I dont own one yet,but it appears that every flyfishing website or bulletin board says this is one awesome rod…maybe the best ever made?
Any opinions on comparable rods welcome
I bought one based upon this same rhetoric and didn’t care for it. It certainly cast well, I’m confident in stating it’s a great rod, but I found the SLT to be much more my cup of tea, as they say. I was suprised to say the least, but there ya go…
I preferred the Winston BIIx when I cast them side by side. The BIIx was lighter, and I liked its softer action over the stiffer XP.
I did like the XP a lot, though. I just liked the Winston better.
saflyfish,
I would agree that it is the best rod I have used. You need to find a rod that works for you. Go test 'em out and get what you like. I would definitely not buy before you try.
<*(((((><
Jim in CO
best ever made is a pretty broad brush stroke. i’m sure most fly fishers would take, say, a bamboo leonard any day.
ahh…the casting analyzer!! and what does the casting analyzer say?
[This message has been edited by D. Micus (edited 17 October 2005).]
Interesting question… I own a 9’6" XP 6wt. I love it for tossing streamers, and places where I need to dead-drift nymphs because of the extra 6".
I do not like it for fishing drys, which I have done with it several times, because it is so fast. I feel like I take a lot of flies away from fish. When I drop back to a slower rod, I don’t have the problem.
I think “Best Ever Made” is a bit of a stretch. To much opinion can get in the way of a statement like that. If it was the “Best Ever Made”, why would Sage, or anyone else, make another 5wt?
Ken
“The memory of a fisherman is more like fiction than journalism, that is, it doesn’t ignore the facts, but it is not entirely bound by them, either.”
John Gierach
Interesting. For my fishing in smaller spring creeks of Wis. I never thought Sage would better the SP series.
I have a 9’ 3wt SP that’s incredible. Also the 1-3 wts in the SPL’s that are fine too.
I guess it never stops, does it! I’d be happy fishing what I have for the rest of my life but being the rod-monger that I am I’ll prolly find some kinda excuse to get “the latest”…Beats me why though.
And then along comes bamboo to my already sickly addiction!
And I went out and cast that Xi2 again this weekend…Danger! Danger!
BG
Jeremy…a sickness.
[This message has been edited by Jeremy (edited 17 October 2005).]
gotta wonder about a new member with no profile hawking a rod, though…
seems more like an ad than a post…
[This message has been edited by D. Micus (edited 17 October 2005).]
Dave
You’ve got to be kidding me. Not here!
I have this rod, and also the SP 9’ 5wt.
Honestly, between the 2 I prefer the SP overall. However, the XP probably handles the bigger stuff a bit better.
I wish they were still making the SP series, personally.
John
…what the…was the name of that show…?
…oh, yeh…DIFF’RENT STROKES!!!
Anonymous Dude…the “best ever” is what you, the individual likes best…
Yours in anonymity…Jim
I DO like JC’s last reply! 
We have a 10’ 5wt RPL that sees a LOT of use around here. It is one of our fav’s when we are not sure of the targets we want to pester for the day and we’re too lazy to carry multiple rods. We can merely change leaders and go from a small bass popper to a #16 dry and enjoy a real lazy day pestering pond fish. Or do schoolie stripers and panfish at the delta too.
A full set of shooting heads make it a very versatile tool too.
I don’t think there is ANYBODY satisfied with just ONE rod though.
…lee s.
Nah! Come on you guys that are afraid to post your email, location, ect.? what is your problem? Are you afraid? Don’t be this is a great place to visit. I just spent a great day fishing the Pine and another Grouse hunting with a member I met here! This weekend I’ll meet 3 others at Cabela’s in Dundee, MI and dinner at Tony Pacos in Toledo. It don’t get any better than this so open up!!
I feel more like I do now than I did when I got here!
Cactus AKA “Lucky Dog (Pirate Name)”
JC you’re right, i apologize for my paranoia. so i will offer an opinion–the new orvis zero gravity–an incredible casting rod, and likely the most accurate rod on the market today.
I like the 486-4 XP, with all the rods I’ve cast, I believe it to be one of the best, just behind the 586 SP. To me, they are dream rods to have in your arsenal.
Tight lines,
Jeremy Barela
www.customflys.com
Like Ligo I would vote for the SLT - a better “fishing” rod than the XP.
Jeremy - just buy the Xi2. It is the best saltwater rod on the market.
“I wish they were still making the SP series, personally.”
I hear that. What a sweet rod.
“likely the most accurate rod on the market today.”
I have a new bic pen that is the most accurate spelling pen on the market today. Are you interested? I’ll start the bidding at $100.
To Mr Micus and Co who think im trying to punt the Xp forget it.I actually own a T&T Horizon 4wt and the new 5wt Redington Cps.The T&T is a phenomenal rod.I was just interested in purchasing another top end rod,hence wanted opinions on this rod.As for my lack of profile i live in a city called Durban,South Africa…very far from the rest of u.We dont even have a Sage stockist in our City!Arrogant attitudes towards new members will certainly drive newcomers away and make this board exclusive.Thanks to Castwell for his/her support…
Saflyfish,
I have the XP 590-4 for 4 years or so already, I use it mainly for float tubin’ and fishing larger rivers for trout,
and indeed this rod is very versatile, small dries, nymphs weighted or not or streamers, you name it, it is very all round you really won’t regret buying it if you float tube or looking for an all round trout rod …
saflyfish, my apologies…just calling a rod ‘the best every made’ seemed a bit like advertising. but, my mistake.
and, benjo, i understand that pen is hardly used–only used to sign “x” when needed…