SAGE ZXL Test Drive

[Steve Dally]

Well we had our first play with the new Sage ZXL series rods today.

This is the SLT replacement The rods models are (rod weight-length)

376 386

476 480 486 490

580 586 590

690

This is a moderate casting dry fly rod, sweet action. Yes its a $650 rod, which doesn't appeal to a lot of people on here, others like them, personal choice, we've had that debate here lol.

But to talk about how it casts. Pretty effortless, and I get to cast a lot of rods. Its not a cannon, very approachable.

Now there is a trend among a lot of highend rods to have a dramatically soft tip, moving towards a stiff butt. Think ZAxis; Winston Biix type of action.

Very noticable when your pulling line off the water, and they do protect light tippets.

This rod has a tippet protecting tip, but its a much gentler transition through the midsection into the butt. for me at least that means smooth.

I can relax fishign these rods, there's no alarm bells going off through the pickup, false casts and delivery.

Lightness of the G5 rods (Sage's tradename for this technology) is right there, pretty color (pomegranate -burgundy to males)

We have a play model 9' 5wt in the shop if anyone want to check it out, just cast it, either to order or merely experience it.

Cheers

Steve

[Gavin]

Had a chance to cast one the other day. Think it was the 9'5wt..very nice rod, very smooth but not that fast..I liked it alot..Come to think of it, I need a new 5wt since my wife usually fishes with my 5wt SLT.

[Steve Dally]

LOl Gavin you know my wife has appropriate my 8'9" 3wt SLT too

My personal fav low water rod. Tempted to buy one and put it away for a few years.

If you get down this way set you up to drive the ZXL, ZAxis Scott G2 Hardy Marksman and maybe the S4 from scott head to head.

One way to sort them all out.

Cheers

[Danoinark]

We have a play model 9' 5wt in the shop if anyone want to check it out, just cast it, either to order or merely experience it.

Cheers

Steve

Its a conspiracy I tell you, A CONSPIRACY...So many rods, too little time!!!

[Rusty]

Its a conspiracy I tell you, A CONSPIRACY...So many rods, too little time !!!

So many rods, too little money, you mean.