Orvis-Orvis Rig Vs Sage-Ross Rig

[cyclonebass]

I plan on purchasing a very nice combo and I am torn on which to choose. The first choice is a Sage Z-axis 590-4 with Ross Evolution Vexis #5 reel. The second is an Orvis ZG Helios 905-4 with Orvis CFO II reel #5. I been researching this on the internet the past week and I am starting to lean toward the Sage/Ross. It seems to me that Orvis ocasionally has a bad review on some of their other products, and this concerns me. If anyone has personal experience with any of these companies, your opinion will be greatly appreciated. Going to Yellowstone next month, so I will be making this purchase next weekend.

[Terry Beeson]

My opinion only...

The only thing Orvis has going for them at the moment is the Helios rod. I didn't like the rod myself, but it is a great rod for someone who likes that type. Orvis has had some bad reviews among customers I've come across in the past couple of years. I don't think they are the company they once were. I'm not a big fan of the CFO reel either, but that's just me.

Sage Z-Axis rods are the bomb... Ross reels are nice as well. But I'm confused... Ross Evolution Vexsis? #5? Evolution LT and Vexsis are two different reels and neither comes in a #5. Also, a #5 reel is for a 8-10 wt rod. Are you talking a #2 reel? You really need a #1.5 for a 4 wt rod. First thing is to verify which reel you are looking at.

[Brian K. Shaffer]

Hang on to your money and slowly aquire used rods in the 2,4,5, and 7 weight ranges.

You can also pick up very good used reels to match all the rods.

Fly lines might cost you a bit, but you can always go with Hook and Hackle new WF's for $25.

For what you are going to spend on a new Orvis/Orvis rig or a Sage/Ross rig.. you probably should be able to get everything I mentioned above and squeeze out a trip to the White River or here to Taneycomo to stay for a week.

Just my 02. Brian

[Gavin]

The Z-Axis is a mighty fine rod...but I'd probably go with a cheaper reel...The Lamson Konic offers some great bang for the buck. Cheers.

[vanven]

I am not an Orvis fan. I think I have made that clear in the past. I have read some mixed results on the Helios rods, mostly positive but there are some negatives out there. I own a Sage Z-Axis 590-4. I love this rod. I dont know that I have ever read a bad word about them other than the price tag. In my opinion it was worth every penny and then some.

My wife is a layman when it comes to fly fishing. She has about 30 hours total with a rod in her hand. Enough to understand how to cast, but not practiced enough to be proficient. My wife has a TFO rod that is an amazing rod for what we paid for it. It casts well, it is a great all around rod. I handed her my Sage one day while I replaced her tippet and fly. She cast the Sage once with a perfect loop, dropped a few colorful words, and told me "I know what you paid for this rod and it was worth every penny." "Why are you making me fish with that crappy rod?" I got to fish with her rod for a while after that.

Rio Gold fly lines are designed to be cast on a ZAxis. A fly shop owner told me that and I generally believe him.

-Jerod

[cyclonebass]

Thanks for your help guys. Terry, I was a little misleading in saying I wanted a #5 Evolution Vexsis. I want the 5 weight #2 Vexsis reel. Thanks for pointing out my mistake. I was real tired when I posted last night. It looks like I will be going with the Sage Ross combo. My gut had been telling me all along to get those two, but it was nice to hear it from you all. Thank you all so much for your quick responses.

[laker67]

I plan on purchasing a very nice combo and I am torn on which to choose. The first choice is a Sage Z-axis 590-4 with Ross Evolution Vexis #5 reel. The second is an Orvis ZG Helios 905-4 with Orvis CFO II reel #5. I been researching this on the internet the past week and I am starting to lean toward the Sage/Ross. It seems to me that Orvis ocasionally has a bad review on some of their other products, and this concerns me. If anyone has personal experience with any of these companies, your opinion will be greatly appreciated. Going to Yellowstone next month, so I will be making this purchase next weekend.

As I have said before," I am certainly no rod or reel expert, but I do have 27 years experience with sage rods. I have fished the RP to XP series with no complaints or any problems. If you fish nymph's or sight fish, you owe it to yourself to try one out on the creek. I was told that the Z=axis is a continuation of the original RP thru XP series. My original RP rod is 27 years old and fishes just as well today as it did new. I also fish a five and seven weight in the XP series, and they, as well, have performed flawlessly. I cast my vote for sage.

[3wt]

Sage

But most importantly not Orvis.

If money is of any concern, there are very good options for quality getting close to Sage with a better overall quality to cost ratio. And you could definitely cut back on the reel.

[Coldspring]

How about doing a Montrose, Colorado theme and getting a Scott Rod / Ross Reel combo?

[Bman]

Another vote for the Sage Z-Axis!

A suggestion for a fly line for the Sage Z-Axis rods, get a fly line made for a fast action rod. SCIENTIFIC ANGLERS GPX DRY TIP is one example. Here’s a quote from Feather Craft’s catalog. “GPX lines are 1/2 size heavier than standard lines. A longer front-taper with its slightly over-sized tip loads in close off the rod tip, or shoots for maximum distance. Most popular SA fly line, and the line we like on the Sage Z-Axis and Winston BII-MX rods.”

I use this line on my 5wt Winston B11-MX and love it.

Rio Grand would be another choice.

I also strongly recommend the Ross Vexis reels.