Word around here is that Sage is discontinuing the XP. Fly shops in the area have already started to discount rods and blanks from 25 - 40%.
Kewl, buy a whole bunch. Is this supposed to be news, true, or a secret? I never know how to think about, “The word around here is…”
All the fly shops have? Already? All of the XP? And you are the only one who knows about this, (other than the fly shops of course)
Why are they doing this?
…replacing with a new line of rods called “Z-Axis”…
Discontinuing the XP ? Seems like Sage would be sending out a press release on this one. You discontinue what is arguably one of the most popular rods in the world it seems like it would make news in the flyfishing community.
gonfishn, while it may seem surprising that a company would discontinue such a good seller, it is true. Sage is replacing it.
Time for me to buy one!!! 
JC -
To answer your questions:
news? - to me yes, (and I suspect to a lot of people here as well)
true? - time will tell.
secret? - no, I don’t share secrets
the reason I phrased it “The word around here” is that I have no connection to Sage, their PR firm or the industry in general - other than as a consumer. I spoke to the managers of the 2 specialty fly shops we have locally. Both told me exactly the same thing - the XP was being discontinued. (Cabelas had heard nothing about it) The fly shops are discounting all of their XP inventory (rods and blanks) 25 - 40% as mentioned. I don’t know if this is a local phenomenon or if it is the way Sage is handling this across the country. I found out about it because I happened to walk in one store as a hand-written sign was being put up - and called the other to see if they had a particular model I had been looking at (they did )
I posted it because I think 40% off premium equipment is a good deal - and others might like to take advantage of it if they can as well.
BTW, the reaction in both shops was pretty similar - excitement among those that that could get a good deal - and general disappointment that a great rod was going to be history - with a concern that it would be replaced with more marketing hype than performance.
Kewl, so this is what both of your Sage dealers think of them?
“with a concern that it would be replaced with more marketing hype than performance.”
Sure makes me want to support those guys. Who else do they think is all hype, or just Sage?
Usually this kind of ‘news’ gets out from some big mouthed rep. Probably true, just might be nice if Sage or any rod company could control their own marketing. Rep’s make it impossible though. Sorry they feel the new ones will be hype and not performance. I would suggest they carry a rod brand they like.
Oh, we are a major advertiser for them. Have not been ‘given the news’ yet. I hope the new ones are good, I like their rods, but I’m sure your fly-shop guys know their business.
Word’s been out since the 1st of Aug. I believe that’s when Sage authorized their dealers to offer the sale. I guess I’m not worried that the XP replacement will be more hype than performance. That’s just not Sage’s style or track record in their premium lines of rods.
Yee Haw!!
Just got home from the fly shop.YES they are discounting the XP’s.
I picked up a 8’6" 3wt. 4pc.
The only thing they had left was a couple of 2 pc. rods and some heavier rods in 7,8,9 wt.I’ve been wanting to buy an XP for quite some time.Now I have a reel and line and rod all for the price of just the rod.Actually, less than the rod only price because the fly shop I deal with threw in the line with my purchase.I can’t wait to get out this weekend to try it out on some dries.
Good luck finding them if you want one.
Take care and good fishing.
Rich
SAY IT AIN’T SO! FIRST THE RPL, NOW THE XP! It figures I wouldn’t have any extra cash right now. I guess that explains why i’ve been seeing all the sales on them.
and so went the RP, LL GII, LL GII, RPL+, SP, SP+ & DS ~ each had it’s following, as will the new series.
Now where did I put that old Grizzly?
Dave
NoLuck,
Mind me asking what you had to give for it?
Leo C.
Leo,
No I don’t mind at all.
I gave 345.00 for the rod and was way glad to buy it!!
Thats a far cry from the 585.00 that they wanted for it 4 months ago.
I contemplated buying it for the whole time.I have a Launch series 5 wt but I wanted something to throw just dries and #20’s and smaller.
So now I have a XP and a Tioga reel with mastery line all for 510.00.
Now I just can’t wait to get out on the water.
Take care.
Rich
Guess what my local flyshop is doing?
“Be one of the first in the country to cast a NEW Z-Axis Sage
rod and receive a FREE Sage hat.”
This is happening a week from now…
Rich