G2 versus BIIX
- This topic has 7 replies, 5 voices, and was last updated Aug 18, 2006 at 4:16 am by
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I have a 9′ 4 weight BIIX that I have had for few years and after a trip out West I have been frustrated with the very soft tip. I also own a few other BIIX’s that have a bit stiffer tip and are sweet. I have heard some good things about the G2 and am wondering how the action compares to the BIIX specifically the 8’8″ and 9 foot G2 4 weights compared to the Winston.
On a seperate note, I heard a rumor that Winston is replacing the WT with BIIX technology and that Sage is replacing the XP.
My bet is the XP (Z-Axis or XPLXi+) will be more BIIx-like while the new BIIx models will be more like the WT!
Ain’t nuthin’ new under the sun, as they say!
The G2 has a sweet action that is smooth yet fairly reasonably powerful. I cast the 9′ 4 weight and I liked it really well. The BIIX is faster. I don’t know what the deal is with Winston a lot of what made them unique they have turned their back on. Its not the same company it used to be when Tom Morgan and Glenn Brackett were running things.
To be fair to Winston, the BIIX has been a huge success in the marketplace. I own three and feel that aside from the 9′ 4 weight they are the best rods out there. The 6 weight feels like a 4 weight and is a great overall trout rod with feel and power.
A flyshop owner who is a friend dropped Scott and tells me that the BIIX’s outsell the Sage 3 to 1 on a big tailwater.
I think my characterization of Winston is dead on. I didn’t say the BIIX was a bad rod although they have had some quality problems and you can check the Winston forum if you want to know more. Some of the changes at the company have been controversial and are well documented in Montana papers. The entire Bamboo crew resigned in mass and is starting up as Sweetgrass Rods. Tom Morgan is making his own line of rods. Winston cut a lot of the options that they used to offer. I think its clear that Winston has changed.
dmk37363, some of what you post is very old news. Tom Morgan has had his own rod line for years and years. When Woody Woodard took over as President things were going as usual… for a while. He then seemed to be hell-bent on cost-savings at any cost. That cost was quite dear. He almost rode the Winson name into the ground. Had it not been for the success of the BIIx, I’m not sure Woody or even the company would be around as we know it.
There was a period about two-three years ago when the unthinkable happened at Winston… quality went down and outsourcing came in. Cost savings rearing its ugly head! Things have been VERY stable at Winston since. Those are my picture you might have seen of the mis-aligned butt cap and guide on the BIIx’s. That was my first BIIx made when it took months to get them. The other two I’ve bought since are perfect in every way. Every once in a while you might hear of a squeaking grip but even those complaints are getting rare.
I think Winston hit a period in sales after 9/11 that not only affected them, but a lot of businesses in the industry. The difference is Winston isn’t owned by an investent firm like Sage and doesn’t have mega-bucks like Orvis. Small dips in sales for the big guys could have very well buckled a small company like Winston. Something had to give for them to survive. Without the acceptance of the BIIx I have no doubt they wouldn’t be around as we know them.
I still feel there is hope Winston will offer more options but when reps at shops who know nothing but uplocking reel seats (because that is all that BIG brand they sell offer) demand for downlocking seats fell off. If no one is demanding them the smart thing to do is reduce that inventory and spend the bucks on what sells or on R&D.
I think the rough spots are over for Winston and they very well learned their lesson. Don’t mess with success! They are about to introduce another line of BIIx’s that, from my understanding, that will be far more Winston-like in action. Things like that cost money and things like that tell me the fat lady ain’t done singing!Well , I like both rod series and both companies, but I must say that I didnt really get tuned into the BIIX 9′ 4wt.
AuSable,
I do not like the 9′ 4 wt BIIx but love the 8′ & 8’6″ 4 wt BIIx’s, much for the same reason you do, the tip on the 9′ is too soft.
Winston’s new rod is the BIIt. Like the BIIx, it will be a four piecer, utilizing boron, and will have a compound taper. It will be available in traditional trout lengths and weights. It will be a soft rod with a soft tip. The WT will remain in its current configuration.
I have only cast the G2 and not fished them so I have no comment. FWIW – I recently had a running email “discussion” with Scott’s rod designer about cosmetics and spey rod design. I doubt that I am on his Christmas card list. 😉
As you know by now, the XP is history.
– David
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