Looking at getting a new Saltwater 6wt. rod…has anyone out there cast the 6wt. Xi2, or the 691 XP?
Any other suggestions for a lightweight, speciality saltwater rod?
Thanks a million.
Fred
Yes, and I love them! I think the Xi2 was a little stiffer. I’m looking for the XP in my near future…
JC, …
Quick question. In your opinion, … is the Xi2 “stiffer” than an XP?
I’ve never cast an Xi2, … so I was wondering, … 'cause it’s not the first time I see a question about the two Sage products.
Christopher Chin, Jonquiere Quebec
[url=http://pages.videotron.com/fcch/:2a4fd]Fishing the Ste-Marguerite[/url:2a4fd]
[This message has been edited by fcch (edited 25 August 2005).]
Thanx JC, …
I guess I really don’t know Salt. I “would” have thought that the “speciality” rod for salt would be a super fast, super stiff, right into a Gale, distance casting bomber.
Hey, … that means I won’t die in my sleep tonight, as I learned something today 
Christopher Chin, Jonquiere Quebec
[url=http://pages.videotron.com/fcch/:af815]Fishing the Ste-Marguerite[/url:af815]
I’m not certain how much these vary from size to size.
I have cast XP in 8-9-10 and didn’t like them because they were stiff. (As a note: I fish with med-fast and fast rods and “fast” does not necessarily mean “stiff”.)
I have cast the Xi2 in the 8 wt and liked it and would describe it as fast; but, not stiff!
However; the 6 wt. XP is positively wonderful to cast. Again, the action was fast; but, not stiff. The Xi2 was also fast; but, felt “stiffer” in the execution of the casting stroke than the XP.
So, ya got me by the sneakers! Is there variation between the rod sizes within a model?
Fred,
Ya better cast them all…
By the way, I fish a 6 wt. St. Croix Legend Elite Saltwater and I love it!
Thanks for all the help, guys and gals…SW Ladyfish, I use the Xi2 in an 8 weight, and find it develops high line speed without being stiff. I really like it.
But I’m afraid the 6 weight Xi2 is going to be more powerful than your average 6 weight…and I’m looking for a true 6-weight, fast enough to punch out a size-8 bonefish fly, but not so stiff that I need to upline in order to get it to load in close. Plus, I already have a 7 weight that I use on the bonefish flats.
This rod will be a special tool for those times I’m seeing lots of 2 and 4 pound bones, in skinny water, and in calm conditions.
I guess you’ve cast the Xi2 and XP in 6, and liked the XP better? I really want to like this rod better, though I haven’t tried either in 6 weight.
I have tried the XP 8 weight and did not like it as much as the Xi2…I couldn’t feel it loading like I can with the Xi2.
I know I should cast them all but I never, ever do…I always buy via mail order, and I’ve never been disappointed.
Fred
[This message has been edited by Fred Sanford (edited 25 August 2005).]
“Hey, … that means I won’t die in my sleep tonight, as I learned something today”
Chris, if you come to this site everyday you will live forever. ;> )
TyroneFly,
I do try !! 
Before you buy, try a Loomis CrossCurrent GLX.
Bob
Love these rods, Bob…do you use the 6-weight CC GLX?
Having fished both the TCR and Xi2 I really prefer the Xi2 as it does load at both short and long distances. We also had the Gatti
PA in the 8 wt with us, which has been my ‘go-to’ rod for short and long…I didn’t use it.
LadyFisher, Publisher of
FAOL
One more thing SW Ladyfish…
Can you describe the difference in action/performance between the XP 6-weight that you cast, and your 6-weight Legend Elite?
Appreciate your comments…thanks!
Fred
Dang Fred, as a junk man i’d think you’d shy away from them there high dollar sticks. Think you oughta give ol Lefty’s sticks a try. The TiCR 6 wt. with the fighting but works purty good.
“Wishn I wuz Fishn”
Fred:
I have an Xi2 9 wt as well as the old RPLXi in both 7 and 5 - yes they did make the RPLXi in 5. I really really really like my RLXis but the Xi2 is a whole 'nother thing.
I was up at LL Bean last weekend and test cast the Xi 2 in the 6 wt. (as well as a bunch of others that simply paled in comparrison - even the Loomis) If I can find someone who would trade me their Xi2 6 straight up for both my 5 and 7 RPLXi’s I would do it in a heartbeat.
This rod is phenomenal. Don’t think it is just a saltwater rod either. No reason to think it wouldn’t be an excellent rod to use for weighted nymphs or larger dries for trout or clausers and poppers for bass.
Obviously you should try before you buy but I’ll bet you’ll love it.
Go ahead and buy it. You have my permission. I will not tell your wife.
I own the 691-4 XP. Simply a delight to cast and a great streamer rod for trout in the rivers. I didn’t car much for the St. Croix’s LE and LU (cheaper though). I think the Ticr…while a great rod…is also a heavy rod. Have not tried the 6 weight TCR or Xi2 so cannot comment. The XP is like King Felix’s throwing arm…you have that nice smooth delivery and then his wrist snaps for that little extra…just like the tip of the XP…and sends that line screaming out…but also I think it’s a great short caster too.
Thanks, guys…I appreciate your comments. You know, being a poor junk man, I can only afford to buy it once, as this is always less expensive in the long run. So I try and buy the best right from the start.
I sure wish I could afford both the Xi2 and XP…I’d probably get more sleep at night.
Fred
You know …you’d probably be happy with either the XP or Xi2…now it comes down to do you want a bodacious blue rod or a beautiful green rod. Brunette or Blonde?
Less Filling …Taste Great.
I think the Xi feels more like a fly rod should. I have both, but the older Xi and I just traded my XP to salovin and when I replace it I will get an Xi2. It works better short and has better feel at most distances, for my style anyway. I think that it would be a great rod for 6 to use on the flats as well as for trout fishing but I too have not cast it in that weight.
Junkman
There was a good post recently that dealt with the lifting power of these two rods. Nutshell - the Xi2 is made for salt so it is designed for more lifting power.
Also, not sure if the XP has a fighting butt in 6.
e