I thought it was just me 8)
So help me then. If the rod description says moderate to fast does that mean it will be more pliable or stiffer than a rod that says it is a fast action. I like how Orvis has it broken out in the terms of flex. I want a rod that would be medium flex. Does that make more sense? :oops:
Fast is going to be tip flex and very stiff. Med/fast more towards the middle flex. Med = middle
slow = the flex starts more toward the butt and full is self explainitory. A full flex will be a Soft or very slow action.
I agree, Orvis takes the guess work out and you don’t have to know your ABC’s LOL
Stay with Sage and move up to the SLT.
Okay…so you don’t have to learn your SLT 
That is a great rod however. I like it as much as my LL
Thank you so much, I got it now… and, yes, I think I am going to stick with Sage (although that WInston sure was purty). Amazing how confused I can get myself with just a little effort.
Listen… You’re getting good advice here, but you just have to go and cast them for yourself. One company might market a rod as medium-fast action, but it might be a faster rod than another company’s fast action rod. The truth is that it’s really screwed up, and there is no universal scale of ‘fastness’ for rods.
If you are looking for a sage rod with faster action than your current one, check out the XP or the new Zero Axis. The guy in the shop, if he is a jerk, might try to sell you a TCR - Sage’s fastest rod. It’s a nice rod, but probably not what you are looking for. Also check the SLT as has been mentioned earlier in the thread. SLT, XP or Zero Axis - you can’t go wrong with these. And the XPs are all on sale now. Just head to a few different shops and cast everything on the market. If the dudes in the shop give you crap about casting a lot of rods, then go somewhere else.
Besides, it’s fun to cast. You’ll probably get some good casting tips while you are at it.
I am a learning fly caster myself.I own a 3wt XP and a 5wt Launch.I am a fairly decent caster with both of these rods.I had the chance recently to cast the new Z-Axis and was very impressed with the amount of flex at the tip compared to the XP’s.
It seemed to me similar to an XP with a little softer action.But, dont be fooled by the softer feel.I easily put out 65-70 ft of line with the Z- Axis.
As far as multi piece rods go…Don’t concern yourself with the worries of a 4 piece rod.I asked the same questions you asked and was told the same.All of my Sage rods are 4 piece rods and it is much better.
Good luck in your choice!!
But, cast that Z Axis!!!
Rich
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More pieces to dis-assemble and assemble…increased odds of damage if not handle correctly
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Did you ever get a rod stuck together??? With a multiple piece rod the odds increase…hint use a bicycle inner tube as a grip to dissassemble a stuck rod. You can cut the tube into pads the size of your hand…you’ll need two pieces. Rubber is exceptionally grippy on fly rods.
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If the rod is well built, its action will be continuous throughout the entire rod length. This attention to detail is mostly found on higher priced rods. The lower priced rods will have inconsistent action in sections. Meaning a section of the rod usually by or at a ferrule will not bend like the sections inbetween the ferrules…etc…
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Inserting the disassembled rod into a tube, I find that you have more of a chance “Nicking” a guide on the edge of the rod tube opening…since you have more to stuff all at once…
My personal preference are multiple piece rods. They are easier to store, transport, and hide (from the Mrs.). I do alot of traveling for business…and it makes it very convenient for air, land, and sea travels.
By the way, This is the first time I’ve tried midges. And it is awesome! Got any tips…
Fly Goddess - I believe it has to do with the fact that manufacturers can control the ‘action’ of each individual section (for example - stiffer butt sections and slower tips) thereby giving more control overall. With the ability to construct ferrules that do not adversly affect today’s modern rods, more sections actually equals more control for the manufacturers.
If I’m off base, please feel free to correct me! 
I prefer the (odd numbered) action of one, three, five, seven and nine piece rods due to where the vibration harmonics frequent the shaft. They strike off the ferrules, not on them, as in even numbered sections.
If the sections are treated with wax (not only recommended by rod manufacturers, but applied or included with many) they will not come apart while casting but will come apart when desired. So far no acceptable substitute for paraffin has been found.
For some strange most anglers prefer to just jamb their rods together, have the sections fly off and be lost during casting, have them ‘freeze-up’ by assembling them without wax and break as they try to get them apart, then bad-mouth the rods, the company, the customer service about how crappy their stuff is. Often rewarded with a new rod as it was defective and broke ‘while in use.’
Sounds good to me. And I do understand that the placement of the ferrules makes a BIG difference and odd no. pieces makes it more exact.