locks securely, no rattle
- Paul runs 3 of these in his trolling spread
Cons
- Not as sensitive as higher-end St. Croix lines
- Cork grips can show wear after a season of heavy use
Our Verdicts
Rapala Countdown 1/4oz Rainbow Trout Minnow
When the spoons aren't producing and fish are sitting tight to structure, Paul reaches for the Countdown. The 1-foot-per-second sink rate lets you dial in any depth without a weight, and the rainbow trout pattern reads convincingly in Spinney's clear water. A legitimate third option in any South Park trolling box.
St. Croix Triumph 7ft Medium-Light Spinning Rod
The backbone of Paul's trolling setup. At $110, it's the best rod in this price range for Colorado reservoir trout — and having 3 of the same rod makes swapping rigs fast on the water.