Rod question!

[krkaloz]

I know there is a lot of knowledge on the board, can anyone compare or speak from experience on the:

Winston BIIx vs Sage Z Axis in the 9’6″ 5wt.

Thanks for any input!

[jarrad barber]

I have casted the Z-Axis.  It is a very smooth rod in my opinion.  Kind of akin to an older model rod with a lot of flex, but it recovers quickly and creates a lot of line speed.  The Winstons use Boron fill in the butt section to decrease the weight and add some stiffness, from what I have heard.

[Tim Angeli]

I have not cast the 9’6″ version of either rod, but have experience with the 9′ version of both.

[anonymous]

My friend has the 9′ 5wt Z.

[bill hall]

i don’t like any of the sage z axis have owned

[Simon Chu]

Tim, I have only had experience with the 9ft versions as well and I believe you summed them up perfectly. Kinda “I wish I had said that moment” 🙂 😉

Try some different lines with whatever rod you end up with KRKaloz. A different line can really give some new personality to a rod.

[krkaloz]

Thanks for the feedback guys!

Let me say: I have the 8’3″ 4wt and 8’9″ 5wt Winston LT as my 5pc “goes anywhere” trout set. The 4wt LT is my bread and butter!

Recently I have been experimenting with competition/ Euro style nymphing and lets just say I am “hooked”!!! My thoughts are 9’6” 5wt (versatile all round nymph rod) with a somewhat faster action to handle the heavier Czech and Polish (short line/ high sticking with a lot of weight), Dry/ Dropper rigs and streamers to a limited degree. I am also looking at a 10’ 3wt to cover the Spanish and French techniques (long line/ up stream nymphing with 2-3 micro nymphs 16 and smaller).

Currently I am just using my 5wt LT and don’t get me wrong I am catching fish but I am also limited to a degree. I fished central PA’s Spring Creek the other day and landed 26 fish in 4.5 hrs on a .20 mile stretch using the tactics mentioned above. IMO had I had the 10’ 3wt for this I strongly feel I could have easily doubled my numbers. Granted, anyone who has fished SC; I think would agree 26 wild browns landed is a good day but the 10’ would have given me a longer drift in the strike zone, a 3wt would have had a a lil more sensitivity using smaller flies and with a softer tip I don’t think I would have bounced or lost as many fish.

I have decided on a Greys 10’3wt but I am still up in the air on the 5wt so that is why I was asking. I am looking at the TFO pro too but not as fast as I would like for what I want this rod to do.

[craig phillips]

KR – you might look into the TFO Teeny 5 wt.

[Jack Cummings]

I like the BIIx because it doesn’t need a 1/2 line heavier weight crutch to work right. For that matter, neither does the BIIMx if you want a fast rod.
I disagree that the BIIx is mainly a dry fly only rod. I know that if you’re used to casting rods that have to be horsed to cast far it will puke all over if overworked. It just takes a different pace and a true-weight line to work well.
Just as you wouldn’t let anyone pick your shoes for you, you’re taklng a big chance in letting others choose your rod. Go out and cast them for yourself with the line you would like to use in fishing. The winner FOR YOU will come out on top with no later regrets from you.
Happy hunting!

[Morsie]

I have never felt the need to up-line a ZAxis rod, not even with a +.5 fly line. I use the Rio Selective Trout II and for me its a beautiful combination.

Morsie

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