The best all-around 8 weight Rod?
- This topic has 29 replies, 27 voices, and was last updated Feb 28, 2010 at 6:01 am by
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Now that we’ve discussed and decided on the best reel, what do you say about the best all-around 8 weight rod? I’m thinking of my first dedicated saltwater rig as opposed to an outfit more focused on steelhead fishing. I’m considering Sage Xi3, Xi2, TCX and Winston BIIMX.
Thanks for your help.
Bob –
I honestly would have to say the Scott S4s right now, in the all-around category, but it depends somewhat on what you’re doing with it. If I were fishing for small tunoids from a boat and I needed lifting power, I’d probably go with a Sage Xi3. If I were exclusively fishing windy flats, it’d be close between the S4s and the Orvis Helios.
I am not as much of a fan of the S4s eight weight as I am of the nine weight (which I honestly think is the best single rod in its class on the market today), but I still would compare the 8 weight S4s to anything favorably.
You should also look at the latest Loomis GLX rod (not sure which nomenclature they are using currently), in addition to the ones you mentioned.
As always when it comes to rods, you need to test-cast them against each other in as close to the actual fishing conditions as you can get.
Sorry boys…I’m a poor boy.
Echo Ion stacks up to the high wonga sticks at a fraction.
Plus Timmy Rajeff just plain rocks.
I have a hard time knowing how to respond to posts like this that start off with phrases like:
“What is the BEST….”
or
“Who builds the FASTEST…”
or…etc etc etcI mean…whats THE BEST mass produced American beer? (Yuengling)
Who was THE BEST supermodel of the 90’s? (Elle McPhearson)There is so much subjectiveness to most topics discussed here and I think most would agree that there probably isnt one single 8 weight that could definitively be crowned “the best”. Perhaps we could develop a short list of 5 rods or so that have some of the new technolgoical features, developed by reputable companies, etc etc. that could fairly be labled top of their class.
I know some guys on here have nothing but a closet full of Sage’s. But isnt that like dating the same girl all the way through high school and college? But the next guy might prefer Scott or Bauer or Simms etc etc.
Seems to me the question might be better stated as “What 8 weight would you recommend for all-around fishing?”
Sorry, not trying to come across as over critical but do we really know which 8 wt is the best? The first four responses have given us four different answers.
Personally I cant weigh in because I dont own an 8 weight, therefore do not feel I can offer a helpful response. (and look at what I’ve done…still found a way to offer an unhelpful answer)
Tim raises a real good point, and probably the most important factor in choosing rods is the one that so rarely gets said: very few anglers can actually use a rod to its full potential.
I just spent 4 days on the flats in miserable, rainy, cold weather. After 3 years and much cursing I have decided that my 8wt Xi2 was just not right for me. However (and here’s the lesson) it took me 3 years and tons of casts and missing tough shots and reds in the mangroves and more cursing before I finally realized “WHY” the rod is not right for me. That’s the way it goes – one must know the rod in their own hand before moving on to another or considering a new tool for the job. During this trip my skills finally sunk in and I knew in an instant that the Xi2 was preventing me from feeling the front load of the road which in turn was making me “pull” the front haul. Long story short – the best 8wt rod is the one that works for what you need it to.
That being said, the best 8wt rod I have is my old Orvis 9wt, ha. That rod fits me perfectly and every guide or good caster I know says that my casting is much better with that rod. Yet, I have struggled with the Xi2 for so long because frankly it was expensive – thus, the best rod is not always the most expensive. Also, everyone tells you that a 9wt is too big for the flats, etc. Only by experience have I learned that the 9wts are often excellent rods and much more versatile.
I know now that my next 8wt will likely be the Helios or Scots S4, but as always, I will need to go cast them first. BTW, the Xi3 is a great rod but I am a bit shy on Sage right now in that line class.
Unfortunately, most people who ask the question of which 8wt is best for saltwater are typically new to saltwater casting and the skills necessary to perform in those conditions. So the responses they get are skewed by others who already have an opinion on the matter. Plus they are so expensive that making a wrong choice really hurts.
Edit: The two post above echo what I was trying to say, we must have all been typing at the same time.
I am with Neal on this one I too own a Xi2 and have become to feel with out better words “over it.” I like the feel of the Scott, it is much lighter than the Sage. I have thrown some 9wt. line on my Xi2 which did make this rod load better. I think Sage is always on the beefier end though this 8wt feels like a 9wt hence now throwing 9 wt line. I think the choice would really depend on which style or type of fish you will be concentrating on the most (salt/fresh/reds/bones/metalheads….) I enjoy the feel of the Z-Axis over my Xi2 now but I am still not certain that Sage is the end all for me. My primary use for my 8wt is Texas Reds, I feel like most of the time im over powered and am currently looking for a nice 7wt which i feel is perfect for most Texas Flats. My amigos are now jumping on the G-Loomis wagon and I may be next. (at least those reel seats look dialed?)
Zach is right: you need to be honest about your self. How good a caster are you? ::)
A good caster will drive any rod into the wind using effective timing and double haul.
It’s a pretty shame that the fly fishing industry is brain washing us about how amazing their new high tech modulus ZXY-rod is. Best thing since sliced bread!!! These ultra fast rods are just covering up the fundamental casting errors for almost all but the best casters.
