With the sunsetting of the beloved XP I am suprised their has not been more buzz about this new rod. I read the editorial review on this site but it was rather unspecific but amusing. Has anyone cast the new rod or fished it?
I cast it twice, both times a 590. My impression was that it was a copy of the Winston BIIx, but a very good one. I really like it, and would probably buy one if I was in the market for a new rod.
Also, it is a very good-looking rod. Dark green graphite with red and gold tags? I think that was it, but I don’t remember. I do remember thinking that it looked very good.
Does the Z-axis contain Boron? If not then I would state that Sage’s G5 Technology is the peak of graphite rod perfection. I state this because I just purchased a TXL that was built on G5 technology. I can only conclude that it is as precise as a surgical instrument.
I cast the 586-4 last saturday. Nice rod, very responsive tip with a short line and a lot of reserved power in the butt section. Tracks well and felt good in the hand. Had I not just bought an SLT last year I may have been inclined to buy one.
I tried to compare my SLT to the Z-axis… but not being an expert it is very hard to tell the difference accept that the SLT requires a little slower casting stroke.
I too liked the cosmetics of the rod.
I’m in the same position - I have an SLT I got a few years back that still does the job just fine. I actually like the Z-Axis a bit better, but not enough to justify the cost of an upgrade.
Well yes. I wrote how we both (and ALL who cast it) loved the rod at the Michigan ‘Fish-In’. Also that I fished it and also won the distance casting contest with it in Idaho at the recent ‘Fish-In’.
Yup, got to cast a 4 wgt at the fly shop and cast JC’s rod at the Idaho Fish-In (came in 3d in the distance casting). Nice looking rod for sure and a real pleasure to cast. Like others, I also have a fairly new SLT and can’t justify the expense to upgrade to the Z-Axis. It is a great temptation though.
REE
I am going to test cast one next week. Until then threads like this and JC’s article keeps my interest up.
Having both an SLT and XP my wife reminds me I don’t need another, but if the Z-Axis is good enough to replace the XP, it would be nice to add it to my arsenal. 
Tyrone, the XP, TCR and the SLT are/were dandy sticks. Do I like the Z-Axis ‘better’ ? No. Each has its place. Do I think it is one of the very best they have ever designed? Absolutely. If you can afford one, go for it!
JC,
I been selling my old film camera gear and can afford to buy it, but I don’t know if I can afford the wrath of my wife. 
(tee, hee, hee) only one way to find out! :twisted:
Try this sure-fire method of bringing a new fly rod home: Purchase something of equal or greater value for you wife that you know she’s wanting badly but would never buy on her own. Then a couple of days later, (don’t wait too long) bring the new rod home.
Cheers,
MontanaMoose
JC,
I want to live!
MM,
If only that would work. Nope, the best way is to reason with her and remind her that I am just borrowing the rod until our son is old enough to use it.
Tyrone,
Whatever you do, don’t get your wife interested in fly fishing. Your son’s inheritance will be gone in a flash. It means two of everything (I’m drooling over the custom 4 wgt bamboo rod that arrived for my wife).
REE
REE,
Be sure to wipe it off before you ruin the finish. :lol: I hope someday to get a tea stick made by Mr. Kusse. Your wife is a lucky lady.
Tyrone, not to ‘highjack’ this thread, but have you ever ‘seen’ a QC rod? They are a thing of beauty for sure.
JC,
I have had the good fortune to see and cast one about 2 years ago while fishing in the Sierras. A retired gentleman was fishing the stream that runs out of twin lakes just outside of Bridgeport. We got to talking and he asked if I would like to give bamboo a try. I don’t recall the model, but I do remember the craftsmanship. Mr. Kusse must be a perfectionist. What impressed me most was how there were no gaps in the seems. How he was able to do that and maintain the symmetry is mind boggling.
I suggest that he is the finest in the US now, probably world wide. Some others do fancy things and such, but I still have my opinion.
They are giving away a new 5 weight Z-Axis & Sage reel this weekend at a Fly-Fishing competition! I hope I win 
I am from Tulsa as well. what is this fly fishing competition that you are mentioning?
The best way I have found to justify the purchase of a new fly, or at least dampen the wrath, is to point out that the rod will last 10-20 years or more. If you amortize that out, you are actually only spending $20-$30 a year…
So far it hasn’t work for me, but she doesn’t laugh at me as much that way…