9 feet, 5 weight…which rod?

[Christophe]

Hello all,

I want to buy a new rod <st1:metricconverter productid="9 feet" w:st="on">9 feet</st1:metricconverter>, 5 weight and as I don’t really know the American rods except, of course, Sage G.Loomis and Orvis.

What would be your advice?

I heard about <st1 ="">St Croix</st1>, L.L. Bean,…

I am looking for something very interesting regarding quality/price between USD 100 and 200 or more if needed.

Same question about the reel with this X rod…any advice ?
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Thanks

 

[Mike Ridolfino]

I think they stopped making them, but I've got a St. Croix Imperial in a 3, 5, and 6 weight and I love them. They ran about $100 new, I'm sure there are still some floating around out there if you look.

 

[Big_Spinner]

Hi,

Best to get out and cast as many as you can.

Everyone has a different feel and fits your own style better.

Jim

 

[ajfromnj]

Sage Z Axis ... I have had it for a few weeks and it is the best I have had hands down. I used to love my Winston BIIX and this one has replaced it.

 

[AKSkim]

Sage Z Axis ... I have had it for a few weeks and it is the best I have had hands down.

AJ:

How about a report on the Sage Z Axis.

As always, more than willing to learn about rods.

AK Skim

 

[rckrego]

In the 100 to 200 dollar range try the Temple Fork rods. If you're willign to spend more, I've seen lots of good reviews in magazines of Rajeff's echo2. That being said, I haven't fished it and am a bit skeptical about the whole 2 tips thing.

 

[ajfromnj]

The Z Axis is also lighter than any other rod on the market. It is also supposed to be 30 more breakage resistant. The rod is also thinner than any rod blank that I have ever seen. the rod is a pleasure to cast. The graphit is would circularly rather than up and down the blank. This is why the rods can bend more and is less susceptable to to breakage. I am sorry to say if any body is thinking of spending 400 for a rod should just go for the upgrade. Its well worth it.

 

[A Polinger]

I would look at the St. Croix Avid. It cast very well and the price is not to bad.

AP

 

[Scott]

St. Croix Legend Ultra, or Legend Elite. Just try before you buy.

 

[The_Sib]

What would be your advice?
Thanks

I say the same thing every time when asked this question.

It's just like buying a car.
You would not buy a particular car because someone else said they were great.

You HAVE to "test drive" as many rods as you can.
One or two will "speak" to you.
Get what is good for you.

 

[rckrego]

A lot of these recommendations are not in your stated price range. If you're going outside your price range, check out scott rods. A2 is the cheapest model. I like the E2 personally.

 

[stumpy]

My last two purchases were for inexpensive travel rods- an echoII 7-6 3wt, and a St Croix 9' 8wt. while not in the weight class you're looking at, I can say that they are both very servicable rods, with my preference leaning towards the echoII as the better choice. the finish is flawless, casting very smooth, even for a 4pc. I think that would be my first choice for a 9' 5wt. the St Croix ( I bought the premier, which is now called avid) is also a nice rod, the only drawback in comparasine is that it doesn't have the alignment dots like the echoII does, which makes some adjustment neccessary when setting up. I still enjoy my sage rods, but found myself grabbing the echo on more than one occasion, just because it was there.