My go to rod for fishing spring creeks when I can't get the 3 wt. going is the 486-4 ZXL. It's one sweet rod that is not medium in action but is not fast action. This is a medium fast stick. It excels for me at throwing small indie nymph rigs and small dry droppers.

I can't offer a comparison on the SP but I will soon. I picked up that 589-5 stick this winter and am anxious to give it a spin next month.

Cheers,
Mike.