Wondering if anyone knows if Sage is planning on making a rod to fill the gap left by the SLT’s departure? I’m thinking of grabbing an SLT while they’re still around, the prices are looking better than ever. I’ve used a 383-4 and found it to be an amazing rod…any other SLT fans out there? What model do you have, and what are it’s strengths/weaknesses. (if any)
Cheers,
TZB
Sage is replacing the SLT line with, I think they call it, the ZLT. It is based on the technology gained from the Z-Axis.
I have the 590-4. It is a great rod that has a very smooth casting stroke that I like when the winds are not to strong. I am curious how the ZLT will be in comparison. I have an XP and Z-Axis and I like the slightly softer action the Z-Axis has over the XP, though the XP is still my favorite rod.
I’m definitely an SLT fan. I was disappointed to hear that they are dropping the line. I don’t like overly stiff rods and the SLT fits me perfect. I have the 2 piece 8.5 ft 5 wt. For me it’s about as close to perfect as an all around trout rod can be. Such a smooth casting rod. I haven’t really found any weaknesses? It is very capable of casting both tiny dries and also indicator/nymph rigs. It doesn’t have quite the distance punch of a stiffer rod - but it is still pretty capable in that regard.
I wish I could purchase another SLT of another wt but my wife would kill me.
Greg
Then again, you might check the sponsors page. Or, just follow the link about them from the main page. Here is a link to it. Click on the reel case. http://www.flyanglersonline.com/
The Sage rep came through the shop last week. Got to cast the new rods, while I have never really been a fan of light trout rods (just don’t have any use locally) I really like the way they cast. They have a very nice crisp action, and seem to have a much nicer tip than the SLT. If you liked the old Sage LL you wil LOVE this rod.
Another report…
Tried the new ZLT 4 wt. If I needed another rod, this one would be it.
Got a really tempting offer for a 3wt, 7 1/2 ft, 4 pc SLT for about $400 new. I was looking at the TFO Finesse but this came in and I’m trying to justify getting another Sage in spite of my recent Winston BIIX purchase. “…Fortune favors those who are prepared…” Life is just so unfair…
Racine, I got a similar offer on the same rod from my local shop. Last year, on my search for the “ultimate” small-stream 3wt, the 7’ 6" SLT was my clear favorite. Unfortunately, I didn’t buy it due to the price. Now I’m really thinking hard about it.
Do it. If nothing else I could live vicariously through you. 
I too vote for the SLT, we each had one and happily extolled their virtues. They are gone now and we used the Z-Axis last year. Fine rods to be sure and in some ways even improved. Now they have expanded that line but also mixed the Z-Axis technology with the XLT (basically) and produced the new Z-XL. This is a fine casting tool as well. Different strokes for different folks. We all seem to want something that suits us more individually.
This may be a useless post since it is only my feelings …but anyway…
Last year I decided to upgrade and got what I considered two good deals too good to pass up from fellow FAOL folks…got a SLT and a Z-Axis…I really like them both but probably gravitate to the SLT more since it just seems a little more relaxing…[and I thought I tended to like fast action]…so that’s my experience…
Now for a question to those who have tried these rods…guess that would be mainly you ,JC…I have a feeling the tip is just a little soft in the SLT…it sounds like the ZLT has addressed that…would you say so???
So your saying the tip on the SLT is too soft? But isn’t this meant for small spring creeks where targets are 15ft on in? I was also of the impression that soft tips protect fine tippets for the occasional torpedo lurking in the edges of undercuts? It sounds like the SLT is a nice wonder rod to compete with the likes of Winstons WT/LT series? Thanks for your inputs guys.
duckie, as much as I would love to expound on that, alas, I can not. They are both fine rods. I will not say one has a soft tip, or that the other has fixed that. They are what they are. Both fine sticks, a little different from each other. 8)
Racine - when I was comparing the SLT to other rods for small streams, the primary contenders (at least for me) were the Winston WT and Scott G2. At least in the shorter 3wt, I preferred the Sage to either of the others. Also liked it quite a bit better than the TFO finesse. The sleeper rod (at least for me) in that size is the St. Croix Avid. I really liked that rod, too.
Thanks for putting this in context. St. Croix was one brand I’ve overlooked in the last few years, primarily due to availability at fly shops. But now that you’ve mentioned this I must compare the SLT/Finese/Avid rods.
Thanks for the replies guys, I’ve yet to try the newer offerings from Sage…but probably should before I settle on the SLT that I don’t really need. Not to sound cheesy, but it did seem to sort of “speak” to me. Before I tried one, I was locked into the "faster is better) mindset. I think the SLT suited my casting style better than my XP. I just noticed there is another thread on here about the “Best lines for the SLT.” Has anyone tried an Airflo Ridgeline? I tried one this summer (on a GLX) and really liked it.