Sage SLT replacement.

[MikeA]

My SLT is getting some age on it and I think I’m feeling the cork starting to move a bit on the handle. I really have loved that rod but I’m in need of a replacement so the SLT can rest a little while I fix it back to new. I cast the Sage Z Axis at Fly South a few weeks ago and though it’s a very sweet rod it wasn’t my SLT. I’ve grown used to the moderate fast 5wt and that’s where I want my next rod to be. The Winston BIIx is pretty close and I need to head over to CT and play with that one again soon. Also the Orvis TLS that I borrowed from Jarrod was pretty nice and almost casts itself. I’d like to try some Loomis and maybe Scott rods before I make a final decision. Anyone got any other suggestions?

[Steve H]

I think you named them all. I would like to try the S4 from Scott in a 5 wt for sure and maybe a Loomis.

What about T&T?

[RSiegmann]

I am a big fan of the BIIx rods ... They don't cast as well into the wind as their Sage counter-parts ... but their soft tips help protect tippets from over anxious hook sets ...

[countryflyfisher]

have you cast the zxl by sage it is kind of the in between the slt which it is replacing and the zaxis I ve casted them and they are a pretty sweet rod if I was leaning toward the winston you have to cast that boron IImx it has the smoothness of a winston but tucked into a fast action rod

[MikeA]

I haven't cast a ZXL yet but It sounds like I need to.

[Leo deMonbreun]

have you cast the zxl by sage it is kind of the in between the slt which it is replacing and the zaxis I ve casted them and they are a pretty sweet rod if I was leaning toward the winston you have to cast that boron IImx it has the smoothness of a winston but tucked into a fast action rod

Mike, you may want to give the Winston BII MX a shot, very fluid action and a tad bit faster than the Bii x.  I just picked up a couple of Orvis T-3, a 2 piece 5 wt and a 4 pc. 6 wt, and if you went with a mid flex it will be pretty close.  Both of mine are tip flex and you are welcome to take them to the river if you like, see what you think!!

[Troy Basso]

My SLT is getting some age on it and I think I’m feeling the cork starting to move a bit on the handle. I really have loved that rod but I’m in need of a replacement so the SLT can rest a little while I fix it back to new. I cast the Sage Z Axis at Fly South a few weeks ago and though it’s a very sweet rod it wasn’t my SLT. I’ve grown used to the moderate fast 5wt and that’s where I want my next rod to be. The Winston BIIx is pretty close and I need to head over to CT and play with that one again soon. Also the Orvis TLS that I borrowed from Jarrod was pretty nice and almost casts itself. I’d like to try some Loomis and maybe Scott rods before I make a final decision. Anyone got any other suggestions?

Mike I was at Fly South and for fun counted fly rods.... 150 fly rods and 20 or 30 spey choices..... Hell if you cant find something there your in trouble. Look into the Scott's and see if they fit the bill. I cast a loomis and St. Croix and they are pretty sweet as well.

[adamtn]

If you haven't tried the scott S4 yet, go in a store and give one a wiggle. I've used one a few times and will be getting one at the end of the guide season.

[Steve H]

Hey Adam, are you close to the Scott factory?

[adamtn]

I'm about six hours from there.

[iflyfortrout]

Might want to try a Scott A2.  It is moderate fast action fly rod and moderatly priced too. I have an A2 4 wt and almost prefer it over my Sage XP 5 wt.

[Curtis Martin]

I'll take that Sage XP off your hands if your that unhappy with it 

Curtis