Rod Choices??

[DeepDiver75]

I am getting ready to purchase a new rod for the collection, I have narrowed my choices down to a 9' 5wt Z-axis or the same size rod in a Loomis GLX. Was wondering if anyone out there fishes either of these rods and what their opinion was on their fishing actions. I mainly fish the tailwaters using a double fly indicator rig. Any opinions or suggestions would be greatly appreciated, I have obviously looked at both rods but without fishing them I'm having a hard time making a final decision.

[jjtroutbum]

I know its different than fishing with one, but my local fly shop has a casting yard and wants customers to try out the rods at least to get there feel. I dont have any truly high priced rods but every time I get the chance to try out a "fancy" rod I take it.

JJ

[Gavin]

The Z-Axis is nice, a little faster than may 9'5wt SLT. I like it a lot. The Loomis is a great rod too. Cast them side by side. Try short casts, medium casts, long casts, roll casts, accuracy at different distances, etc. One will probably work better for you. You cant go wrong with either of them. Cheers.

[Guest flyfishBDS]

The GLX is going to be a lot stiffer than the Z-Axis, both will give you plenty of line speed. Depends if you "whack" the forward cast pretty hard or like a more measured stroke.

Of course there are three actions on the GLX, the Presentation, the High Line Speed and the Max Line Speed. From memory and its a few since I cast the HLS they would be stiffer than the Z-Axis.

But the Z-Axis is different rod makes it clear your to use a gentle hand, and then it really zings line.

Funnily enough Ive been playing with some of our stock of SLTs too and OOOOHHHH they hold up well. I love my XP 5wt but I think as my casting stroke has got a little more refined (or maybe Im just more adaptable) I rediscovered these. Funny thing is they have been kinda underappreciated over the last couple of years.

Diver we don't have the Loomis rods but if you want to play with a Z and some SLTs be glad to help you out.

Either way they are great rods.

Cheers

Steve

[DeepDiver75]

Thanks to all who responded with advice on the rods. I got to cast a Z-Axis at my local fly shop here in town and loved it. Looks like it will be a 9' 5 weight z-axis for me. Thanks again for all the great advice.

[motroutbum]

if you fish an indicator rig, then go with the loomis. The Z-axis is a high performance rod designed to throw tight loops in the wind or for delicate dry fly presentations. A 10ft 4wt Loomis GLX is the ultimate nymphing rod.