Sage Z-Axis or SLT?

[PAangler]

I am planning on building a new rod this winter. I have decided on a Sage 490-4 but am undecided between the Z-Axis or SLT. I see that the SLT has a small butt diameter and is a bit lighter. I have never cast either of these rods and doubt I will have a chance before Santa delivers my new rod blank. I currently have a Winston Ibis 9'ft 5 wt (too heavy, wears me out) and Loomis GL3 7'6" in a 4 wt (nice rod, but too short for bigger creeks), to give you an idea of what I am used to now. I don't need to shoot out 90' of fly line either, the most is around 30' here in PA. Oh, and I am fishing trout in mid sized streams.

For those of you that have fished both rods which do you prefer and why?

[ducksterman]

I have them both in 5 wts...I like them both...which one I fish sort of depends on my mood...one's a little faster one slower as I'm sure you know...I like the SLT on those "mellow" days Folks are going to tell you it depends on your casting style...personally I enjoy adjusting to the rod

I'm wondering why you aren't considering the ZXL??????????....that's one I'd like to cast.....

[Joel D. Popham]

PA,

My 22 yr old son has an SLT and I have a Z-Axis. They are both 9', custom built rods. The SLT is a 4wt and the Z-Axis is a 3wt. I have fished both of them. The SLT is softer and slightly slower than the Z-Axis. I like a "stiff" rod on moving water because I can feel the strikes easier. Both are great rods. Good luck in your decision making and Best Regards....

[TyroneFly]

The SLT sounds like the action you are looking for for the waters you stalk. I have an SLT 590-4, XP 590-4 and a Z-Axis 690-4. I find for smaller waters, pools and casting distance of 40 feet or less that the SLT works best (for me) having a softer tip. I recently bought the 490-4 ZXL and like the action, especially in the 10'-30' range. If you can, try the ZXL.

Keep us posted on what you decided on.

[J Castwell]

I have cast and fished all three. Consider calling Paul Johnson at Sage, he should be able to help you.

[Fly Goddess]

I have a SLT, But I would give up my first male born for a Z-AXIS! If I had to choose, Z-A hands down. Can do anything with it, specially in a 5wt. Am I drooling.....sorry

[RS1]

If you haven't made up your mind yet, take a look at Winston's Boron series. For blanks it's about the same between Sage and Winston. BIIX is fast for Winston but it's butter smooth, or for a softer tip a BIIT. The BIIVery light in the hand and you could fish all day and not feel it. Even our old compadre Pete has a BIIT now.
Just another avenue for you to go down.
http://www.flyrodcrafters.com/servlet/Detail?no=95 Winston
http://www.flyrodcrafters.com/servlet/Detail?no=184 Sage

[BlueDun]

As someone else mentioned, the Z is stiffer with a faster action and the SLT is slightly slower and more sensitive. I prefer the SLT - I have one in a 6 wt. Some people say that one disadvantage to the 6 wt SLT is that you cannot throw heavy flies with it. I have found that I can easily throw big flies if I adjust my casting style, but then you have to adjust to a certain extent with any rod. Bottom line is that if you prefer fast, stiff rods, go with the Z-Axis. If you have a slightly slower casting style, go with the SLT.

[jeffnles1]

I have a 7'6"3wt SLT that is one sweet little rod. I have not fished a Z-axis so I cannot personally compare the two. The SLT is what I would consider a medium action rod. It's not fast, but it's not slow either.

Jeff

[Flyguy5910]

i have fished both and IMHO the Z is the way to go it will do everything you want and more