Would appreciate comments on the differences between these two rods. Thanks Dave
Xi2 is a little bit stouter for pulling in the fish. I prefer the action to the XP in general - though I do think the 11 foot 6 wt is a pretty cool rod.
All things being equal the XPs on closeout are a pretty sweet deal.
I have an 8wt XP, and had a 10wt XP. I swapped out the 10wt for a 10wt Xi2. I’ve found the Xi2 to be considerably stronger in the butt section, and much better for heavy lifting. I traded b/c I max’d out the XP on a 50# or so tarpon. The Xi2 has handled them nicely. The Xi2, at least to me, seems a tad “slower”, or at least with more feel. I do like my 8wt however. It maybe the size flies(bonefish on the 8wt). Either is a tremendous rod.
I bought a new 890-4 XP discounted at 40% due to it being discontinued and took it with me to fish the shallow flats and back bays in Corpus Christi a few weeks ago.
The first hookup was with a 4ft long cow ray that tested it but it held up extremely well. I also caught a couple of slot redfish which were no match for the XP. I say the XP is a great shallow water rod and at the discounted prices, a heck of a bang for the buck!