Which Sage blank?

FAOL Community Fly Anglers Online
1

I’m planning to bust my budget and order a custom-built rod. The builder will use almost any blank available, but using a Sage blank gets the same replacement-in-case-of breakage guarantee as a factory-built rod. I want a medium-fast to fast rod in 5 weight, which would usually be used to cast from 40 to 60-65 feet (measuring from where I’m standing to where the fly on a 9 foot leader lands). It has to roll cast well.

I have never cast a Sage, and I would be interested in your opinions about and experiences with the different Sage models. Anyone who thinks I’m nuts to use a Sage and need to pick a different brand blank, feel free to jump right in.

Thanks!
ggh

2

Sage ZXL…

3

any blank Sage makes will easily cast those distances

4

Z Axis…

5

OK…so Jack & I don’t confuse you…I believe Jack would agree …the Z Axis is faster than the ZXL…I picked it because you said you wanted "medium-fast to fast…

I have both and I believe Jack does also…in fact I got the ZXL after I heard his evaluation…or was that Warren???:smiley:

6

Duckster it was mine.

I have the ZXL in an 8 1/2’ 3wt. and the Z Axis in a 9’ 5wt. Both have SharkSkn lines and furled leaders and get the job done quite nicely.

If you travel a lot I would suggest the 4 pc. blanks

I did break the ZXL and the blank was replaced by Sage at a cost of $40.00. They actually replaced the top 3 sections.

7

Have you considered building your own rod? It’s really not too difficult, it will save you quite a bit of money and you’ll get even more pleasure out of it every time you fish with it. Just a thought…

Jim Smith

8

go to a fly shop that sells sage rods, cast them for yourself and decide whats right for you!

9

What Norm says…

If that’s not possible…hhhhmmmm

Now another factor you mentioned …" It has to roll cast well."

I don’t roll cast much…at least not seriously…but my understanding is that slower rods roll cast easier.

10

Both the Z-Axis and ZXL will roll cast those distances with the Z-Axis in my opinion doing an easier job of it. The Z-Axis is rated as a fast action rod, though not as fast as it replacement the XP. The softer tip is the reason for the slight difference. The ZXL when loading for a roll cast has a bit more bend in the rod requiring better timing of the release to line to roll out properly over longer distances.

11

Yes…Perfect

12

For a slower, “progressive” action, try the Sage VT2. I have the 3-wt and love it. The blank goes for a little over $200.

13

I managed to find a place that had both the ZXL and Z-axis in the weight I wanted and tried both today. I am going with the Z-axis. Not an easy decision–both are really nice to cast.
Thanks for the help, folks!