Sage Fli or Winston Vapor?

[chavez]

I'm looking to add a fast action 7wt to my collection in the $200 to $300 range and have it narrowed down to the Sage Fli or the new Winston Vapor. I've seen the Sage Fli locally and will try it but I don't know much about the Vapor.

Anyone had the good fortune to try both in the higher weights? The 4 piece 7wt Vapor looks good on paper and weighs less (@3.7 ounces) than the Fli 2-piece. They both cost about the same.

The rod will be a step up from my medium action 6wt for those windy days on the lake or when throwing slightly larger flies on open water for LMB. I also want to sometimes put an 8wt WF line on it when fishing close along banks. The rod also has to do some light saltwater duty on the Texas coast for specks and maybe redfish.

[swoosh]

I can only speek for the Sage Fli. I got it in a 5wt 9'. Its my my favorite rod (I have quite a few) and I was very selective when I purchased it. I tried many rods (some much more expensive) and this one worked for me. I am thrilled it is made here too.