This discussion has taken a really good and productive turn. Good conversation.
I do agree that the best rod is the one that is the best for the caster using it. And I’ll also agree that the big price rods are popular for the reasons outlined – they have a small high-end performance advantage and they make mediocre casters a tad bit more proficient.
I guide under some of the most difficult casting conditions you will find – big flies, lots of big casting all day long (blind casting 10 weights and retrieving all the way back to the rod tip) and in general in-experienced casters for the task.
Making the jump up to the heavy weights – at which I rank the 8wt the lightest (to me heavy weights are the 8-12 weight rods) is a big hurdle for the general fly angler. There is so much technique that is introduced along with the muscle/tendon requirements at this end of the casting game and the average angler is not prepared to meet these requirements(generally).
I was there, and every other angler that did not learn/grow up working with a heavy weight rod is there when they decide to pick up that end of things. Outgunned!
Being overly confident and/or lazy by nature…I’m both, many anglers do not spend the time developing their abilities and short cut by applying the wonga fix. Buying-Up into the technology that seems to produce desired results is the American Way…fishing, golf, tennis, you name it.
My observations and experiences have been that this leads to frustration and failure more often than not. Personally I did not become a proficient big rod caster until I humbled myself to take lessons and then develop my form and technique.
A fundamental base is the proper approach but is seldom preached and almost never promoted. Advertisers will cringe at this – rod companies have built their stake on our big pockets and fragile egos.
I see dozens and dozens of anglers each season in the same boat. They come up to Musky Country with very high quality gear and marginal skills and physical ability. Ouch!
It can be a long road and a humbling experience for the angler and a difficult one for the guide I can testify.
The first advice I’ll give out and should have written this in my initial response to the question “Which big rod should I choose?” – is spend the first hundred dollars on casting instruction with an experienced instructor before you go down that road.
My mentor and guru up in the Twin Cities was a fellow named Bob Nasby…Nas is a superior teacher and one of the best casting instructors alive. At the age of 25 I transformed myself with his coaching from a very good middle and light weight fly rod caster into a sound big rod caster.
From there I was able to realize my expectations and through another decade and a half I think I have developed into a very sound all-around stick. And I do feel confident that the path I have traveled has provided me with the tools to discuss and teach the proper path for anglers seeking the same experience.
Casting the big rods has made me a much better medium and light rod angler as well. The casting stroke and mechanics necessary to deal with musky on the fly – again, blind casting 10wts all day and starting out each additional cast with the leader at the rod tip – requires a full range of technique and understanding.
So I will say this – go back to school if you are serious about stepping up in rod class. Even if you feel you have big chops some professional instruction can only improve your angling/casting if you approach it as an open vessel.
Humbly
Brad
Tough call. The first question that I would ask myself, is what rods do you currently own and fish with. Everyone has a type of action that they like. To be honest if you are a good caster, you should be able to cast any action of rod. I myself perfer fast to ultra-fast rods. Just fits my casting stroke better. Also where are you going to be fishing is a good question to ask too.
Since you are looking for more of a saltwater rig. I would tend to lean to the Xi3 compared to the others. If you were looking at a rod to cover steelheading and salt I would say look at the Z-axis. The nice thing about the Xi3 is the improvements it has over the Xi2, which I love.
I was hoping someone would mention this too:
The ultra fast rods are bad big wind resistance fly casters (given the same rod weight) compared to a rod with a more moderate action rod.
(Ultra) Fast 8 weight rods are great for small bonefish shrimps and crazy charlies, but they suck at fishing big dalhberg divers and big 8-inch wool head pike streamers. Simply because the fast rods aren’t made for long casting movements combined with very low mass in the rod (they are LIGHT rods!) to pull the line + heavy fly ahead.
I love my classic Sage RPLX 890. It will pull double the xi2 and can be picked up in the 3pc vareity for $175-$250 on ebay pretty regularly. put your money in the reel and a good line taper.
I have a super 8 (balances well) for my rplx 8wt and it really sings with a 9wt sa bonefish line!
Abe,
That Clouser St. Croix is a great bass stick. I have one too and the action is perfect for throwing goofy big floating flies and heavy Clouser minnows. I fish it all the time for smallies and it beats throwing a lightning fast club all day. I paid $180 for mine.
I also have an old Sage RPL 790/4 RPL that is pretty at home on the flats and on bass. It makes an excellent streamer rod as well. That said, its pretty good “All Around.”
Best rod? who knows. Save your cash, cast a whole mess of them.
To be honest, and I know I’ll get some flack over this, the vast majority of us out there cannot tell the difference between this years new rod and last years “gotta have it stick”. Sure, the rods will be different, but won’t you adjust to it? I tend to buy last years rods or outdated models for a fraction of the cost of a new rig. As a matter of fact, I’ve never paid full price on a new rod. The last Scott S3s I bought was $211 bucks NIT. I personally LOVE the S3 and S3s.
Tim: PS: the best all around American beer is STRAUB!!! 🙂
I agree with all the folks that say go cast a bunch and find one you like.
I have a couple 8 weights. I use them for bass and carp mainly. I thought I would use them in the salt some day but so far have not got there. I was surprised to find that the one I like the best so far is the TFO Pro. It’s easy to cast, I like the action, I can throw the entire line. For me it’s the best one I have so far.
Go cast a bunch!
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