You’ll have to try 'em. I don’t know the VT2, but I use the Launch (Vantage) in 6, 7 and 8 (same rods in the Flight too). It is a “tad slower” than the Flight. I think the cosmetics on the flight is different (prettier) than the Vantage. Price wise, the Flight is usually a few dollars more.
I actually got most of the Launch’s (Vantage now) for my Liliane and end up using them just as often or more) than my XP’s (which are similar to the Z-Axis) Casting wise they are wonderful rods.
They are all still made in the USA too if that is a consideration.
I would suggest putting the money into the rod—Go for Z-Axis. It is the thing that you cast with and rely on it to put the line where you want it.
I now own 3 Z-Axis rods and thnk they are just the best.
In trout fishing the reel is really not that important. Yes, you may play a big trout on the reel, but many will suffice very well. Salty reels are whole different subject and the reels become just as important or perhaps more than the rod.
No idea what your current gear selection/situation is,but if I had a gift certificate to a fly shop and decided on a new 5 weight outfit, the first thing I would do would pick out the best line for what I intend to do with the rod, then find the rod that handles that line best. Seems like the best approach to me. If a new line is in the plan, I’d set aside the money for that, then see how much I have to work with for the rod and reel. Like others have said, with a 5 weight, the most important quality in the reel is really just how it balances with the rod you choose, so I’d find the rod I wanted that matched the line for my main style of fishing and then find a reel that balances it all well in my hand.
This might not be the easiest approach since a reel loaded with backing and a full fly line will balance different than an empty reel on display, and you probably don’t wanna buy a new line to test cast behind the shop and end up scratching/roughing it up, but it seems like the ideal approach to me. Most realistic approach is to find a rod that you cast well, pick the appropriate line for your style fishing, and get a reel that makes the outfit slightly tip heavy in the shop (before loading with line and backing) so when you get the line on there it balances out.
If I understand right and you already have a reel, I’d spool it up with the line you intend on fishing on it, and bring it when you test cast. Don’t cast your nice new line, just test it on the rod to see how it balances.
Thank you for all your postings
I’m not asking you to stop posting
Many good advices from you guys and not everybody has the same opinion as expected, althoug many share the same views.
After I bought the reel, the most expensive rod I can afford is the Sage VT2 so I can’t go for the Z-axis or 99 or any of the high end modules.
This is my way of thinking:
I have wanted a good reel for years, now I have one
I have to listen to you guys and try out the rods because I don’t know if I’m a “fast rod” or “slow rod guy”, I had a G. Loomis GLX which I have now broken two times and I gave up on it, mabe it’s because fast rods are more fragile? Anyhow I liked it but it’s not that mutch different from other rods I’ve tried as I expected. I have not tried any slow rods so I don’t have the comparisment.
I still think the most important factor regarding casting is the caster himself, not the rod, that is to say good caster can cast long with nearly any rod and a bad caster does the same mistakes with the expensive rod. But I agree that some of us need fast rods and some slow rods.
According to the salesman (who belives them?), the more expensive rods you buy the better components you get, but I ask does it mean better casting rods?, mabe a little lighter rod, better cork in the handle and more expensive material in the reel seat and loops. But again is it a better instrument, I don’t know.
Still confusing?
I won’t be after next episode of … Soap.
You already have one of the finest fast action rods made, in my opinion. Don’t give up on your GLX - send it to Loomis for their Expeditor program, and you can have a new rod in just a few days. Then you can get a slower action in a less expensive rod and you can tell which you like over a lifetime. Yes, faster rods can be more fragile, but maybe the third times a charm.
Food for thought…I am a progressive action kind of guy. The soft/slow action rods are what I much prefer. And, with the trend these days of faster action distance rods, many companies carry their slower action rods as the cheaper end of the spectrum. Which while I think they have it backwards…I am grateful:^) Don’t think that going more expensive is always the bet way to go. I personally have yet to cast or fish a “top end” model of any manufacturer, that is actually a “slow” action rod.
hooray for a good reel! you can use it forever on any sort of rod you like. now–go spend every penny left on the new rod. a rod that breaks twice when you use it is trying to tell you something!
May I ask where the rod broke and what you were doing when the rod broke the two times? Quite often it is operator error. I have owned 9 GLXs and still have 4 four them. I have broken a GLX tip once and it was my fault. By contrast, I broke 2 RPLs on a weekend.
May I ask where the rod broke and what you were doing when the rod broke the two times? Quite often it is operator error. I have owned 9 GLXs and still have 4 four them. I have broken a GLX tip once and it was my fault. By contrast, I broke 2 RPLs on a weekend.
I broke it the first time when landing a trout, the fish was in the net but I forgot to release the tension on the line.
The second time I was just pushing the parts together which I do regulary so the ferrules don’t go apart, the ferrule before the top just snapped.
The reason I haven’t sent it for a repair is that I bought it on ebay from a guy who makes rods. I sent it to him for the first time and got a really good service, I only payed him $25 and he repaired it and sent it back for no extra cost. I can’t let him do that again, I need to make some kind of a deal with him an pay him for his work and shipping.
I may do that sometime later.
Someone told me that the GLX is fragile, is that right?
If he built the GLX, then he should stand behind it. Sure, you’ll probably have to pay him for the repair but it’s probably worth it. They are really sweet rods. The GLX’s are pretty strong rods, they just have very light, slim tips.
If you check out the VT’s, check out some different sizes because they’re all different actions. The 9’ 4wt. is pretty quick, where as the 386 is pretty soft. Play around with them, cast them and then decide.
I don’t think the GLX is fragile. I think the original, now called the classic GLX are actually stronger than the series of rods they replaced. I think you have found out the disadvantage of buying a custom rod as far as the warranty goes.
Tried the gear today fishing, a bit windy and cold and the lake was difficult, most of the fisherman had one only one fish.
But the rod casts very well, the reel works excelent and looks good, got a new line also.
It was more of a wading the lake rather then fishing, learned about a new place in the water, 6 hours on my feet straight.
Anyhow got two brown trouts.
I’m a tired, happy man
