Sage Xi2 vs Winston BiiX 9wt

[spike-2]

Hi all and Happy New Year
Has any one had experience with these rods and in particular cast them? Primary use will be for stripers in RI from a boat, secondary salmon in MI. Thanks for your input.
Dave

[eponymous]

Dave:

I have the Xi2 and think it is great. Fish it in RI a lot. I have also fished with a friend's Winston on the same trip that I used the Xi2. A nice rod but the tip simply does not have the same "umph". When you want to really get after a cast the Winston just does not have it. You need to wait on the backcast to load it right. That may be okay sometimes but when on a boat and you need to get it there now the Xi2 is a better bet. At least for me.

e

[spike-2]

e
Thanks! The problem I'm facing out here is that the local shops don't carry Sage or if they do not that weight.

From the four trips I've made to the Bay long easy casts are OK if your blind casting but if the school is splashing on the surface you want one back cast and out and what your saying you cannot do that very well..

BTW have you ever cast/fished the Sage RPL+. I have a chance to get 9'6" 9wt.
Thanks again

Dave

[Linesidesonthefly]

The Sge RPL series is arguably the rod that put Sage on the map so to speak. Don't be afraid of pulling the trigger on any RPL rod. Even with the older technology they still cast better than many of the newer rods today. I'd jump all over it.