Can anyone please explain the differences between the Sages Xi2 And the XP. Their catalog tells you everything wonderful about the XP and seems to mention only the cosmetics and the newer generation #5. I am looking for a 10wt rod for off shore bonito and albacore in southern California. Will the Xi2 cast the heavy sink tips like they claim the XP’s do? Thanks, Tom
i dont know much about salt fishing, but to help you out i would say to contact the company through their website… if they have one, they probably do.
Tom,
The Xi2 will cast heavy sink tips, shooting heads, and anything else quite well and is a fine rod. Among other differences, it has a stronger butt section than the XP and is much better lifting rod. While either rod would be more than enough for bonito, the Xi2, in my opinion, and that of many more experienced aqaintences, is a much better choice for our local tuna and yellow tail which are prone to take you into verticle slugfests.
[This message has been edited by tailingloop (edited 21 June 2005).]
Hi TPicco48,
Both are great rods. I think the XP was designed for shallow-water fishing. It’s a great casting rod with a tip-flex action. This rod was not made for fighting big fish, however.
Xi2 is Sage’s big-fish rod. A lot more butt strength than the XP…is faster…stronger…and will better handle the wind, big flies, and big fish. If you’re into fighting tuna or other fish, especially in vertical fashion, where you have to winch them up to the boat, you’ll want to leave the XP at home. It was not made for this.
Good Luck,
Fred
Thank you all for your replies. You have done a better job of explaining the Xi2 than Sage did. No offense, Sage! Thanks again. Tom